With 62.3 million Filipino users, TikTok Live offers immense potential to brands and sellers in the Philippines. However, to live sell successfully on TikTok, you need to understand the subtle yet critical compliance challenges that many tend to overlook.
TikTok takes its community guidelines seriously. Just recently, the platform reported removing 4.5 million videos from the Philippines between July and September 2024. Even more impressive, 99 percent were taken down before anyone had the chance to report them.
What makes compliance even more challenging is that the rules and guidelines continue to change over time.
Fortunately, the TikTok Shop team regularly offers webinars and training sessions for its sellers. And in recent FMCG training, they covered some of the most common TikTok Live mistakes in the Philippines.
We are sharing those exact TikTok live rules and standards with you straight from TikTok’s experts. These include not just theoretical tips but also practical insights to help your brand build a successful and secure presence on Live.
Understanding TikTok's Violation Point System
Like any e-commerce platform out there, TikTok comes with clear rules that every seller and creator is expected to follow. And when those rules are broken, TikTok keeps track using something called the Violation Point System.
This system assigns points to your account each time you commit a violation. That could be anything from uploading inaccurate product info to missing key requirements during a livestream. And the more serious the violation, the more points you get.
Here’s how the scale works:
- 0 to 11 points: You’re in the safe zone.
- 12 to 23 points: You’ll start getting closer monitoring and warnings.
- 24 to 35 points: Some shop functions may be restricted.
- 36 to 48 points: You’re at high risk of suspension.
- 48+ points: Your shop may be permanently removed.
It’s important to know that not all violations are equal. Minor issues may add 1 or 2 points, while more serious infractions—like promoting restricted items or sharing misleading claims—can cost you 6 to 8 points in one go.
What makes this system fair is that points expire after 180 days, giving you a chance to reset if you keep your record clean. There’s also an appeal process if you feel a penalty was given in error.
For sellers who go live, this matters even more. Many violations happen during livestreams, like forgetting to tag products, showing restricted content, or using pre-recorded video. These may seem like small issues, but they can quickly add up.
15 Common TikTok Live Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Now, let’s get to the critical part. According to TikTok experts, these are the most common and often overlooked mistakes brands make during Live selling. We are not covering every rule here, just the ones that sellers and livestreamers tend to miss and that can quietly put your account at risk.
1. Music-related Violations in TikTok Live
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐
Using the wrong background music during a TikTok Live can result in immediate violations. While the platform allows creators to use a multitude of sounds in content, TikTok’s rules for livestreams are stricter.
You cannot use Sounds or Commercial Sounds during a livestream. Even background music playing in your store can put your stream at risk.
If you plan to use your own recorded music or perform music live, you must have the full rights and permissions to do so. In some cases, TikTok may have obtained licenses for users to perform copyrighted songs, like covers, as long as you perform the song as written, without using any pre-recorded tracks.
Always use royalty-free or fully licensed audio, or simply go Live without music to avoid the risk altogether.
2. Skipping Clear Disclosure While Selling Live
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐
If you are selling on TikTok Live, it is not enough that your content looks promotional. TikTok requires clear disclosure. Failing to do so could result in a Suspected Advertisement violation.
As a merchant or creator, you need to enable the Content Disclosure setting before going live. Choose “Promotional content” if you are showcasing your own products, or “Paid partnership” if you are featuring a third-party brand.
TikTok treats undisclosed advertising seriously, even if it seems obvious to viewers. Skipping this step can result in content being flagged or removed for violating the Branded Content Policy.
For safe TikTok Live selling, always make it clear when a product is being promoted, especially if incentives, partnerships, or third-party features are involved.
3. Not Listing Item Before the Live Starts
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐
Here’s another way to get a Suspected Advertisement violation: selling on Live without adding products to your shopping cart.
Yes, even if you mention or show the product during your stream, TikTok can still flag it as unauthorized advertising if there are no items listed in your shopping cart. The platform sees this as promotional content that is not properly disclosed or structured.
So, before you start your live session, be sure to bind at least one product to your stream.
4. Dressing Inappropriately and Displaying Irrelevant Branding
Degree of Severity: 
Strength of punishment:
What you wear on TikTok Live truly matters. Dressing inappropriately, even unintentionally, can lead to violations, especially if your attire is too revealing or not aligned with community standards.
To help with this, TikTok released a dress map as a guide for what is considered acceptable clothing on Live. See the image below:
But it is not just about clothing. Displaying logos of brands unrelated to your shop can get your stream flagged too.
For example, if someone in the background is wearing a shirt with a competing brand, this might be seen as unauthorized branding. Or if you’re sipping coffee from a mug with a recognizable coffee shop logo, that could also be an issue. These can lead to TikTok Live violations.
To stay safe, keep your background clean, your visuals aligned with your brand, and your outfits professional.
5. Smoking and Drinking During TikTok Live
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TikTok takes a strict stance against any form of smoking or alcohol consumption during Live streams, regardless of intent. Showing these products in your content or during a broadcast is a clear violation of TikTok’s community guidelines.
Smoking, vaping, or drinking alcohol—even during celebrations or offhand moments—can be flagged as inappropriate behavior. TikTok aims to protect younger audiences and maintain a safe, respectful environment on the platform.
That means even a quick puff or a sip on cam, whether intentional or not, could put your Live access at risk. Here are other cases and examples you should be aware of:
- You are off-camera, but the exhaled smoke is visible on screen.
- Your body is in frame, and although your head is outside, the act of smoking is clearly seen.
- The cigarette lights up or emits smoke within the frame.
- Your co-host smokes during the Live—even if you are not the one doing it.
- You drink while showcasing or explaining an alcoholic product.
The Bottom line: Keep your stream clean and professional.
6. Out-of-app Traffic / Redirect Traffic
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐
Another common mistake during TikTok Live is telling viewers to buy or message you outside the app. This is called an Out-of-App Traffic or Redirect Traffic violation.
TikTok strictly prohibits any attempt to lead your audience away from the platform during a live stream. This includes both spoken and written instructions that encourage people to visit other apps or websites.
What Counts as Redirecting Traffic?
- Mentioning other platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp
Saying things like “Check out our full catalog on Shopee” or “Message me on WhatsApp for prices” - Flashing QR codes, usernames, or web links on screen that lead to third-party sites or stores
- Sharing personal contact info such as email and phone number, with the intention of taking orders outside TikTok
- Typing external platform links or usernames in the Live comments or pinned messages
- Even if your goal is to help customers or expand reach, TikTok sees this as a violation because it pulls traffic away from its ecosystem.
Even if your goal is to help customers or expand reach, TikTok sees this as a violation because it pulls traffic away from its ecosystem.
7. Underage Commercial Behavior
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Many creators love featuring kids in their content. We totally understand. Kids are adorable, right? But on TikTok Live, having minors promote or demonstrate products is a direct violation of the platform’s rules.
TikTok has zero tolerance for content involving minors in commercial activities. You must ensure no one under 18 years old participates in, or is seen promoting, products or services on your Live streams.
Minors can be present in your Live stream if an adult is clearly in the frame with them. Also, certain products are generally allowed for display or use by minors, such as kids’ or baby toys, clothing, shoes, and musical instruments. Just ensure they are not actively promoting or selling.
8. "Still Frame" and Non-Interactive Content
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐
Remember those viral sleep streams where people would just doze off on camera? While that kind of content once gained traction for its spontaneity, it is no longer allowed on TikTok Live.
TikTok now requires active, real-time interaction during Live sessions. Streaming yourself while asleep or remaining completely still and unresponsive can lead to a Still Frame Violation.
TikTok explicitly states that still frames and non-interactive content can result in “enforcement actions that impact your account health.”
According to TikTok, a livestream is considered static or still when there is no visible movement or speech from the host. This includes failing to engage with the audience or simply staying out of the frame. Yes, being off-screen for too long is also a violation.
TikTok requires hosts to be visibly active on screen, whether through movement, conversation, or product interaction. Make sure to provide product introductions, explain features clearly, and give a hands-on demonstration.
If you really need to step away, TikTok allows the use of the pause feature, but only up to 3 times per livestream. Anything beyond that may affect your account’s standing.
9. Pirated Livestream / Recorded Livestream
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Still frame content is one thing, but streaming pirated or pre-recorded videos as if they were live is a much more serious offense on TikTok.
As mentioned, TikTok Live is built for real-time interactive engagement. Whether you are broadcasting someone else’s content, uploading recorded demos, or trying to loop a previously recorded Live, that behavior goes against TikTok’s rules.
According to TikTok, live streamers must actively interact with viewers in real-time during LIVE, patiently explain their products, and deliver positive LIVE content.
To stay compliant, make sure your content is original, your interaction is active, and your stream is truly live.
10. Gambling and Gamification Behavior
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There’s no room for gambling on TikTok.In fact, the platform prohibits not only content about gambling games, but also all gamified behaviors.
Gamification occurs when a seller uses elements of gameplay or chance as a buyer engagement technique. This means you can’t use any content or activities that involve elements of chance for user engagement or product sales, such as Lucky Spin/Wheel, Giveaway Entry, Lucky Scoop, lucky numbers, lucky ball, and Lucky Draw.
Even selling surprise-based products like mystery boxes, which were popular on Shopee before, isn’t allowed on TikTok Shop or Live.
If you want to use elements of gameplay to engage with your audience, TikTok offers two features that can be used during a live stream:
Instead of prohibited gamification, TikTok offers two approved features for engaging your audience during Live streams: “Join to Win” Countdown Giveaways, which reward viewers simply for joining your livestream, and “Comment to Win” Countdown Giveaways, where viewers participate by leaving a comment. Both features utilize a countdown that automatically and randomly selects winners.
11. Misleading and Exaggerated Claims
Degree of Severity:
Strength of punishment:
As merchants, we naturally believe in our products. And sometimes, we get carried away claiming they are the best in the country or even the entire continent. But on TikTok Live, misleading and exaggerated claims like this can lead to serious penalties.
TikTok strictly prohibits content that includes false promises or unverifiable claims, especially when it comes to health and beauty products. This includes promises of “instant” results, unproven medical benefits, or inaccurate comparisons to other products.
Here are examples of what violations may look like:
- Exaggerating product effects
Example: “Your dark skin will instantly become fair after using our facial wash.” - Using medical language without a basis
Example: “This cream can treat facial redness and other skin conditions—buy it now.” - Making absolute or unverifiable claims
Example: “Your face will definitely get lighter after using this cream.” “This cream is 100% natural.”
All claims made during your Live must be truthful, accurate, and backed by evidence. Failing to do so can lead to penalties like content removal, restricted Live features, or even account suspension.
Always remember, your content must accurately represent your products. Maintain honesty and integrity in all promotional messages to avoid penalties.
12. Making False Promises
Degree of Severity:
Strength of punishment:
Offering giveaways or promos during TikTok Live can be engaging, but failing to follow TikTok’s strict rules can quickly lead to violations. One of the most common mistakes sellers make is making promises they do not document properly.
For example, consider this case:
A seller promises a free iPhone with the purchase of a smartwatch, but does not list this offer on the product title or listing page.
This is considered a false promise, and TikTok flags it as misleading content. Even if it is mentioned verbally or shown during the livestream, if the same commitment is not reflected in the official listing, the content may be taken down.
TikTok has outlined clear requirements for giveaway-type promotions during Live selling:
- The giveaway must truly be free—no hidden conditions or extra fees.
- Cash, virtual currency, or gift cards are not allowed as giveaway items.
- The following details must be stated upfront in the product listing or livestream content.
- The giveaway mechanics (e.g., “Comment to win”)
- The number of winners or giveaway items
- The selection process for winners
- How viewers can claim their prize
To protect your brand and avoid getting flagged, always ensure full transparency in both your spoken content and your listings.
13. Irrelevant Product Promotion
Degree of Severity:
Strength of punishment:
Promoting products that do not match the actual content of your livestream or video is considered an Irrelevant Product Promotion violation on TikTok.
For instance, if your livestream only shows you eating, walking, or chatting, but your product card features something unrelated, TikTok may flag it. The product shown in your content must match what is listed in the product card, Shop Window, or listing page.
To stay compliant, always make sure the product is clearly shown or explained during your Live. The content should stay focused and relevant to the item being promoted, ensuring consistency across your live session and the product information on your shop.
TikTok expects consistency between your live content and product listing to maintain trust and platform quality.
14. Weight Management Content
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
TikTok has strict rules around content that promotes weight management. In fact, some weight-related products are not even allowed to be listed on TikTok Shop or promoted through ads.
Here are examples of claims that are not allowed on the platform:
- Claiming that a product can help with weight gain or loss, fasting, dieting, reducing body fat, or achieving a slimmer physique
- Suggesting that someone can lose or gain weight solely by consuming a specific product or following a program without exercise
- Promising guaranteed or easy weight loss or weight gain
- Stating specific figures, like how many calories or kilos can be lost by using a product
- Claiming that a product is a clinically approved medication or prescribed by doctors or certified specialists
- Claiming that a product can suppress appetite, reduce cravings, block nutrient absorption, make someone feel full, or boost metabolism
- Claiming that a product can cure or reduce obesity
- Using before-and-after body transformation images to show the effects of weight gain or loss
Even if you include personal testimonials, certifications, or awards, these do not exempt your content from TikTok’s rules. Always promote responsibly and avoid any form of exaggeration or unproven health claims.
15. Sharing Others’ Personal Information
Degree of Severity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strength of punishment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
During TikTok Live, it is easy to get caught up in real-time interactions. While answering questions, reading comments, or acknowledging buyers on the spot, you might accidentally reveal personal information. However, be very careful not to make this serious TikTok Live mistake.
According to TikTok’s Privacy & Security rules, sharing content with personal details like phone numbers, addresses, financial info, or private messages is not allowed.
What’s more, mentioning a viewer’s full name, showing screenshots of chats, or exposing customer details on shipping labels also go against the rules.
As a Live seller, it is your responsibility to protect your audience’s identity. So, avoid reading out order information, showing personal chats, or revealing any detail that could lead to stalking, identity theft, or fraud.
Avoid Getting Banned on TikTok Live in the Philippines
By now, you understand that running a TikTok Live requires close attention to the platform’s specific rules. It’s important to stay fully informed about these ever-changing rules and standards to protect your store and brand on the platform.
If you need expert support to ensure your live selling is both safe and effective in the Philippines, Be Global E-commerce Corporation is here to help. Our team can work with you to build a TikTok Live strategy that complies with platform policies and aligns with your business goals.
Book a session with our experts and let’s start building a TikTok Live strategy.
