Why Can't I Like Videos or Follow TikTok Accounts?

Last Updated: March 22, 2023

If you scroll through TikTok and like content, you may eventually encounter that your likes are not being sent. Likewise, accounts you are following may randomly disappear. There are many reasons this can happen, and this wikiHow aims to list them all.

1

You're liking posts or following accounts too quickly.

1
As a measure against spam, TikTok will automatically rate-limit your account if you like posts too quickly or follow accounts too quickly. You may find that any accounts you followed unfollowed, and any videos you liked unliked.
2
To check, like the video or follow the creator, then immediately switch to your profile. If the liked video disappeared or the following count has gone down, then you have been rate limited. Alternatively, check to see that the heart will remain selected. If not, then you are temporarily unable to like videos.

2

You're attempting to like a deleted or private video.

1
If the video was deleted by the user or by TikTok, you will not be able to like the video. A deleted video will not appear in anyone's for you feed or on their profile; however a video deleted by TikTok remains visible to the poster so they can appeal the decision. However, some deleted videos will not be visible to them.
2
If the account was deleted or marked for deletion or banned by TikTok, you will not be able to like the video or follow the creator. Depending on the deletion reason, the account may remain visible for up to 30 days with a notice that the user account is no longer available before it is deleted for good.

3

You're attempting to like a private video.

1
If the video was set to private, you will not be able to like the video. Private videos are only visible to the poster and remain invisible to everyone else.
2
If the video was set to "friends only", you will not be able to like the video. Users can set content controls on their videos; some videos require you to be friends with the poster, while others require you to request permission to follow their account.
3
If the account was set to private, you will not be able to like the video unless if you were already following them. Private accounts require permission to follow; a user can also remove followers from their account.
4
If the account blocked you or you blocked them, you will not be able to like the video or follow the creator. Users blocked are unable to view the videos while logged in, follow the creator, leave comments, or join live streams.

4

What alternatives are there to liking and following?

1
Bookmark the video for later. If you are simply rate-limited, you can still bookmark videos for later viewing by tapping on the "Favorites" button.
2
Save the video or account URL for later. The URL for the account will remain in place, and unless if the account or video is permanently deleted or changes usernames, you will continue to be able to access the video or account.
3
Leave positive comments. Even if you cannot like a video, you can still express positivity and gratitude through a video comment. The creator might be understanding if you get rate limited by TikTok.
4
Interact on live. You can still send gifts and hearts through livestreams with minimal concern. If the creator is live, you can interact and send gifts, although you won't be able to subscribe.
5
Wait at least 24 hours for the rate limits to clear. After 24 hours, the rate limits will be removed. If you are still unable to like or follow accounts, you should Contact TikTok.