Banned TikTok hashtags can kill your videos without warning. One moment, your posts are reaching thousands; the next, they vanish from hashtag searches.

The culprit? A banned hashtag that triggered a shadow ban or restrictions on your account.

TikTok enforces strict guidelines, removing hashtags linked to inappropriate content, spam, or fake accounts. Using them even by accident can lower your visibility and hurt your content strategy.

We’ll break down why TikTok bans certain hashtags, how they impact your account, and what to do to avoid them. Stay ahead and keep your videos safe. Let’s dive in.

What Are Banned TikTok Hashtags?

Banned TikTok hashtags are hashtags that TikTok restricts to prevent violations of its community guidelines.

When users include these hashtags in their videos or posts, they risk being hit with a shadow ban a silent penalty that reduces visibility and limits how their content appears in searches.

These banned hashtags are usually linked to inappropriate content, spam, or terms that promote hate speech.

TikTok constantly updates its list, ensuring that any hashtags violating the platform's community guidelines don’t spread harmful material.

For users, this means staying cautious with hashtag usage and checking relevant content before adding hashtags to posts.

Using the wrong ones can impact engagement rates, limit reach, and even trigger account restrictions.

How Banned Hashtags Affect Your Account

If you’re using banned hashtags, your account might experience:

  • A shadow ban that reduces videos in hashtag searches.
  • Lower engagement rates due to restricted reach.
  • The risk of violating guidelines leads to account suspension.

For example, some users unknowingly use restricted hashtags and later realize their posts are no longer appearing in search results. This directly affects their growth and audience interaction.

To avoid this, it’s essential to stay informed and monitor your hashtag usage.

Banned TikTok Hashtags to Avoid

Here are hashtags that are currently known to be restricted or banned on TikTok:

  1. #AdultsOnly
  2. #SeductiveDance
  3. #CBD
  4. #THC
  5. #Vape
  6. #VapeTricks
  7. #OnlyF (variations of this term)
  8. #HotGirl (when combined with certain other tags)
  9. #SingleLife (when used with dating-focused content)
  10. #ThinspoCommunity
  11. #ProAna
  12. #WeightlossDrugs
  13. #GetRichQuick
  14. #EasyMoney (especially with certain financial claims)
  15. #AntiVax
  16. #MedicalMisinformation
  17. #QAnon
  18. #Weapons
  19. #Firearms
  20. #DIYWeapons
  21. #SuicideAwareness (sometimes restricted despite intentions)
  22. #SelfHarm
  23. #DepressionHelp (sometimes gets caught in filters)
  24. #SlummingIt
  25. #FightClub (when showing actual fights)

The platform also restricts temporary hashtags related to:

  • Current political controversies
  • Violent events
  • Tags associated with dangerous challenges
  • Content that appears to promote regulated substances
  • Sex-related terminology

Why Does TikTok Ban Certain Hashtags?

hashtag usage

Banned TikTok hashtags exist to keep the platform's community guidelines intact.

While hashtags are meant to help users discover relevant content, some are flagged for spreading inappropriate content, spam, or violating community guidelines violations.

Like other social media platforms, TikTok actively monitors hashtag usage to prevent content that could harm users or disrupt the app’s ecosystem.

If a hashtag becomes associated with banned material, it is blocked, limiting the reach ofTikTok videos using it.

Many banned hashtags are linked to:

  • Misinformation – Preventing the spread of false claims.
  • Harmful or offensive content – Removing posts that promote violence or self-harm.
  • Spam tactics – Stopping fake giveaways or engagement-baiting techniques.

By banning certain hashtags, TikTok ensures that users engage with high-quality content while maintaining compliance with their rules.

How to Check If a Hashtag Is Banned?

hashtag searches

Not all banned TikTok hashtags are officially announced, which makes it tricky for users to identify them. However, there are simple ways to check if a hashtag is banned before adding it to your videos.

Search the Hashtag on TikTok

  1. Open theTikTok app and go to the search bar.
  2. Type in the hashtag you want to use.
  3. If the hashtag doesn’t show any videos or posts, it may be banned.

Check the Hashtag Page

  • Normally, clicking a hashtag leads to a page with posts using it.
  • If no videos or messages are saying the hashtag violates guidelines violations, it’s banned.

Test It in a Post

  • Try using the hashtag in a private post.
  • If the hashtag doesn’t appear as a clickable link, it’s likely blocked.

Table: Signs of a Banned Hashtag

Method

How to Check

What It Means

Search Bar Test

Look up the hashtag in TikTok’s search

No results = Possibly banned

Hashtag Page

Click on the hashtag

No videos or warning messages = Banned

Post Test

Add a hashtag to a private video

Unclickable hashtag = Blocked

These simple steps help users avoid banned hashtags and keep their accounts safe from shadow bans.

List of Commonly Banned TikTok Hashtags

Not all banned hashtags are obvious, and many users unknowingly include them in their videos without realizing the consequences.

Some hashtags are removed due to misuse, while others get flagged for violating TikTok’s community guidelines.

The app constantly updates its restrictions to prevent videos containing banned content from spreading.

Here are some categories of banned hashtags that can negatively impact an account:

  • Explicit Content – Any hashtags related to nudity, adult content, or illegal substances get flagged. Even if a video is harmless, using these hashtags can lead to a banned post.
  • Harmful Challenges – Some viral trends have been deemed dangerous, causing TikTok to ban their associated hashtags. Any account that repeatedly engages with these risks and penalties.
  • Misinformation – TikTok has banned hashtags that spread false or misleading claims, especially about health, politics, or global events. These hashtags are actively removed from search results.
  • Hate Speech & Offensive Language – Any hashtags linked to discrimination, threats, or hate-related speech are strictly banned. The app automatically removes videos containing them to keep its platforms safe.
  • Spam & Fake Engagement – Some hashtags are used to manipulate videos to gain more views artificially. If a hashtag is frequently reported for spam, it often gets banned.
  • Clickbait and Misleading Content -TikTok bans hashtags that trick users into watching irrelevant videos. Misleading content violates the app's policies, and any account using these tricks can be penalized.

Since the list of banned hashtags changes frequently, it’s important to check before adding them to videos. Using even one banned hashtag can limit visibility and impact an account's overall reach.

By avoiding restricted hashtags, creators can protect their content and grow their audience without issues.

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Consequences of Banned Hashtags Usage

content strategy

Using banned hashtags on TikTok can silently damage an account without immediate warning.

Many creators make the mistake of assuming all hashtags help their reach, but the reality is that some get flagged by the TikTok app, leading to serious consequences.

The first and most common issue is reduced visibility. When an account includes banned hashtags in its videos, TikTok suppresses the content, making it difficult for the audience to find.

These hashtags won’t appear in searches, and the videos using them may not even reach the For You page.

Another major consequence is the risk of a shadow ban. This happens when the app detects repeated violations and silently limits an account’s ability to gain traction.

If an account continues to use banned hashtags, TikTok may restrict future videos from getting recommended to a wider audience.

Over time, this leads to a drop in reach, fewer interactions, and, in severe cases, a complete loss of momentum for growth.

In extreme cases, an account can face direct penalties from the platforms. If hashtags violate TikTok’s policies regarding misinformation, explicit content, or harmful behavior, the account might receive a temporary suspension.

In repeated cases, the app can permanently disable an account, preventing any future posts or access. This is especially risky for content creators who rely on TikTok as part of their brand or business strategy.

Understanding the risks of banned hashtags helps creators avoid unnecessary penalties and keep their videos visible.

While hashtags are essential for discovery, knowing which ones to avoid is just as important. By making the right choices, an account can maintain steady growth without the risk of being restricted by the app.

Conclusion

Avoiding banned TikTok hashtags is essential for keeping your TikTok account safe and ensuring your videos reach the right audience.

The app constantly updates its policies, removing trending TikTok hashtags that violate guidelines, contain spammy content, or disrupt the platform’s integrity.

If you unknowingly use a restricted hashtag, your posts may lose visibility, leading to reduced exposure and potential penalties.

To stay ahead, always check banned hashtags before adding them to your videos. The app favors authentic content, so instead of relying on risky hashtags, create unique, high-quality posts that follow TikTok’s best practices.

If you’re looking to build your presence faster, you canbuy TikTok followers to strengthen your profile and reach a wider audience without risking banned hashtags or shadow bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What TikTok hashtags are banned?

Banned hashtags include those linked to spammy content, misinformation, explicit material, and harmful trends. The app removes hashtags that violate its guidelines, preventing them from appearing in searches.

How do I know if a hashtag is banned?

Search the app for the hashtag. If no videos appear or the page is empty, it’s likely banned. You can also test it in a post if it doesn’t turn into a clickable link, it’s restricted.

What words are shadowbanned on TikTok?

Words related to explicit content, misinformation, or dangerous trends often lead to shadow bans. The app regularly updates its filters, similar to how Instagram removes restricted terms.

What gets you shadowbanned on TikTok?

Using banned hashtags, violating guidelines, posting misleading content, or engaging in spammy activity can trigger a shadow ban. The app limits reach for accounts that repeatedly break its rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Banned TikTok hashtags can reduce visibility, trigger shadow bans, and limit your account's growth.
  • The app removes hashtags linked to spammy content, misinformation, explicit material, and harmful trends.
  • Checking hashtags before using them helps prevent penalties and ensures your videos stay in hashtag searches.
  • Using banned hashtags repeatedly can lead to account restrictions or even suspension.
  • To grow safely, create unique, high-quality content and avoid risky hashtags.