I’m Not Allowed To Like TikTok Videos — What’s Wrong?

The name of the game on TikTok (and other social media platforms) is engagement. Content creators’ TikTok presences thrive when people view, like, repost, share, and comment on their videos, because high engagement rates bring in larger audiences for their TikTok posts.

Meanwhile, engaging with influencers and other creators makes the experience more enjoyable for “ordinary” TikTok users who simply enjoy scrolling through their feeds. Being able to show appreciation for someone else’s work with an encouraging comment or a repost, or simply by tapping the “like” button, makes surfers feel like they’re part of the action.

That’s why it can be extremely annoying when you see a TikTok video that you love — but find that the app isn’t allowing you to like it.

What’s the problem? What can you do to fix it? Let’s find out.

1. You Can’t Like Too Many Videos Too Quickly

TikTok wants users to like the TikTok content they enjoy. But the app also wants to block spammers and scammers from ruining things for everyone else.

When you move rapidly through your feed and like virtually every video you see, that raises a red flag for the TikTok algorithms. One of their jobs is to detect and delete likes that come from bots; when you seem to be doing nothing on the platform but liking a stream of videos, your activity could make you look like a bot and you’ll be stopped from further engagement.

Experts say you’re limited to a maximum of 500 likes per day, and fewer likes registered in a short time can get you flagged. If you find you’re unable to like posts, slow down or stop for a while, and be more judicious in the future.

2. You Can’t Like Videos if You’re a Guest on the App

Visitors can watch TikTok videos without signing up for an account. Many other functions of the app are limited for guests, though, and one of them is the ability to like posts. In a nutshell, you can’t register likes if you’re not logged into a TikTok account. Sign up for one, and you can like videos to your heart’s content (remembering the limits we mentioned above, of course).

3. You Might Not Be Allowed to Like Specific Videos

Several potential issues fall into this category.

• The video may have been in the process of being removed when you watched it. Likes won’t be counted if the post is about to disappear.
• You may have somehow been able to see a video created by a user who’s blocked you. You’re not allowed to interact with someone’s content if you’re blocked.
• Similarly, if your account is restricted but you’ve happened to see (or be sent) a “mature subject” post, you won’t be allowed to like it.

4. You Might Be Experiencing Technical Problems

Technological breakthroughs have improved our lives in so many ways that we expect our tech to always work flawlessly. It doesn’t.

Problems at either TikTok or the user’s end can interfere with the app’s normal operation. These are some of the possibilities that might be preventing you from liking videos.

• TikTok’s platform or servers may be experiencing brief technical glitches. These don’t usually last long, so be patient.
• A poor Internet connection can stop you from accessing all of the app’s features. Try using a different network, rebooting your router, or just moving to a different location.
• The app may be locking up or out of storage. Try logging off and back on again, restarting your phone, or clearing your cache (the option is in the “Free up space” section of the “Settings and Profile” menu, accessed from your TikTok profile).
• You may have an older version of the app that needs upgrading.

It can be frustrating to try and like a post but find out that you can’t. That’s understandable, but take a step back and look at the big picture. The real joy of spending time on TikTok is viewing the millions of videos accessible to you. As long as you’re on the app and having a great time, being unable to like a specific vid is really just a small annoyance.