TikTok has grown into a global platform with over a billion users, offering a steady stream of short videos that users can engage with through likes, comments, and shares. However, one of the most common frustrations among UK users is discovering that TikTok won’t let them like videos.
While it may appear to be a technical glitch at first, the reasons behind this issue can be more complex. Whether it’s a platform-wide restriction, a privacy setting, or even a spam prevention mechanism, there are multiple scenarios where liking a video might not be possible.
In this guide, we explore all the potential reasons why TikTok is not letting you like videos, and we offer practical solutions to help restore full functionality to your account.
How Does TikTok’s Rate Limiting Prevent You From Liking?
TikTok employs rate limiting as a safeguard against spammy or bot-like behaviour. The platform has algorithms in place to detect and restrict accounts that engage too aggressively in liking or following activities.
When a user likes too many videos in a short timeframe, TikTok interprets this as potential spam. As a result, the system may silently “unlike” those videos or prevent the user from liking anything else for a set period.
This restriction is often temporary but can be confusing because the app may not issue a warning or error message in every case.
How to Check If You’ve Been Rate Limited?
One of the simplest ways to determine whether your account has been rate limited is to perform a quick test:
- Like a video, then immediately go to your profile.
- Check your liked videos tab to see if the video appears.
- If the like has vanished, your account is likely under temporary restriction.
Alternatively, you may see that the heart icon (like button) doesn’t remain red or filled in after tapping. This also suggests you are currently unable to like videos.
Could You Be Trying to Like Deleted or Removed Content?
Another common reason users are unable to like a video on TikTok is that the video has already been removed or deleted. TikTok videos may be removed either by the original creator or by TikTok itself due to violations of the community guidelines.
When TikTok removes a video, it becomes invisible to users on the platform, and interactions such as likes or comments are no longer possible.
However, if a video was deleted by TikTok, the poster might still see it during the appeal process, making it appear available while remaining inaccessible to others.
The same goes for user accounts. If a creator’s account is banned, suspended, or deleted, you won’t be able to engage with their content, even if the profile is still temporarily visible.
Key Indicators That a Video Has Been Deleted
| Indicator | Explanation |
| Video does not appear in the For You feed | Likely removed or deleted |
| Cannot interact despite seeing the thumbnail | Video still cached, but has been taken down |
| Account shows “User not found” or similar | Indicates account suspension or deletion by TikTok |
Are Privacy Settings Preventing You From Liking a Video?
TikTok provides creators with several privacy options that may prevent users from liking their videos. These restrictions can apply to both the video and the user account.
Common Scenarios That May Block Likes:
- Private Videos: Videos set to “Private” are visible only to the user who uploaded them. No interactions are allowed.
- Friends Only: Some videos are set to be visible and interactive only to mutual followers.
- Private Accounts: If the account itself is private, you won’t be able to like their videos unless your follow request is approved.
- Blocked Users: If you’ve been blocked by a user, or you’ve blocked them, you won’t be able to view or like their content.
These privacy restrictions are intentional and ensure that creators retain control over who interacts with their posts.
If you suspect you’ve been blocked, it’s worth checking whether you can view the user’s profile or comment on their videos. If not, it’s likely that either you or they has enacted a block.
Is a Poor Internet Connection Preventing Your Likes?
All interactions on TikTok, including liking a video, require a live internet connection. If your device is connected to a weak or unstable network, your taps on the like button might not register at all.
It’s common for this to happen in areas with patchy mobile data or slow Wi-Fi. Because TikTok doesn’t always notify users when their action has failed, the problem might go unnoticed until it persists.
Ways to Improve Connectivity:
- Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Restart your router if using home internet.
- Toggle your device’s Airplane Mode on and off.
- Perform a speed test to confirm the quality of your internet.
Once your device is reconnected properly, reopen TikTok and attempt to like the same video again. If your connection was the issue, it should now be resolved.
Could a Glitch or Bug Be Causing the Problem?
Even though TikTok is one of the most advanced apps in the social media space, it’s not immune to glitches. Occasionally, updates or server-side bugs can cause the like button to stop working correctly.
These problems are especially common during large app updates or when TikTok is experimenting with new features. If multiple functions are failing, such as likes, comments, or shares, it may point to a temporary bug.
The solution here is usually simple: update the app or wait for TikTok’s technical team to resolve the issue.
Recommended Actions:
| Action | Purpose |
| Update the TikTok app | Fix known bugs with the latest patch |
| Restart your phone | Refresh device memory and cache |
| Uninstall and reinstall TikTok | Clears corrupted app data |
| Visit DownDetector | Check if other users are facing issues |
Is Your App Cache Interfering With Functionality?
The TikTok app relies heavily on its cache to deliver smooth playback and quick content loading. Over time, this cache can accumulate outdated or corrupted data that interferes with features like liking, commenting, or uploading.
A full cache doesn’t just slow down the app, it can cause certain actions to appear completed on your screen while never actually registering with TikTok’s servers.
How to Clear TikTok Cache:
- Open the TikTok app.
- Go to your Profile.
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings and Privacy.
- Scroll to Free Up Space.
- Tap Clear Cache.
This process takes only a few seconds and often resolves app performance issues without affecting your account or content.
What Can You Do When You’re Rate Limited?
If TikTok has temporarily restricted your ability to like videos, it can be frustrating. However, there are alternative ways to engage with content while you wait for the restrictions to be lifted.
Alternative Actions While Rate Limited
| Alternative | Description | |
| Bookmark the video | Save to “Favourites” for later engagement | |
| Leave a positive comment | Express appreciation without using the like feature | |
| Save the account URL | Revisit the account later if it remains active | |
| Interact via live streams | Send hearts or virtual gifts (rate limits don’t usually affect live streams) | |
| Wait at least 24 hours | Most rate limits are lifted after a day of inactivity |
If the restriction persists for more than 48 hours despite reduced activity, it is advisable to report the issue directly through TikTok’s support channel.
How Can You Avoid This Problem in the Future?
Maintaining healthy engagement habits on TikTok ensures you avoid being flagged by the platform’s spam detection systems.
Many users unknowingly trigger these filters by treating the app like a rapid-scroll video machine, liking hundreds of posts within minutes.
Here are a few long-term habits to adopt:
- Avoid mass-liking: Don’t like too many videos in a short period.
- Watch before you like: Let the video play for a few seconds before interacting.
- Don’t use third-party tools: Automation and bots are against TikTok’s terms of use.
- Stay updated: Keep your app version current to benefit from stability improvements.
These strategies not only keep your account in good standing but also improve the overall TikTok experience.
Table: Summary of Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
| Can’t like any videos | Rate-limited due to rapid liking | Pause activity, wait 24 hours |
| Like button doesn’t work | App bug or outdated version | Update the app, clear cache |
| Likes disappear after tapping | TikTok spam filter activation | Slow down, bookmark content instead |
| Can’t like one specific video | Video deleted or set to private | No fix; check for account or video status |
| App generally misbehaving | Glitches or corrupted cache | Reinstall app, check network connectivity |
FAQs
Why can’t I like videos on TikTok anymore?
This could be due to being rate-limited, attempting to like private or deleted content, or technical issues within the app.
How long does TikTok’s like restriction last?
Typically, it lasts 24 hours but may extend based on your account behaviour.
Can I still comment if I’m rate-limited from liking?
Yes. TikTok usually restricts only specific actions. Commenting is often still allowed.
How can I prevent getting blocked from liking in the future?
Engage naturally, avoid mass-liking, and watch videos before interacting.
Will reinstalling TikTok fix my like issues?
In most cases, yes. It clears corrupted app data and refreshes permissions.
Why does TikTok remove likes after I tap the heart?
TikTok’s spam detection system might be interpreting your behaviour as automated or suspicious.
Should I contact TikTok support if the issue doesn’t go away?
Yes. Use the in-app “Report a Problem” feature if restrictions last beyond 48 hours.
