One of the standard features TikTok has is the ability to like videos. However, you might come across a situation where you are having difficulty doing so, leading you to wonder, “Why won’t TikTok let me like videos?”
If you are unable to like videos, then keep reading. We will share the common reasons for this happening, as well as a few fixes.
Why Won’t TikTok Let Me Like Videos?
There are a few reasons why TikTok is not allowing you to like a video.
You Were Flagged as Spam
TikTok’s algorithm is trained to prevent spam on the platform. This is mainly geared towards automated bot activities. However, the spam prevention restrictions can sometimes trip up real users.
If this is the reason you are unable to like videos on TikTok, it is due to you scrolling too quickly through videos and liking too many posts too fast. The rate limiting of your account will prevent you from being able to like additional videos.
Note: When you get rate limited, videos you liked recently will have been unliked.
Solution: Slow down how frequently you engage with content on TikTok. Make sure you keep the amount of video likes down below 500 per day, which is the hard limit. You can also give your account a cooldown period to show TikTok you’re not a bot.
You Tried to Like a Removed Video
You could also come across a situation where you were able to see a video in time to watch it, but it had since been removed. Once this occurs, you will be unable to like it.
Videos can get removed if they violate the Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. If the video no longer exists, it will not be possible to engage with it.
Solution: Since a video in this case was removed by TikTok for violating its rules, there unfortunately is no solution to being able to like a removed video. However, this is a rare occurrence and is not reflective of an issue for you being able to like other videos that have not been removed.
You Tried to Like a Private Video
Videos uploaded to private accounts cannot be engaged with if you are not following the account. You may have seen the video but are no longer following it.
The creator could have blocked you, resulting in you no longer being able to interact with them or any of their content.
Solution: If you really want to engage with someone’s content but they blocked you, there is a chance you can reach out to them on another platform and attempt to resolve whatever issue led to them blocking you.
Your Internet Connection Is Poor
A common reason why users cannot like TikTok videos stems from a poor internet connection. If you are unable to download data from TikTok’s servers, you will be unable to upload data either.
Every interaction on the app involves uploading bits of data. If your connection is spotty or completely severed, it will not be possible to like any video.
Solution: Confirm that your internet is working on your device. You can do this by opening up another app or loading a website in your preferred web browser. If the connection is unstable or disconnected, you will need to restore it. Some methods of doing this include:
- Disconnect and reconnect your internet connection
- Use a different Wi-Fi network
- Reboot your internet router
- Enable and then disable Airplane Mode
TikTok Is Glitching
Occasionally, TikTok will suffer from glitches and bugs that deteriorate the user experience temporarily.
Glitches are not that common but could happen, especially if you are using an outdated version of the app. Not only will liking videos break but other touchpoints with the app may also stop functioning.
Solution: Update your TikTok app to its newest version. This should resolve any glitching that may be occurring for you. Simply head to the App Store or Play Store and tap the Update button for TikTok.
The App’s Cache Is Full
The TikTok app will store files and data in something called an app cache to help it function more smoothly. These temporary files will build up over time and may get too large, resulting in issues like being unable to like videos.
The larger the app cache, the more likely you will succumb to this issue.
Solution: Clear the cache for the TikTok app on your phone. To go this, take the following steps from within the app:
- Tap on your Profile icon in the bottom-right of the screen
- Tap on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) icon at the top-right of the screen
- Tap on Settings and privacy and go to the Free up space section
- Tap on Clear
Conclusion
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Why won’t TikTok let me like videos?” you can try out the provided solutions until you find the fix that worked for you. It is a more common issue than you may think, but thankfully there are several ways to resolve it.
