TikTok is a popular social media platform known for its fun and entertaining short videos. From dances to comedy sketches and viral trends, there‘s always something new to discover when you open the app.
While TikTok aims to spread joy and creativity, you may occasionally encounter users whose content is offensive, annoying, or otherwise negatively impacts your experience.
Fortunately, TikTok allows you to block other users from interacting with your account. Blocking prevents someone from viewing your videos or sending your messages. It can create a more positive environment for your TikTok browsing.
However, there are a few key things to understand about the blocking feature on TikTok:
What Happens When You Block Someone on TikTok
Blocking a user prevents them from:
- Viewing your videos (new or old)
- Sending you direct messages
- Commenting on your content
- Interacting with you in any way
However, there are some past interactions they still have access too. For example:
Past Direct Messages
If you sent the user direct messages before blocking them, they can still view those messages in their inbox. TikTok does not allow you to delete messages after they are sent.
Saved, Stitched, or Duetted Videos
If the blocked user previously saved, stitched, or duetted one of your videos, they still have access to that content.
Although your entire video history disappears from their view after blocking, any videos they actively saved or recorded remain available.
Being Tipped Off About the Block
When you block someone, TikTok does not notify them or give them any kind of message. However, there are certain account behaviors that may tip them off:
- Your profile and videos will completely disappear from their view.
- Any comments they left on your videos prior to the block will also disappear.
- They will be unable to directly message you.
So while users aren‘t outright informed they have been blocked, they can likely figure it out based on the sudden lack of access to you and your content.
Now that you know the ins and outs of blocking, let‘s go through the steps to block another TikTok user.
How to Block Someone on TikTok from Their Profile
The quickest way to block a user is by going directly to their profile page. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Navigate to Their Profile Page
You can search for a user‘s profile either by:
- Tapping the "+" magnifying glass icon and searching their username
- Tapping their profile photo or username if they recently interacted with you
Step 2: Tap the 3-Dot Icon
This will open a drop-down menu for privacy settings and options:
Step 3: Select "Block"
Tap the block icon (a circle with a diagonal line through it). TikTok will ask you to confirm that you want to block this user.
Once blocked, the user disappears from your view and can no longer interact with you or your content in any way moving forward.
How to Block Someone on TikTok from Their Video
What if you stumble upon an offensive, annoying, or otherwise unpleasant video? Use these steps to block the user directly from their video:
Step 1: Tap Their Profile Photo
From the video, tap their circular profile photo in the upper-right corner:
Step 2: Block From Their Profile
This will take you directly to their TikTok profile page. Follow steps 2 and 3 from above to access the block feature and select "Block" to confirm your choice.
Double check that you have the correct user before blocking them.
How to Unblock Someone on TikTok
Had a change of heart? It‘s easy to unblock users and re-enable communication. Here‘s how:
Step 1: Go to Settings
Tap your profile icon > Settings icon (3 horizontal lines) > Settings & Privacy:
Step 2: Select Privacy
In Settings, tap on the "Privacy" option.
Step 3: Tap "Blocked Accounts"
Scroll down and tap "Blocked Accounts" to view your current block list.
Step 4: Tap "Unblock"
Tap "Unblock" next to the user you want to remove the block from. Interactions will now be restored.
How to Report Someone on TikTok
Encountered content that violates TikTok‘s community guidelines? You can report videos or users to TikTok for further investigation.
Examples of content violations include hate speech, harassment, dangerous acts, illegal activities, and violence.
Step 1: Tap "Share" Icon on the Video
From the video, tap the arrow sharing icon in the bottom left.
Step 2: Select "Report"
Tap "Report" from the sharing menu and fill out the provided report details explaining why this video violates guidelines.
TikTok will follow up based on their investigation of the reported content.
Take Control of Your Viewing Experience
While TikTok brings joy to millions of users daily, you may occasionally have negative run-ins with annoying, offensive, or abusive accounts.
Rather than letting these unpleasant experiences derail your fun, use TikTok‘s blocking feature to take control. Blocking prevents the user from interacting with you again.
And don‘t hesitate to report truly troublesome content to TikTok as well. This safeguards the positive community.
With the ability to block and report as issues arise, you can tailor TikTok to be an entertaining platform that consistently brings more smiles than frowns. Just a few simple taps keeps the party going uninterrupted.
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