If you’ve tried to follow someone on TikTok and found yourself unable to do so, you’re not alone. Many users experience this frustrating issue, where the “Follow” button either doesn’t work or quickly reverts after being tapped. There are several possible reasons why TikTok might prevent you from following other accounts, ranging from app limitations to account restrictions.
You May Have Hit the Daily Follow Limit
TikTok places a cap on how many accounts a user can follow within a certain period, typically to curb spam and automated activity. If you’ve been following many accounts in a short time—especially within the same day—you might have reached this limit. Once the limit is hit, TikTok automatically blocks any further attempts to follow until the restriction resets, usually within 24 hours. This can be frustrating for users who are trying to grow their network or follow back new fans, but it’s a protective feature meant to preserve authentic interactions on the platform.
Your Account May Be Flagged for Suspicious Activity
TikTok’s security system is designed to detect unusual behavior. If your account follows too many users too quickly, comments excessively, or behaves in a way that resembles a bot, TikTok may flag your account. When that happens, certain functions—such as following, liking, or messaging—can be temporarily disabled. These restrictions are meant to protect the community from spam and fake accounts, but they can also affect genuine users who simply engage frequently on the platform.
You Might Be Temporarily Shadowbanned
Shadowbanning is when TikTok limits your account’s visibility or certain features without notifying you directly. If you’ve violated community guidelines or posted content that TikTok deems inappropriate, your account may be silently penalized. In some cases, this includes being unable to follow others. The restriction typically lasts for a few days but can be longer depending on the nature of the violation.
There Could Be Technical Issues
Sometimes the problem isn’t due to restrictions but a technical glitch. If TikTok is having trouble syncing data, or if the app is outdated, you may experience features not working correctly—including following. Poor internet connectivity, cache issues, or bugs within the app can interfere with basic functions. Restarting the app, clearing cache, or updating to the latest version can often resolve these problems.
You May Be Blocked or Restricted by the Other User
If you’re trying to follow a specific account and are unable to, it’s possible that the user has blocked you or placed privacy settings that prevent certain users from following them. In such cases, the issue is specific to that account, not your entire profile.
Also Read: How to See How Many Videos You Have on TikTok
