Understanding TikTok’s Under Review Status
TikTok, the popular social media platform known for its short videos, has become a powerful tool for content creators and businesses alike. However, many users find themselves puzzled by the notification “under review” when they upload content or appeal a decision. In this article, we will explore what ‘under review’ means on TikTok and how it affects your content creation.
What Does ‘Under Review’ Indicate?
When a post or appeal is marked as “under review,” it signifies that TikTok is evaluating the content against its community guidelines and terms of service. This evaluation process helps maintain a safe environment for users and ensures that content aligns with TikTok’s standards.
Reasons a Video May Be Under Review
- Content Violations: If a user’s video includes content that is considered inappropriate, offensive, or violates community guidelines, it may be flagged for review.
- Copyright Issues: TikTok employs strict copyright regulations. If a video uses copyrighted materials without permission, such as music, it might trigger a review.
- User Reports: If viewers report a video, TikTok will review the flagged content. A specific number of reports can accelerate the review process.
- Low Engagement: Sometimes, videos that receive very little engagement may be reviewed to ensure there are no underlying issues.
The Review Process Explained
The review process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on various factors, including the volume of content being submitted and the specifics of the case. TikTok’s moderation team evaluates each reported piece of content manually or through automated systems designed to spot violations.
During this time, the content remains inaccessible to viewers until a verdict is reached. If approved, the content will return to circulation; if rejected, the creator may receive a notification indicating the reasons for the decision.
Case Studies of ‘Under Review’ Situations
To illustrate how the “under review” status impacts creators, let’s examine a couple of notable cases.
Example 1: The Viral Dance Challenge
A popular TikTok creator uploaded a viral dance challenge featuring a catchy song. Shortly after posting, the video went “under review” due to copyright concerns related to the song choice. After 48 hours, TikTok cleared the video, which went on to garner over 1 million views.
Example 2: A Controversial Skit
Another creator posted a comedic skit that involved sensitive social topics. The video was reported multiple times and subsequently went “under review.” It remained under review for five days before being removed with a notification about community guideline violations. This incident highlighted the risks associated with sensitive content on highly moderated platforms.
Statistics on Content Review and Community Guidelines
Recent statistics provide insight into TikTok’s stringent review process, particularly concerning safety:
- According to TikTok’s Transparency Report, the platform took action on approximately 89 million videos from October to December 2022.
- An estimated 91% of the videos removed from the platform were flagged by the automated system before any user reports came in.
- The average time for TikTok to complete its review process was noted to be under 24 hours for most cases, highlighting efficiency.
What Should Creators Do When Content Is Under Review?
- Be Patient: Understand that the review process takes time. Avoid re-uploading the content, as this can result in further violations.
- Follow Up: If your content remains under review for an extended period, reach out to TikTok support for clarification.
- Review Community Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with TikTok’s community guidelines to avoid future issues.
- Adapt Content Accordingly: If you regularly face the “under review” status, consider modifying your content style to align better with the platform’s policies.
In Conclusion
Receiving an “under review” status on TikTok can be frustrating, but it’s essential for creators to understand that it’s a part of the platform’s effort to maintain a safe and respectful community. By ensuring adherence to community guidelines and being patient through the review process, creators can reduce the likelihood of their content facing unnecessary scrutiny.