Your video was gaining traction… then suddenly, TikTok slapped it with ‘Under Review.’ And you had no clue what you did wrong. If you’ve ever had a TikTok video unexpectedly flagged or placed under review, you're not alone. Many creators encounter this issue, often without warning or explanation. This article will explain everything you need to know about TikTok’s review process, why it happens, what it means, how long it takes, and how to prevent it in the future.

From understanding TikTok’s content moderation to learning how to appeal decisions and boost your TikTok views, this comprehensive guide covers it all. Let’s dive in.

What Does “Under Review” Mean on TikTok?

When TikTok labels your video as “Under Review,” it means the platform’s content moderation system has flagged it for further inspection. This usually occurs when your content potentially violates TikTok’s community guidelines, terms of service, or contains elements that the algorithm deems suspicious.

While some reviews are automatic, others are escalated to manual moderation by the TikTok safety team. During this time, your video won’t appear in searches or on the For You Page (FYP). It’s essentially in limbo—unavailable for public viewing until TikTok decides whether it complies with its standards.

Being under review doesn’t automatically mean your content is in violation. It may simply be a precaution, especially if the video went viral quickly or included sensitive themes. However, it can drastically impact your TikTok video engagement and discoverability, especially if the review takes too long.

Common Reasons Why TikTok Puts a Video Under Review

TikTok's algorithm is designed to flag potentially problematic content, even if no rules were actually broken. Here are the most common triggers:

  • Violating TikTok rules or community guidelines, including explicit content, hate speech, or violence.
  • Sudden spikes in TikTok video views or suspicious activity that looks automated.
  • Content reported by users as offensive or misleading.
  • Use of copyrighted music or visuals without permission.
  • Posting misleading information, such as fake giveaways or conspiracy theories.
  • Content involving minors that may raise safety concerns.
  • Spammy hashtags or engagement tactics (e.g., “follow-for-follow”).
     

Videos that trigger any of the above might not just be under review, they could also face removal or result in a TikTok account warning. In some cases, your video might still appear to you but will be restricted from public feeds, causing TikTok visibility issues.

How Long Does a TikTok Stay Under Review?

The TikTok under review duration can vary greatly. In many cases, videos are reviewed and either reinstated or removed within 24 to 48 hours. However, some content may remain under review for several days, especially if it’s escalated for TikTok manual review by the moderation team.

Several factors affect how long the review process takes:

  • Volume of flagged videos at the time.
  • The severity or sensitivity of the content.
  • Whether the review is automatic or handled manually.
  • Your account’s prior history of violations.

If your TikTok video is stuck in processing or under review for more than a few days, it could signal deeper issues with the content. That’s when it becomes critical to understand what may have triggered the review and consider steps to address or appeal it.

What Happens While Your TikTok Is Under Review?

While a video is under review, it undergoes TikTok’s content moderation process. This could include both algorithmic scanning and human evaluation. During this period:

  • Your video may not show up to your followers or the public.
  • It won’t appear on the FYP, search results, or under trending hashtags.
  • Engagement is paused: you won’t get likes or new TikTok followers from it.
  • Comments and shares might also be disabled temporarily.

This directly impacts your TikTok content reach and momentum. If you're actively growing your account, a single video under review can reduce your performance metrics significantly. A stalled video can also lower your TikTok discoverability, especially if the algorithm sees it as “problematic content.”

Does “Under Review” Mean Your TikTok Will Be Deleted?

Not necessarily. Being under review is more of a temporary suspension pending further analysis. Many videos come out of review unscathed and resume normal performance. However, if your content is found to violate TikTok content guidelines, it could be:

  • Deleted permanently.
  • Restricted in visibility (a soft shadowban).
  • Used as a reason for account warnings or even temporary bans.

It’s also possible that your video will be shadowbanned, where it remains live but receives almost no exposure due to being marked as restricted. This scenario can be frustrating as it doesn’t always come with an official notification.

To maintain performance while under review, it helps to focus on boosting existing content through likes , shares, and engagement strategies.

How to Check the Status of a TikTok Video Under Review

TikTok doesn’t provide a direct dashboard to track the exact TikTok review status. However, there are ways to monitor your content:

  1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile.
  2. Tap the flagged or missing video.
  3. If it’s under review, it may say “Processing” or “Under Review.”
  4. You can also go to Settings > Privacy > Report a problem to contact TikTok support.
  5. Check your Inbox > System Notifications for any official updates or policy warnings.

If your video was taken down, you'll usually receive a reason for the violation and a link to the TikTok appeal process.

How TikTok’s Content Moderation System Works

TikTok uses a combination of AI-powered moderation and human review to monitor billions of videos daily. The system uses:

  • Automated detection to flag content based on image recognition, keyword matching, or user behavior.
  • User reporting, which can trigger additional reviews.
  • Escalated manual reviews by trained moderators for sensitive or borderline content.

This hybrid model means some flagged TikTok videos may be unfairly targeted by bots, leading to incorrect reviews. TikTok’s content moderation aims to uphold community safety, but it's not always perfect.

TikTok frequently updates its enforcement guidelines and terms of service, so it's crucial to stay informed about evolving rules to avoid future violations.

Can You Appeal a Video That’s Under Review on TikTok?

If your video is eventually removed or restricted, TikTok allows you to appeal a video decision directly from the app. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the notification indicating your content was removed.
  2. Tap Appeal and follow the instructions.
  3. Provide context or clarification to support your claim.

The TikTok appeal process is your chance to explain why your content doesn’t violate the platform’s policies. Most appeals are reviewed within a few days. A successful appeal can reinstate your video and restore its visibility.

This process is vital, especially if you're trying to maintain or grow your TikTok followers or increase your brand’s credibility on the platform.

How to Avoid Having Your TikToks Placed Under Review

Prevention is always better than cure. To remove TikTok under review issues in the future, follow these best practices:

  • Avoid using banned hashtags or misleading captions.
  • Use licensed music and original visuals.
  • Don’t post content that could be interpreted as harassment, hate, or misinformation.
  • Refrain from clickbait tactics or fake engagement schemes.
  • Read the latest TikTok community guidelines regularly.
  • Use clear, high-quality visuals and sound to avoid automated misflags.
  • Don’t repost old videos flagged in the past.

If your account has a history of violations, your future content is more likely to be flagged—even if it’s compliant. Keeping your profile clean and reputable helps prevent delays from the TikTok algorithm review system.

Does TikTok Notify You After the Review Is Complete?

Yes, in most cases. Once the TikTok video review process is complete, you’ll typically receive a notification informing you of the decision:

  • If approved, the video will go live and become searchable again.
  • If rejected, TikTok will give a brief explanation of the policy violation.
  • You may also receive an account warning or strike depending on the severity.

Make sure notifications are enabled so you don’t miss important updates regarding your video status. In some cases, if your video was approved after review, its exposure might still be lower due to the delay in posting.

What to Do If Your Video Gets Removed After Review

If your video is removed:

  1. Read the removal notice carefully.
  2. File an appeal if you believe the removal was a mistake.
  3. Avoid reposting the same video without changes.
  4. Use analytics to determine if the flagged content hurt your account’s performance.
  5. Continue posting quality content to maintain algorithmic momentum.

Sometimes, a single video can lead to a TikTok shadowban, reducing overall visibility. It helps to mix in evergreen, trend-safe content to balance your content library and regain momentum.

Can Copyright Issues Cause a TikTok to Go Under Review?

Absolutely. Using unlicensed or improperly credited music, clips, or logos can trigger a review. TikTok’s automated system is particularly sensitive to copyrighted material. Even if your content doesn’t get removed immediately, it could face restricted reach or muted audio.

Make sure to:

  • Use TikTok’s built-in music library.
  • Avoid sampling from copyrighted films, shows, or games without permission.
  • Steer clear of brand logos and copyrighted visuals in the background.

If you consistently include copyrighted content, TikTok may label your account as high-risk, increasing your chances of future videos being flagged.

Are Under Review Videos Visible to Followers?

No. When your TikTok is under review, it's hidden from:

  • Your followers
  • New viewers
  • Search results
  • The For You Page

This limits your TikTok video performance, making it crucial to resolve the issue quickly. Even after approval, the delayed visibility might reduce the video’s viral potential.

While under review, focus on engaging with your audience through comments, DMs, or live streams to maintain interaction.

Final Thoughts

Having a TikTok video placed under review can feel frustrating and disheartening, especially if you’re trying to grow your reach or build a brand. However, understanding the TikTok video review process gives you the tools to handle it wisely and avoid it in the future.

From avoiding TikTok content violations to using the TikTok appeal process, creators must adapt to TikTok’s evolving content moderation rules. If your TikTok video not showing up or stuck in processing, stay calm, review your content, and take proactive steps like filing appeals or reviewing your strategy.

If you're struggling with engagement, using strategies to increase TikTok video views and reach can make a difference, just make sure everything stays within TikTok’s terms of service.

Remember: creating quality, guideline-compliant content consistently is your best defense against being flagged, restricted, or shadowbanned.

FAQ

How long does TikTok review take?

Most reviews take 24–48 hours, but it can vary depending on volume and severity.

Why is my TikTok video not uploading?

If a video is flagged, TikTok may delay or prevent uploads pending review.

Can I remove TikTok under review manually?


No, only TikTok moderators can complete the review. You can, however, appeal or contact support.

Do flagged TikTok videos affect my account?

Yes, frequent violations can lead to warnings, shadowbans, or even account suspension.

Is TikTok review manual or automated?

It’s a mix of both—AI handles initial scanning, while humans manage more complex cases.

Can I get TikTok video views while under review?

No. Your video is hidden and cannot gain engagement until approved.