The Reality of Shadow Banning on TikTok: A Deep Dive into the Corporate Mechanics Part One

TikTok Shadow Banning: Game Recognize

Shadow Banning on TikTok: Is it Real? And If So, Why?

Understanding TikTok's Business Model

Yes, shadow banning on TikTok is real. However, many people fail to fully understand the dynamics driving this popular platform. TikTok is not just an entertaining app; it’s a corporate giant, or as some may call it, a part of the modern corporatocracy. Like all businesses, it adheres to its own set of mandates that can sometimes work against its users, particularly content creators.

The Concept of Shadow Banning

Let's break it down with a metaphor quite familiar to those who know the game of business: the rules of the pimp game. William Shakespeare once wrote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Similarly, one could say that ‘pimping by any other name is still pimping.' When we discuss shadow banning on TikTok, we can liken it to the second oldest profession in the world: pimping. This type of business approach is not just limited to street corners; some of the most cutthroat kinds occur in corporate boardrooms. Here, it's done through contracts and policies.

Rule Number One: Minimize Payouts

In other words, the less the pimp has to pay out, the better it is for the pimp. The number one unspoken rule in any business, including TikTok, is that the less the company has to pay out, the better. TikTok relies on its lifeblood: subscribers and content creators. Yet, the vast majority of creators do not earn money for their content. The sheer volume of free content generated is staggering. How do creators get paid? It's based on views, which are controlled by TikTok's algorithm. This algorithm can either promote or suppress a post—a practice known as shadow banning.

Essentially, TikTok can limit the exposure of a particular video or account, impacting the creator’s potential earnings.

The Reality of Corporate Interests

Let’s not be naïve and assume that TikTok wouldn’t engage in such practices. Remember, TikTok is a business with fiduciary responsibilities to its shareholders and regulatory obligations to adhere to. Consider this: if TikTok can manage its expenses by controlling payouts through shadow banning, it directly benefits their bottom line. Have you heard from long-standing TikTok creators about their earnings? Some might have noticed a decline in payouts, similar to how rideshare drivers experienced reduced earnings as those companies became more established.

Case Study: A Popular Creator’s Experience

A well-known content creator on TikTok recently experienced a significant drop in views, which was unusual given his popularity. Many users in his comment section remarked that they had to specifically search for his content, implying that TikTok's algorithm was not promoting his videos as it once did. This is a classic example of shadow banning.

Capitalism and Fairness

For those who defend capitalism and free-market principles, saying that it’s TikTok’s platform and their rules, you’re essentially agreeing that even ‘corporate pimps’ need to survive. But let's not forget the important principle: "the workman is worthy of his hire." Content creators deserve fair compensation for their contributions, even in a capitalist framework.

Conclusion

Shadow banning on TikTok is not a myth but a reality deeply rooted in the platform's business strategies. While TikTok works to maximize its profits and meet corporate mandates, it's crucial to recognize and address the impact this has on the creators who fuel the platform. In the end, fair compensation in any business—online or off—should remain a priority.