This algorithm limits the reach of content to users primarily within the same country or region as the account holder. While this may not seem like a huge problem initially, it quickly becomes a challenge for those looking to engage audiences outside their native countries. From influencers attempting to break into international markets to businesses looking to target customers abroad, overcoming these geographic restrictions is essential.
The internet is full of suggestions on how to bypass TikTok’s location-based limitations, but unfortunately, most of these solutions fall short. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common methods used to change your TikTok location, and more importantly, which methods work and which just don’t.
We’ll also dive into the complexities of TikTok’s location tracking to debunk some common myths before introducing the most efficient and reliable solutions.
Many users believe that simply changing their location in the TikTok app settings will allow them to reach audiences in other countries. TikTok does allow users to select a region when posting videos and even change location in their profile settings (Profile > Information > Location and Region).
While this may seem like an easy fix, the reality is that this method doesn’t work effectively. Changing your location manually can still result in minimal exposure to foreign audiences, and worse, it often leads to a shadow ban.
A TikTok shadow ban means that your content will receive very low engagement—without any notification—due to TikTok detecting inconsistency in location data. TikTok’s algorithm is sophisticated and takes into account much more than the location selected in the settings.
• Risk of shadow bans: Changing location without consistent behavior may trigger TikTok to limit your content’s reach.
• Does not reliably alter your audience: TikTok continues to track more accurate location data, making this method largely ineffective.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are another popular method people use to try and trick TikTok into thinking they’re in a different country. By connecting to a VPN server in a country like the United States, the UK, Germany, or Japan, users hope to convince TikTok’s system that they are posting from that location.
• TikTok uses more than IP addresses: TikTok’s algorithm cross-references many data sources, rendering VPNs ineffective.
• May result in limited reach: Even if a VPN works temporarily, TikTok’s system will eventually detect the discrepancy, leading to low engagement or shadow banning.
This method is slightly more advanced but still commonly used. A lot of Reddit messages claim that this method is 100% reliable (see this Reddit post). Is it true?
By inserting a physical SIM card from another country into your phone, you can gain access to that country’s TikTok feed. To do this effectively, after buying a SIM Card from the country you want to target on Amazon, you must:
1. Uninstall TikTok.
2. Change the region and language settings on your phone.
3. Install TikTok again and create a new account, selecting the appropriate region.
4. Only use TikTok on Wi-Fi (avoid using 4G or 5G).
While this method gives you temporary access to another country’s TikTok feed, it doesn’t provide a sustainable solution for posting content to that country’s users. Often, users find that their content is shadow banned or capped at 10 to 200 views per video, despite their efforts. This is because TikTok uses other data points, like the phone’s previous usage patterns, SIM card history, and even Wi-Fi networks, to cross-check location information.
• TikTok uses complex tracking systems: Beyond the SIM card, TikTok uses your device’s history and behavior patterns to detect location inconsistencies.
• Results in a soft lock: Even if you can view content from another country, your own posts may still be restricted to minimal exposure.
For users who are truly determined, there’s a more radical solution that involves using a brand new phone that has never been associated with any other country. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
1. Use a brand new phone that hasn’t been used with a SIM card from any country other than the one you are targeting.
2. Install a VPN before downloading TikTok.
3. Create a TikTok account, ensuring that both the app’s region and language settings match the desired country.
4. Spend 10 to 30 minutes interacting with the app—watching videos, liking, and engaging with content—to mimic normal usage patterns.
5. Post videos only after spending time interacting with local content.
This method is fairly complex but has been shown to work in some cases. However, it is far from practical for regular use, especially if you are targeting multiple countries.
• Expensive and time-consuming: You need a new phone, and this method requires ongoing use to maintain the illusion of normal activity.
• Limited to one country at a time: You can only target one country with this method, meaning it’s not scalable for businesses or influencers aiming to reach multiple regions.
Contrary to popular belief, TikTok doesn’t just rely on IP addresses or GPS location. The platform uses a sophisticated system that incorporates multiple layers of data to determine where a user is really located. Here are some key factors TikTok uses to track location:
1. Mobile network provider data: TikTok tracks which mobile network is being used. For example, if you’re connected to a network based in the US, TikTok assumes you’re located there. However, using a VPN to change the location while on this network raises red flags for TikTok’s system.
2. Similarities among users on the same network: TikTok cross-checks activity patterns and locations of users connected to the same Wi-Fi or mobile network. This helps TikTok distinguish between users who are genuinely in the region and those who are trying to spoof their location.
3. Language settings and previous usage: TikTok tracks the language settings of your phone and app, as well as your previous location history. For example, if you frequently log in from multiple countries, TikTok may use that data to categorize your account as inconsistent, reducing your reach.
4. Content relevance: TikTok also prioritizes content that matches the language, sounds, and hashtags that are popular in the target region. Simply changing your IP address or VPN won’t help if your content doesn’t resonate with the local audience.
If you’re looking for a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solution, TokPortal is the answer. Unlike the previous methods, which are either unreliable or overly complex, TokPortal leverages a network of community managers around the world to create legitimate, localized TikTok accounts in your desired countries.
With TokPortal, you can create TikTok accounts in countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many more. Once the accounts are created, you can manage your posts and activity via the TokPortal dashboard, which allows you to maintain a global TikTok presence without the need for additional phones, SIM cards, or VPNs.
• No risk of shadow bans or soft locks: All accounts are fully legitimate and managed by local professionals.
• Cost-effective: No need to buy multiple smartphones, SIM cards, or expensive VPN services.
• Multiple accounts in multiple countries: Easily manage accounts in various regions from one centralized platform.
• No time wasted mimicking normal activity: You don’t have to spend time imitating normal TikTok usage; simply focus on creating great content.
Trying to create and manage TikTok accounts in different countries can be an incredibly frustrating process with traditional methods.
VPNs, SIM cards, and even new phones can all lead to minimal engagement, shadow bans, or unnecessary complexity.
Ready to expand your global TikTok reach? Sign up for TokPortal today and take control of your international audience engagement effortlessly.
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