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Why Can’t I Follow Anyone on TikTok? (Reasons and Fixes)

If you are an ardent user of Tiktok, and suddenly you are not being able to follow anyone on the platform, here is the right place you have reached I have also faced this issue once, and I have resolved it by following the ways, I have mentioned in this article. Although there are many fixes, you should try each to find out which works for you because the issue of not being able to follow anyone may be because of various reasons.

And, please don’t worry, you’re not alone as I have discussed this with many of my friends who have faced this issue, and I was able to help them fix their issues.

In this article, I will explore common causes which may be stopping you to follow someone.

Why Can’t I Follow Anyone on TikTok
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Why Can’t I Follow Anyone on TikTok – Possible Reasons


Possible Technical Issues

Technology is there to help but sometimes things may get messed up and you face issues with the techs you are using. Similarly, there could be some technical glitches that would trigger the issue of not letting you follow someone on TikTok.

Here are a few technical issues that may be preventing you from following others on TikTok:

  • Network Connectivity Problems: Weak, unstable, or slow internet connectivity can hinder various Tiktok app features, including following others. You have to make sure that your internet connection is stable and working properly.
  • Server Maintenance or Downtime: TikTok like any other app, undergoes maintenance for fixing bugs. In that period, you may experience some hiccups while using TikTok. A few features including the Follow feature may not work properly. If this could be the reason you can just wait for a few hours, and then try.
  • Outdated Version of the TikTok App: Apps including TikTok keep bringing new updates for adding new features, patching up security issues, and also to be able to be compatible with the latest specifications of your phone devices as well. So, at times, outdated versions may have issues of this type. So, you should make sure that your TikTok App is updated to the latest.
  • Device Compatibility Issues: Check if your device meets the minimum requirements for running the TikTok app. Older or incompatible devices may struggle to handle certain features, including the following. Consider using a device that meets the recommended specifications.

Account-Related Restrictions

TikTok has community guidelines and restrictions to maintain a safe and friendly community on the platform.

Here are a few account-related reasons why you might not be able to follow anyone:

  • Violation of TikTok’s Community Guidelines: TikTok has strict guidelines regarding content and behavior. If you are found to violate any guidelines, you may be temporarily or permanently restricted, limiting your ability to follow others.  You must review TikTok’s guidelines and make sure to follow them in order to use the platform without any issues.
  • TikTok Follow Limit: TikTok has a certain limit on the number of accounts you can follow, although the exact number is not publicly disclosed by TikTok. From what we have gathered, it is generally suggested that each TikTok account can follow a maximum of 10,000 accounts in total and only 200 accounts per dayIf we talk about the hourly follow limit, there is no limit but you may not be able to follow more than 10-15 because if you do follow too fast, your account may get temporarily banned or you will be restricted from following.
  • Age Restrictions for Certain Features: TikTok has age restrictions for certain features, such as direct messaging and following. If you’re underage or your account age hasn’t been verified, you may encounter limitations. Check the app’s settings and ensure you meet the age requirements.
  • Temporary or Shadow Ban: TikTok shadow bans accounts if it finds some shady activities in your account. Such bans restrict you from using various features of Tiktok including being able to follow someone.

    If you see the message “You’re Following Too Fast” on your TikTok account homepage, it indicates that you have surpassed the daily follow limit set by TikTok. In order to continue following other users, you will need to wait for 24 hours until the restriction is lifted.  This is called Shadowbanned which means temporarily restricted for certain tasks. Here, it is restricted to following someone.

  • Account Settings Restricting the Ability to Follow: Review your TikTok account settings to ensure you haven’t accidentally restricted the ability to follow others. Sometimes, users unknowingly toggle specific settings that limit interactions. Adjust your settings accordingly to allow the following.

App Glitches or Bugs

Glitches and bugs happen to almost all apps and programs. TikTok may face such glitches as well at times.

  • Software Bugs Causing Malfunctions: Sometimes, software bugs can cause malfunctions within the app, affecting specific features like following others and various other features as well. Keep your TikTok app updated with the latest version, as updates often include bug fixes.
  • Temporary Glitches: Occasionally, TikTok experiences temporary glitches that impact specific features. Sometimes restarting the app may fix the issue. Or, wait for some time, and then try again.

User Error or Lack of Familiarity

At times, the issues may not be with the app but with the users because of being new to the TikTok platform. A few of these may be the cause:

  • Incorrect Usage of the TikTok App’s Interface: You have to make sure that the steps you are following someone are correct. Sometimes, when you are new to a platform, you may miss something and that would cause this issue as well. One day, I was on another app, not TikTok though, and I made an account and tried to follow a friend. I kept trying but it didn’t work. Then I came to know that I had to verify my account first by clicking the activation link I got in the email. So, Once I did, I was able to follow. So such issues may happen on any platform.
  • Unfamiliarity with Specific Settings or Features: TikTok has various settings and features for users. You have to take some time to understand it to avoid such issues. You might discover a setting that’s affecting your ability to follow others.
  • Inadequate Understanding of the Following Process: Following someone on TikTok is a straightforward or you can say very easy process, but if you’re new to the platform, you may have mistaken somewhere which is not letting you follow someone.
More TikTok Guides

How to Fix the Issue of Not Being Able to Follow Anyone on TikTok?


Now that we’ve explored the potential reasons behind the problem, let’s discuss how to overcome it:

Patience is Key

If you have recently followed a large number of users within a short period or reached the following limit, TikTok may temporarily prevent you from following others which is also known as a shadow ban. In such cases, the best course of action is to wait patiently. Give it a few hours or even a day before resuming your following activities. Or sometimes, you will have to wait for more than 24 hours.

Update TikTok for Optimal Performance

As I have already mentioned earlier in this article the outdated TikTok app may not perform well, and you may face certain issues including the following thing. So, please do update if your TikTok app is not updated.

  1. Open the Play Store (iOS users can go to the App Store).
  2. Search for TikTok.
  3. Tap the Update button to begin update process. It will take only a few seconds to update if your internet is fast enough.

update tiktok

Clear the Cache for a Smooth TikTok Experience

The cache is something that may create issues in various software both on the computer and mobile devices. I have a habit of clearing caches every week even if there are no issues. Accumulated cache files can slow down the TikTok app and hinder its processing speed. Clearing them out may solve the issue. Follow these steps:

  • Navigate to Settings and locate “Apps” or “Apps and Notifications.”

  • Find TikTok in the list and tap it.
  • Go to “Storage” and choose “Clear cache.”

Reinstall TikTok for a Fresh Start

Sometimes logging out from your TikTok account may solve the issue or better to uninstall the app after logging out, and then again install it. Now, try following someone.

If the problem persists, consider reinstalling the app by following these steps:

  1. Find the TikTok app on your device’s home screen.
  2. Uninstall or delete the app.
  3. Reinstall TikTok from the App Store or Google Play.

Reinstalling the app resets all the settings, data, and cache, which may help refresh its functionality. After reinstalling TikTok, log in again and attempt to follow users.

Check Your Internet Connection

Slow or unstable internet connection may be the reason for some hiccups while using TikTok app. It may prevent certain features to work properly. You must make sure that your internet connection is working properly. If for some reason your internet is not working properly, you can try switching off and On your Wifi Router to refresh the settings. Most of the time, it helps to make your connection more stable if the issues are not from your ISP.

Check for TikTok Updates

As already said, you must make sure that your TikTok App is updated to the latest. Generally, the apps are updated automatically but if for some reason your TikTok is not updated, make sure to update it.

Disable VPN or Proxy Connections

If you are using a virtual private network or a proxy in your phone. You can once try disabling it and see if your problem is resolved. Sometimes, these may be the causes of the issue.

Report the Issue to TikTok Support

If none of the above fixes work for you, and you think there is an issue with your TikTok account or the app itself, I would highly recommend you reach out to TikTok support for further assistance.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to keep your TikTok activities in compliance with TikTok’s terms and guidelines to avoid any restrictions on following or other actions within the app.

FAQs


How many users can you follow on TikTok per day and hour?

On Tiktok, you can follow 200 users per day, and in an hour, it is not fixed as far as I know but you can follow around 10-15. Don’t follow too fast otherwise, your account may get shadowbanned.

How can I find out if I have reached my daily follow limit on TikTok?

There is a limit of daily followers on TikTok. But, TikTok does not provide a specific notification for reaching the daily follow limit. If you are unable to follow anyone now, you might see this message “If the word ‘You’re Following Too Fast’ appears on your account homepage”. This indirectly means that your limit is reached. Try after 24 hours then.

Can I increase the daily follow limit on TikTok?

The daily follow limit on TikTok is set by the TikTok platform itself. You cannot increase it. You have to stay within the limits.

What can I do if I am unable to follow anyone even though I haven’t reached the daily limit?

If you haven’t reached the daily follow limit on TikTok and are still unable to follow anyone, try troubleshooting steps that I have shared in this article such as updating the app, clearing the cache, or reinstalling TikTok. etc. These fixes may help solve your problem.

Why am I unable to follow specific users on TikTok?

Certain users on TikTok may have set their accounts to private or they have turned on some privacy settings, that may restrict other users to follow them. If you are unable to follow a specific user, it is possible that they have enabled privacy settings that prevent you from following them.

Conclusion


Connecting with others on TikTok is a fantastic way to explore new content, engage with creators, and be part of a vibrant community. If you’re facing challenges in following others on TikTok, consider the possible technical issues, account-related restrictions, app glitches, or user errors we discussed. By troubleshooting and exploring the suggested solutions, you’ll likely find a way to overcome the obstacle and enjoy the full TikTok experience. Happy following and creating!

About the author

Atish Ranjan

Atish Ranjan is an established and independent voice dedicated to providing you with unique, well-researched and original information from the field of technology, SEO, social media, and blogging. He has in-depth knowledge of computers and tech as he pursued computer science.

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