Why Can’t I Follow People on TikTok?

Following people on TikTok is essential for staying updated with your favorite creators and discovering new content. But if you’re unable to follow accounts, you may feel like you’re missing out on the TikTok experience. There are several reasons why you may not be able to follow people on TikTok, ranging from account restrictions to temporary glitches. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the possible causes and solutions.

1. Temporary Follow Limits

TikTok has follow limits in place to prevent spammy behavior and ensure real engagement across the platform. If you’ve followed too many accounts in a short period, TikTok may temporarily restrict your ability to follow new accounts. This is a common restriction on social media platforms to avoid excessive, spam-like activity.

Solution: Wait a few hours or up to 24 hours before trying to follow accounts again. It’s best to follow accounts gradually instead of quickly following too many at once to avoid hitting the limit.

2. Account Restrictions or Shadowbans

In some cases, TikTok may place restrictions on an account for behavior that goes against its community guidelines. This can include spammy actions, repetitive following and unfollowing, or other actions that TikTok’s algorithm deems suspicious. If your account is temporarily restricted or shadowbanned, you may not be able to follow others until the restriction is lifted.

Solution: Avoid engaging in behaviors that TikTok may consider spam, such as rapid following, repeatedly liking and unliking posts, or using third-party tools to increase followers. Restrictions usually expire after a few days, so it’s important to use the app normally during this time.

3. Your Account Is New

New TikTok accounts may have limited access to certain features, including the ability to follow large numbers of people at once. TikTok implements these restrictions to prevent spam from new accounts, making sure new users are authentic and genuine.

Solution: Engage with content slowly and gradually build your following list. Posting videos, interacting with other users, and building an authentic profile can help you unlock more access over time.

4. Internet Connectivity Issues

If your internet connection is weak or intermittent, it may prevent TikTok from successfully processing your follow request. An unstable internet connection can lead to various issues, including the inability to follow accounts.

Solution: Make sure your internet connection is stable by switching to a more reliable Wi-Fi network or turning on mobile data. Once you’re on a stable network, try following the account again.

5. TikTok Server Glitch or App Bug

At times, TikTok’s servers or app may experience technical issues that temporarily disable certain features. A bug or server issue can cause issues with following, liking, or posting.

Solution: Check TikTok’s official social media accounts for any announcements about technical issues. You can also try restarting the app or, if the problem persists, reinstalling TikTok. Make sure to keep your app updated as TikTok frequently releases bug fixes and performance improvements.

6. App Cache Overload

When TikTok’s cache data becomes overloaded, it can impact app performance, including your ability to follow others. Clearing your cache can often resolve minor glitches and restore normal functionality.

Solution: To clear your TikTok cache, go to your profile, tap on the three dots (or lines) in the top-right corner to open settings, and select “Clear Cache.” After clearing your cache, restart the app and try following people again.

7. Account Reaching Follow Limit

TikTok has an overall follow limit for each account, typically set around 10,000 accounts. If you’ve reached this limit, you won’t be able to follow more people until you unfollow some existing accounts.

Solution: If you’re close to or at the follow limit, consider unfollowing inactive accounts or people whose content you’re no longer interested in to make room for new follows.

8. Restricted Content Accounts

Sometimes, you may not be able to follow a specific account if the account owner has restricted their followers due to privacy settings. They might have set their account to private or limited following requests for personal reasons.

Solution: If you’re trying to follow a private account, send a follow request and wait for them to accept. If they have other restrictions, you may not be able to follow until those are lifted.

Final Tips

If you’re experiencing issues with following on TikTok, patience is key. Most restrictions are temporary and should resolve themselves with time. To avoid future issues, follow accounts gradually, maintain regular engagement without spamming, and avoid using any third-party apps or bots to artificially increase your following or follower count.

By understanding TikTok’s guidelines and following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate any future issues that might arise with the follow feature.