TikTok Shop Violations and the Community Guidelines House of Mirrors

In preparation for this post, I went to take a look at my violation score—yep, still 15/24—but imagine my utter surprise and glee when I saw a new "Quiz Benefit" option that reduces your violation points by 1 for every passed quiz! I was ecstatic and immediately began reviewing for said quiz, which led me into the community guidelines house of mirrors; could also be a house of horrors if I'm being honest. After two hours of reading, and clicking the endless hyperlinks that redirect and redirect again to more and more guidelines, I am amazed that anyone can sell anything on TikTok Shop. Do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with the guidelines. Yes, it is a lot of information and a right pain in the ass, and you could get strikes no matter what you do, just do it. 

All of my violations are for making "misleading, false or exaggerated claims" about the wild yam cream I promote, which is my best seller. When making a video about any product, be careful saying:

• if you have xyz, you will benefit from (product) 
• this (product) will do xyz for you 
• you will benefit from (product) in this way

Instead, say it this way, but still no guarantees:

• I have xyz and this is how (product) has helped me
• this (product) has worked wonders for me
• I have experienced the benefits of (product) in this way

I know some creators that have gotten violations for reading the label of the product they are promoting! These kinds of incidents are bullshit if you ask me, but abiding by the rules is a non-negotiable with TikTok and TikTok Shop—and be mindful that the rules are a gray area and always subject to change. Good luck. 😵 

One mistake I see a lot of new shop creators make is reposting the same video. This is a big no no!! One creator recently made her very first TTS post and decided to use the video on two different accounts which gave her 6 violation points for "unoriginal content." Never, ever, ever use or reuse a video that you have already posted! Always make a brand new video. You can make as many videos as you want of a single product, but it needs to be new content each and every time. You can recycle scripts, maybe change a word here and there, but make. a. new. video!! 

You can have up to 8 violation points and still be in good standing, but why risk it? Having a fundamental understanding of what will get you into trouble is the best way to avoid a strike. I advise reading the guidelines and all of the hyperlinks! Also, check out Missy | Reviews & Recommends @fearless.reviews, she has a playlist—Avoid TT Shop Violations—it is a wealth of information that every new creator should know. 

If you do get a violation, don't fret, they fall off after 90 days...supposedly. My first one should fall off June 28 and I am counting the days! And about that quiz, I wasn't eligible. Figures. I will continue the slide into oblivion as my sales drop off the face of a cliff. But I will still be here, making content, and who knows, maybe one of these videos will be catapulted to viral status once my engagement goes back to normal. Got to keep it positive people!! 

Keep posting good content. Ask questions. I'm always here if you need me.

Peace 💗