TikTok Shop Violations: An Affiliate’s Guide

If you’ve received a TikTok Shop violation, you’re not alone. So has almost everybody else.

TikTok wants to grow shop tenfold to $17.5b in the US alone in 2024. So, they are doing everything they can to keep TikTok shop happy, healthy and safe for potential customers. 

This means handing out violations left, right and center.

Think of violations like strikes, too many and you’re out. As a creator you can make thousands of dollars in affiliate commission on TikTok Shop with relatively little effort… but only if you can stay in the game. 

Today, we’re running through everything we know will land you a violation and what happens if you get too many.

What do you get TikTok shop violations for?

This isn’t an exhaustive list — you can find a more detailed overview in the TikTok Shop Content Policy. While the policy is specific to the US, it’s most likely similar across all territories. 

The most common reasons for violations on TikTok shop right include:

Cussing or profanity 

TikTok is out to enable creative expression, but not when it comes to TikTok Shop. Keep it clean. In a similar instance, regulated or high-risk goods are a no-go, so this means no promotion of alcohol, tobacco or drugs. If you’re promoting a Stanley, don’t drink copious amounts of wine from it.

Promoting dupe products 

We’ve all seen the Matilda Djerf saga unfold. If you’re promoting a counterfeit product, you cannot make any reference whatsoever to the original. Do not use the word dupe. Do not write the word dupe. In fact, stay away from dupes altogether.

Using the under 5k workaround

If you register yourself as a seller (when you’re not) in order to start TikTok shop before you hit the 5000 follower requirement, you might find yourself in the doghouse. TikTok is cracking down and asking creators to provide warehouse invoices documenting their inventory.

Not showing the product

If you’re tagging a product on TikTok shop, TikTok want to see that it front and center in the video OR be confident that it’s benefits are the focus of the content. If it’s in the background, and you’ve just referenced it briefly, it’s not enough.

Featuring kids

TikTok has an age restriction and this is enforced on TikTok Shop. Kids can be seen in TikTok shop videos, but they can’t be the only person. If you have minors in your video, make sure they are not the sole focus. 

Posting unoriginal content

TikTok defines this as copying, partially copying, modifying or tampering with others’ content. Others means stitching other creators’ videos, but it also means your own. You also can’t re-upload or repurpose something you’ve already posted. Don’t risk this for the sake of 4 seconds of b-roll, keep your shop content fresh.

Sending traffic off app

No link in bio, no go to my shop. Do not even say the word Amazon. TikTok doesn’t want to direct people away from their app, and you’ll pick up anywhere between two to three violation points for pointing users elsewhere.  This also applies if you’re not explicitly telling customers to go elsewhere, a simple ‘I kept seeing this product on Amazon’ would be enough.

Claiming weight loss

Similar to Meta’s advertising policy, TikTok does not play when it comes to promoting weight loss. Don’t talk about weight loss, losing inches or dropping dress sizes. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably going to result in a strike. This doesn’t just apply to weight loss. Inaccurate, incomplete, and false claims about a products’ characteristics can get you a few points.

Remember, it’s not human eyes reviewing your content. 

Almost all strikes will be handed out by AI and this means a lot of content falls through the cracks. Just because you’ve seen a viral video that talks about dupes or stitches content doesn’t mean it’s a green light. Creators within the Brands Meet Creators Academy are reporting violations for all of the above — don’t risk it.

What happens when you get a TikTok shop violation?

When it comes to TikTok shop, it’s not a three strike and you’re out kind of deal. It’s more like 24 strikes and you’re temporarily benched.

If you do get a TikTok shop violation, it’s not the end of the world. 

You’ll be given points that remain on your account for 90 days. Get too many, and TikTok can suspend your account. As you rack up more points, you may receive any number of restrictions, these include but are not limited to:

• Limit account views

• Shadowbanned

• Shop/eCommerce restrictions

• Restrictions on going live

• Temporary account ban

You can appeal any violation through ‘Account Standing’ in your TikTok shop. 

Here you’ll be able to see if there are any active violations. You’ll be given the chance to explain why the violation is incorrect and upload evidence to show otherwise. Keep it concise and don’t dwell too much if your appeal isn’t accepted. 

How many TikTok violation points can I get?

You can get up to 24 points in a 90 day period.

TikTok defines an account with 0-9 violation points as good. You’re in the clear.

9-11 violation points is categorised as low-risk and this is still a fine place to be.

Between 11 and 24 and you’re on shaky territory, they will most likely limit your reach and engagement, but you’ll still be able to make commissions.

24 points in 90 days is a no-go. Rack these up, and you’ll face a temporary (or in some cases permanent) TikTok ban. 

TikTok Shop is still developing, so this may change, but for now, be conscious of your points if you start to get close to these thresholds.

I’ve got a violation, what now?

You move on. TikTok shop is a new playing field and we’re all learning the rules as we go. 

At the start of February, one of our Academy members, Abbey, posted about her account views being limited. Like anyone, she was frustrated. But she didn’t stop. Instead, she kept on ticking away. And it paid off (literally). She topped the charts as the highest paid TikTok Shop Affiliate for this month, racking up over $50,000 from one video in just a few days.

Violations are going to happen. As long as you understand why you picked up the points and you know how to avoid it in the future, you’re sweet. 

PS. Abbey spilled her secrets in a tell-all interview with us. Catch up on it now.

FAQ

What are TikTok shop violation points?

Violation Points are penalty points that are issued to affiliates who violate TikTok shop policies. These include but aren’t limited to promoting dupe products, using unoriginal content and sending traffic to external sites.

How many violation points can you get before TikTok bans you?

You can get up to 24 points as a TikTok shop affiliate in a 90-day period before TikTok bans you. Before suspending your account, TikTok may limit your reach and engagement. 

How do you find out how many violation points you have on TikTok?

You can find out how many violation points you have in Account Standing in your TikTok shop account. You’ll be able to click onto every individual violation and find out more information about what went wrong.

Can you appeal a TikTok violation?

You can appeal any violation through ‘Account Standing’ in your TikTok shop. You’ll be given the chance to explain why the violation is incorrect and upload evidence to show otherwise. Keep it concise and don’t dwell too much if your appeal isn’t accepted. 

Will TikTok suspend my account for creating a shop?

TikTok are currently cracking down on creators who try to side-step the 5000 follower minimum to become an affiliate. If you create a business account it’s likely that TikTok will ask for proof of your stock. If you don’t have this, you’ll be looking at a suspension.