Why Can’t I Follow People on TikTok? Exploring the Reasons and Solutions

By SmartHomeBit Staff •  Updated: 09/04/23 •  20 min read

TikTok has become a popular platform for sharing and consuming entertaining content. However, sometimes users encounter difficulties with the platform’s following feature. Understanding the reasons behind this issue and troubleshooting potential solutions can help resolve the problem. Let’s delve into the details:

Understanding TikTok’s Following Feature:
TikTok’s following feature allows users to connect with and follow other accounts to stay updated with their content. It enables users to build a community and engage with their favorite creators.

Common Issues with Following on TikTok:
1. Account Privacy Settings: Your account privacy settings may prevent others from following you or you from following others.
2. Technical Glitches: Technical issues can arise within the app, causing disruptions in the following feature.
3. User Restrictions: Certain users may have set restrictions that prevent others from following them.

Why Can’t I Follow People on TikTok?
Several reasons may explain why you are facing issues with following people on TikTok:
1. Account Restrictions: If you have restricted your account settings, it may hinder your ability to follow others.
2. User Blocking: If a user has blocked you, you will not be able to follow them.
3. TikTok Algorithm: TikTok’s algorithm may limit your ability to follow certain accounts based on various factors.

Troubleshooting Tips to Follow People on TikTok:
To address the issue, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
1. Check Your Account Privacy Settings: Ensure your privacy settings allow others to follow you and enable you to follow others.
2. Update the App: Keeping the TikTok app updated to the latest version can help resolve technical glitches.
3. Verify If The User Has Blocked You: Check if the user you want to follow has blocked you, preventing you from following them.
4. Report the Issue to TikTok Support: If the problem persists, reach out to TikTok’s support team for further assistance.

By understanding the potential causes and implementing troubleshooting solutions, you can troubleshoot the issue of not being able to follow people on TikTok and enjoy a seamless experience on the platform.

Understanding TikTok’s Following Feature

TikTok’s following feature allows users to connect with and follow other TikTok accounts to stay updated with their content. There are a few reasons why you might be experiencing difficulties in following people on TikTok:

  1. Account Restrictions: TikTok may implement certain restrictions on accounts, especially those created by users who are under the age of 18. These restrictions might limit the ability to follow other accounts to ensure a safer environment for young users.
  2. Privacy Settings: Some TikTok users may have their privacy settings configured in a way that prevents others from following them. They may have chosen to make their account private, which means that only approved followers can see their content and follow them.
  3. Technical Glitches: Occasionally, technical glitches or temporary issues within the TikTok app or server can disrupt the following functionality. In such cases, it’s advisable to wait for some time and try again later.
  4. Following Limits: TikTok has implemented certain limits on the number of accounts a user can follow within a specific time period. This is done to prevent spam and misuse of the platform. If you have reached the following limit, you may need to wait until you can follow more accounts.
  5. Account Suspension or Ban: If you have violated TikTok’s community guidelines or terms of service, your account may be suspended or banned. In such cases, you will not be able to follow other accounts until the suspension or ban is lifted.

If you are experiencing issues with following people on TikTok, it is recommended to check your account settings, ensure that your account is not restricted or flagged, and try again after some time. If the problem persists, reaching out to TikTok support or seeking assistance from their help center can provide further guidance.

Common Issues with Following on TikTok

Having trouble following people on TikTok? Let’s uncover the common issues that may be causing this frustration. In this section, we’ll dive into the potential roadblocks you might encounter when trying to follow others on TikTok. From exploring account privacy settings to navigating technical glitches and user restrictions, we’ll shed light on the reasons behind this challenge. Stay tuned to find out how you can overcome these obstacles and enhance your TikTok experience.

Account Privacy Settings

Technical Glitches

  1. When using TikTok, you may encounter technical glitches that can hinder your ability to follow other users. Some common technical glitches include:
    • App freezes: At times, the TikTok app may freeze or become unresponsive, making it challenging to follow people. To resolve this, you can force close the app and reopen it.
    • Slow internet connection: A poor internet connection can cause issues when trying to follow others on TikTok. Ensure that you have a stable and fast internet connection to avoid any technical glitches.
    • Error messages: Occasionally, you may come across error messages while attempting to follow someone. These could be due to temporary issues with the TikTok servers. If this happens, wait for some time and try again later.
    • Account synchronization issues: If your TikTok account is not properly synchronized with the app, it can lead to problems with following others. To resolve this, consider logging out and logging back in to refresh your account.
  2. If you encounter technical glitches while trying to follow people on TikTok, you can try the following troubleshooting tips:
    • Clear cache: Clearing the cache of the TikTok app can help resolve technical issues. To do this, go to the app settings, find the cache option, and clear it.
    • Update the app: Make sure that you are using the latest version of the TikTok app. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address technical glitches.
    • Restart your device: Sometimes, simply restarting your device can solve technical issues. Try restarting your device and then opening TikTok again to see if the problem persists.
    • Contact TikTok support: If none of the above solutions work, you can reach out to TikTok support for further assistance. They can help troubleshoot the issue and provide a solution.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can successfully overcome technical glitches and continue to follow people on TikTok.

User Restrictions

User restrictions on TikTok can hinder your ability to follow certain accounts or interact with their content. There are various reasons why you might come across user restrictions on the platform.

1. Age restrictions: TikTok has specific age requirements for its users. If the account you are attempting to follow belongs to a user who does not meet the minimum age requirement, you will be unable to follow them.

2. Content violations: Users who violate TikTok’s community guidelines may face restrictions on their accounts. This can involve posting inappropriate or offensive content, engaging in harassment or bullying, or infringing copyright laws. TikTok imposes these restrictions to ensure a safe and positive experience for all users.

3. Account privacy settings: Some users may choose to set their accounts to private, meaning they need to approve your follow request before you can view their content. If you are unable to follow someone, it is possible that their account is set to private.

4. User blocking: If a user has blocked you, you will not have the ability to follow them or engage with their content. This can occur if the user wishes to prevent any interaction with their account for personal reasons.

To address user restrictions on TikTok, it is important to adhere to the platform’s guidelines, respect the privacy settings of others, and engage in positive and appropriate behavior. If you believe there is an issue or error with user restrictions, you can report it to TikTok Support for further assistance.

Why Can’t I Follow People on TikTok?

Having trouble following people on TikTok? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we’ll uncover the reasons behind the frustration. From account restrictions to user blocking, we’ll shed light on the obstacles TikTok users face when trying to connect with others. Plus, we’ll delve into the mysterious world of the TikTok algorithm and how it influences the way you interact with fellow creators. So, sit tight and get ready to unravel the complexities of TikTok’s follow feature.

Account Restrictions

When using TikTok, it’s important to be aware of the account restrictions that may be in place. These restrictions can limit certain actions, such as following other accounts or interacting with certain features. Let’s take a look at some key factors related to account restrictions:

Age restrictions: TikTok has a minimum age requirement of 13 years old. If a user is below this age, they may face limitations when it comes to following or interacting with other accounts.
Verified accounts: Verified accounts, typically belonging to celebrities or public figures, may have specific restrictions on who can follow them. This is done to ensure the safety and privacy of these individuals.
Spam or suspicious activity: Accounts that engage in spamming or suspicious activities may be flagged, resulting in restrictions on their ability to follow others. This measure is put in place to prevent the spread of spam or fraudulent content.
Community guidelines violations: If an account repeatedly violates TikTok’s community guidelines, their ability to follow other accounts may be restricted as a disciplinary action. This helps maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all users.
App version limitations: Sometimes, older versions of the TikTok app may have limitations or bugs that prevent users from following others. To ensure smooth functionality, it is recommended to update the app to the latest version.

Remember, these account restrictions are in place to protect the TikTok community and ensure a positive user experience. If you believe your account has been wrongly restricted, you can report the issue to TikTok support for further assistance.

User Blocking

User blocking is a feature on TikTok that allows users to prevent specific accounts from following them or interacting with their content.

When a user blocks another user on TikTok, it means that the blocked user will not be able to see their profile, follow them, or comment on their videos.

User blocking can be done for various reasons, including to prevent harassment, protect privacy, or limit interactions with certain individuals or accounts.

If you have been blocked by a user on TikTok, you will not be notified or receive any indication that you have been blocked. You will simply be unable to see their profile or interact with their content.

If you suspect that you have been blocked by a user on TikTok, you can try searching for their username or content from a different account to confirm if they have indeed blocked you.

User blocking is a personal choice and decision made by individual users on TikTok. It is important to respect other users’ boundaries and personal preferences.

If you encounter any issues related to user blocking on TikTok, you can report the issue to TikTok support for further assistance.

TikTok Algorithm

The TikTok Algorithm plays a crucial role in determining the content that users see on their For You page. Here are some key points to understand about the TikTok Algorithm:

  1. Personalized Content: The TikTok Algorithm uses machine learning to analyze user behavior, such as the videos they like, share, and interact with. It then recommends similar content to cater to each user’s preferences.
  2. Engagement Metrics: TikTok takes into account various engagement metrics, including likes, comments, shares, and viewing time, to determine the popularity and relevance of a video. Videos that receive higher engagement are more likely to be shown to a wider audience.
  3. Video Completion Rate: The algorithm also considers how many viewers watch a video from start to finish. Higher video completion rates indicate that the content is engaging, leading to increased visibility.
  4. Trending Hashtags and Challenges: TikTok promotes videos that use popular hashtags and participate in trending challenges. By incorporating these trends into your content, you have a higher chance of reaching a larger audience.
  5. Timing and Freshness: TikTok also values the freshness of content. New and recently uploaded videos have a better chance of being shown to users, as TikTok aims to provide users with the latest and most relevant content.

Understanding how the TikTok Algorithm works can help users create content that is more likely to gain visibility and reach a larger audience on the platform.

Troubleshooting Tips to Follow People on TikTok

Having trouble following people on TikTok? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this section, we’ll provide you with some troubleshooting tips that will help you seamlessly connect with your favorite TikTok stars. From checking your account privacy settings to updating the app, we’ll explore all the necessary steps for a smooth follow journey. So let’s dive in and get you back on track to follow and engage with your favorite TikTok creators!

Check Your Account Privacy Settings

When facing issues with following people on TikTok, it is crucial to check your account privacy settings to ensure proper configuration. Follow these steps to guarantee your settings are set up correctly:

  1. Launch the TikTok application on your device.
  2. Navigate to your profile page by tapping on the “Me” icon.
  3. Tap on the three horizontal dots located in the top right corner of the screen to access your settings.
  4. Scroll down and select “Privacy and Safety.”
  5. Make sure that under the “Who Can Follow Me” section, the setting is set to “Everyone” to allow others to follow you.
  6. Verify the “Discoverability” settings to ensure visibility to other users.
  7. Review the “Block List” to avoid unintentional blocking of the user you intend to follow.

By carefully checking your account privacy settings and ensuring they permit others to follow you, you can resolve any concerns related to following people on TikTok. If the problem persists, you may explore additional troubleshooting tips or seek assistance from TikTok support.

Update the App

To keep your TikTok app up-to-date, follow these simple steps:

1. Access your device’s app store.

2. Utilize the search bar to find the “TikTok” application.

3. If an update exists, you will notice an “Update” button alongside the TikTok app.

4. Tap on the “Update” button to initiate the update process.

5. Give the update some time to download and install onto your device.

6. After the update is fully completed, launch the TikTok app and enjoy the newest version.

Maintaining regular updates for your app is crucial for several reasons. It ensures you have access to the latest enhancements and fixes, which is especially helpful if you’re encountering any difficulties with following people on TikTok. Outdated versions of the app can lead to glitches and compatibility issues, hindering your ability to engage with others. By frequently updating the app, you guarantee a stable and up-to-date version, heightening the likelihood of a seamless user experience.

Remember to frequently check for updates to stay current with any TikTok releases involving improvements or bug fixes. Keeping your app updated will optimize your overall TikTok experience and resolve any problems that may arise when attempting to follow others on the platform.

Verify if the User Has Blocked You

To verify if a user has blocked you on TikTok, follow these steps:

  1. Open the TikTok app and log into your account.
  2. Go to the search bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Type in the username of the person you suspect has blocked you.
  4. Tap on their profile from the search results.
  5. If you see a message like “This user is not available” or “User not found,” it may indicate that the user has blocked you.
  6. Alternatively, try accessing their profile through a different TikTok account or ask a friend to check if they can see the user’s profile.
  7. If the user’s profile is still visible to others but not to you, it is likely that they have blocked you.

Keep in mind that verifying if a user has blocked you on TikTok doesn’t necessarily mean they have indeed executed this action. There could be other reasons such as account restrictions or technical glitches. If you suspect you are facing an issue with following on TikTok, try the troubleshooting tips provided in the article to resolve the problem.

Report the Issue to TikTok Support

If you are encountering difficulties when trying to follow users on TikTok, you have the option to report the problem to TikTok Support. Below are the instructions to report the issue:

  1. Access the TikTok app on your device.
  2. Find your profile by tapping on the “Me” icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
  3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the settings menu.
  4. Scroll down and select the “Report a Problem” option.
  5. Choose the relevant category related to your issue, such as “Following” or “Account Issues”.
  6. Provide a detailed description of the problem you are encountering, including any error messages or specific users whom you are unable to follow.
  7. Attach any applicable screenshots or videos to support your report.
  8. Tap on the “Submit” button to send your report to TikTok Support.

By following these instructions and reporting the issue to TikTok Support, they will be able to investigate and assist you in resolving the problem with following users on TikTok. Ensure that you provide accurate and specific information to help them understand the issue better and provide a more effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I follow people on TikTok on a public network?

If you are trying to follow people on TikTok using a public network, TikTok may suspect that you are a bot and disable the Follow option. TikTok has measures in place to prevent spammy behavior and protect its users’ privacy.

Why should I leave positive comments instead of liking or following on TikTok?

If you are unable to like or follow on TikTok, leaving positive comments is a great alternative. Leaving positive comments not only shows your support for the content creator but also allows you to engage with the TikTok community and contribute to a positive environment.

What should I do if my TikTok app is outdated and won’t let me follow anyone?

If your TikTok app is outdated, it may prevent you from following others. To resolve this issue, update your TikTok app to the latest version. Updating the app ensures you have access to the latest features and bug fixes, improving its overall performance.

What is a shadow ban on TikTok and why can it prevent me from following anyone?

A shadow ban on TikTok is when your account is partially restricted, and your actions, such as following others, are limited without your knowledge. If you have violated TikTok’s terms and conditions or community guidelines, your account may be shadow banned, making it difficult for you to follow anyone.

Why am I experiencing app issues on TikTok that prevent me from following others?

App issues on TikTok, especially after an update, can affect core functionalities such as the Follow feature. If you are experiencing app issues, try troubleshooting steps such as clearing cache files or reinstalling the app to resolve any glitches or bugs that may be causing the problem.

What is the hourly following limit on TikTok, and why can it prevent me from following more accounts?

TikTok has an hourly following limit to prevent spammy behavior and ensure the platform’s stability. The hourly following limit is set at 30 accounts, meaning you can only follow up to 30 accounts within an hour. If you exceed this limit, TikTok will temporarily block you from following more accounts.

SmartHomeBit Staff