How I got kicked from TikTok Creativity Program

Introduction

Recently, I had a significant setback with my TikTok account that can easily be described in Fortnite terms—I just got “double pumped.” My account was disqualified from the TikTok Creativity Program, which has left me frustrated, but the silver lining is that it will respawn in 30 days. Let me walk you through what happened.

The main issue stems from the abysmally slow Wi-Fi in my room, which I suspect may have exacerbated the problem. After my account got disqualified, I appealed the decision, hoping for a positive outcome. However, after seven days, I received the unfortunate news: my account remains disqualified. The next opportunity to reapply for the Creativity Program won't come until July 11, 2024—essentially a month from now.

The reason for my disqualification is concerning. TikTok stated that they do not allow activities that could undermine their platform, such as "bank engagement" designed to artificially inflate popularity through malicious software. What’s alarming is that this disqualification isn't just affecting me; multiple accounts are facing similar issues. The platform seems to be growing increasingly opposed to faceless TikTok pages, which is a trend that's been discussed for some time. However, my account wasn't flagged for being faceless; it was disqualified because I'm a foreigner.

My account was created in the UK, and despite using a VPN, TikTok identified my actual location in Turkey and flagged my activity. While I had optimized my TikTok settings to potentially reach a U.S. audience, my actual analytics showed only 35% traffic from the United States, with the other 30% being labeled as “other,” which raises questions about its accuracy.

TikTok has been making it increasingly challenging for foreign creators to earn money through their Creativity Rewards Program. In the past, it was relatively easy, but the rules seem to complicate the process day by day. Rather than pursuing a faceless page, I’ve decided to pivot my strategy and become an affiliate on TikTok. I plan to create product videos linked to an affiliate program. Although I have previously been successful in this venture through someone else’s account, this time I am committed to establishing my own business in the UK.

Starting this business will require a capital investment of around $ 200—a substantial amount given our current financial situation. To tackle the earlier security issue, using a proxy is advised, which might offer a more reliable connection than a VPN. Even though I am hesitant to frequently switch business models, I am determined to go all-in on building my personal brand. Notably, my first TikTok upload associated with my personal brand has already garnered 500,000 views, leading me to quickly amass 1,000 followers within a week.

Before I wrap things up, I want to remind everyone to follow me on Instagram. As I navigate these challenges, I’ll continue sharing my journey. And remember—always build on high ground and double pump your opponents in Fortnite!

Keywords

TikTok Creativity Program
Disqualification
Faceless TikTok pages
VPN
Business model
Affiliate marketing
Personal brand
Proxy
Financial situation

FAQ

Q: What happened to your TikTok account?
A: My TikTok account was disqualified from the Creativity Program due to a security issue, despite appealing the decision.

Q: Why was your account disqualified?
A: TikTok disqualified my account over concerns related to "bank engagement" activities and flagged it because I am a foreigner using a VPN in a different region.

Q: When can you reapply for the Creativity Program?
A: I can reapply for the Creativity Program starting July 11, 2024.

Q: What is your new strategy after the disqualification?
A: I plan to shift my focus to affiliate marketing by creating product videos and linking them to an affiliate program.

Q: How has your personal brand performed on TikTok?
A: My first TikTok related to my personal brand received 500,000 views and helped me gain 1,000 followers in just one week.