TikTok Crackdown Forces Cryptocurrency Video Creators off the Platform

Timothy St. John•Thursday, August 26, 2021•2 min read

TikTok starts to flag and delete crypto videos.

TikTok just implemented a new way to censor videos automatically based on whether they violate the app’s guidelines. This includes any videos that promote illegal behavior or even financial services. A lot of cryptocurrency videos fall into that category, even though the video creators say they have not promoted anything illegal.

TikTok is taking down tons of cryptocurrency videos with little or no explanation to the video creators as to why they are being removed. A report from CNBC news said that 11 cryptocurrency creators talked to them about their videos being removed from the app or flagged as inappropriate. In every case, the video creators said they were not given an explanation from TikTok or very little explanation and that the videos they posted were all educational and based on the cryptocurrency niche.

A lot of these creators are having their accounts banned temporarily and experiencing frequent censure. Cryptocurrency content creators on TikTok also said that they weren’t receiving any payment for their videos despite being eligible to receive payment. This has occurred over the last few weeks as the new TikTok censoring algorithm has gone into effect.

Vacating TikTok

Video creators in the cryptocurrency niche have said their video views have plummeted, along with the number of new followers they are getting. Now, many of those same creators are leaving TikTok for somewhere less restrictive. They said that the platform is punishing them without good reason and the automatic flagging and removal of videos is hurting their ability to make money and reach viewers.

Some creators say they’re right on the edge, getting ready to leave the platform because they can’t continue to monetize their content on TikTok.

What TikTok Says about This Change

TikTok is apparently giving cryptocurrency content creators a way to keep their content on the platform. They have a new policy about branded content which incorporates the promotion of cryptocurrency and other financial services. According to this policy, the only way that creators can keep their cryptocurrency content from being banned, whether it’s educational or promotional, is if they choose the branded content option the app offers. This essentially marks every cryptocurrency video as branded and promotional, even when it might not be.

Of course, all of this is to protect TikTok, but currently that protection is coming at the expense of content creators on the platform.

TikTok has more freedom to make bold moves like this and do as it likes, now that the ban from former US president Trump has been reversed by the current administration.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More

Timothy St. John

Financial Writer - European & US Desks

Timothy St John is a seasoned financial analyst and writer, catering to the dynamic landscapes of the US and European markets. Boasting over a decade of extensive freelance writing experience, he has made significant contributions to reputable platforms such as Yahoo!Finance, business.com: Expert Business Advice, Tips, and Resources - Business.com, and numerous others. Timothy's expertise lies in in-depth research and comprehensive coverage of stock and cryptocurrency movements, coupled with a keen understanding of the economic factors influencing currency dynamics. Timothy majored in English at East Tennessee State University, and you can find him on LinkedIn.