Lesson 3

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN COMMUNITY GUIDELINES AND AVOID VIOLATIONS?

Keeping Your Stream Positive and Community-Focused

TikTok’s community guidelines are designed to keep the platform safe, welcoming, and positive for everyone. Violations can seriously impact your live streaming experience, leading to penalties such as being "banned" or receiving "no recommendation," which means your stream won’t be promoted to a wider audience. This can lower the visibility of your stream and lead to a temporary ban or restrictions on streaming. It's essential to create content that not only resonates with your audience but also aligns with these guidelines to ensure a healthy and supportive community.

How Violations Can Affect Your Stream

When a violation occurs, it may result in:

• A temporary ban from live streaming, lasting 7 or even up to 30 days.

• An overall decrease in traffic and visibility, resulting in fewer viewers.

• Limited recommendations from TikTok’s algorithm, making it harder for new viewers to find your live room.

If you're dedicated to building a strong, positive presence on TikTok Live, adhering to the platform's guidelines is crucial to keep your stream growing and your audience safe.

WHAT TYPES OF VIOLATIONS SHOULD YOU AVOID?

Serious Violations to Be Aware Of

Violating any of the following rules can result in a ban and a loss of traffic. Be sure to avoid content that could be harmful or offensive to viewers, as these behaviors are not tolerated on TikTok Live:

Type

Scenario to Avoid

• Sexual Flirtation and Adult Nudity: Engaging in or implying sexual acts, showing or displaying nudity, speaking inappropriately, or showing sexually explicit content.

• Discrimination: Making racially, gender-based, or religiously discriminatory remarks, engaging in hate speech, or portraying any content that may harm or insult a group of people.

• Harassment and Bullying: Sending malicious or personal attacks, verbal insults, or otherwise harassing others during a live stream.

• Minor Safety / Underage: Broadcasting with children who are left alone or unsupervised. It’s important to make sure minors are protected and accompanied by an adult.

• Suicide and Bloodiness: Engaging in self-harm or discussing content related to violence and blood.

Ensuring your stream adheres to these rules helps protect your community, makes your stream a welcoming place, and maximizes your chances of building a supportive viewer base.

Less-Severe Violations That Impact Visibility

The following actions may not lead to a ban but will lower your recommendations and decrease the traffic you receive. Avoid these to ensure that your content remains visible to as many viewers as possible:

Examples of Violations Depicted in the Images:

• No Real People on Screen: If there are no real people visible in your live stream, it can appear inactive and may not attract viewers. Streams need to be engaging with a person actively interacting with the audience.
  Image Description: A static scene with no host visible; the audience may feel disconnected without an engaging presence.

• Static Picture Only: When only a static or unmoving image is shown, the stream does not appear live or active, which can be seen as low-quality content.
  Image Description: A full-screen picture with no movement or engagement; viewers may feel like they're watching a replay instead of a live event.

• Black View or Poor Visibility: A black screen or a dark, unclear view can lead to a poor experience for the viewer, causing them to leave the stream.
  Image Description: A blacked-out screen with no visible content; this gives the impression of technical issues or lack of preparation.

• Smoking or Inappropriate Behavior: Engaging in behaviors like smoking can negatively impact the viewer’s perception of the stream and is against community standards.
  Image Description: A person smoking on screen; this behavior is not in line with TikTok’s guidelines and can lead to fewer recommendations.

• Drinking Alcohol or Substance Use: Consuming alcohol or showing substance use can violate TikTok’s guidelines and lead to restricted visibility.
  Image Description: A person seen drinking alcohol; this can send the wrong message to viewers and violates TikTok’s standards for appropriate content.

• Driving While Streaming: Streaming while driving is considered dangerous and a violation of guidelines as it encourages distracted behavior.
  Image Description: A live view from inside a moving vehicle; this can be seen as unsafe and sets a poor example for viewers.

• Sleeping or Being Inactive: Falling asleep or being inactive during a live stream is against the rules, as it doesn't provide any engagement or value for viewers.
  Image Description: A person visibly asleep during a stream; it gives the impression that the live stream is not active or interactive.

• Improper or Revealing Clothing: Wearing clothing that may be seen as revealing or inappropriate for a general audience can violate guidelines and affect recommendations.
  Image Description: A person in clothing that does not meet the platform's standards for appropriate attire; this can lead to restricted visibility and audience engagement.

Take Action to Stay Within Guidelines While content and community are key to building a supportive and active audience, maintaining a positive and guideline-compliant stream is just as important. Make sure your content is engaging, friendly, and within the rules, ensuring a safe and enjoyable space for all your viewers.

If you're ever unsure about what might be considered a violation, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep the content family-friendly and respectful. Taking these steps will help you create a successful, long-term live streaming career on TikTok Live. Check Community Guidelines for more informations.