Snapchat, like all social media apps and networks, has to self-regulate. This is done to prevent spam and trolling and harassment, or to punish users for violating a content policy. It’s necessary if social apps and platforms want to retain users. Snapchat doesn’t have an option to report users like Facebook and Twitter do. It lets you block people but that’s about it. You can’t report a user so any time a user is banned on Snapchat, it’s at the app’s discretion. That’s not to say that Snapchat goes around banning people at random. A Snapchat ban targets users who violate the terms of service and/or misuse the app.
Snapchat Ban Wave
Snapchat doesn’t proactively ban users. If you’re violating its terms, chances are you’ll get away with it for a while unless you’re reported. Large scale blanket bans are enforced in waves and if you aren’t doing anything too crazy, you might even slip through until the next wave hits. Between waves, you can stop your infractions and your account will not be suspended in the next round of bans.
Reasons Snapchat Bans You
Snapchat bans you for three main reasons;
- Sending spam, and engaging in abusive behavior that violates its terms
- Posting illegal content e.g., how to rob a bank
- Posting anything deemed hateful speech or instigating violence
- Adding too many friends with an unverified phone or email
- Using third-party apps and plug-ins to misuse the app
Using a rooted or jailbroken device does not result in a ban.
Avoiding The Snapchat Ban
It’s not that hard to avoid getting banned on Snapchat. Make sure you verify your phone number and/or email and don’t spam users or harass them. Honestly, the guidelines aren’t that hard to follow. The real guideline that users have trouble with is the third-party app or plugin one.
There are apps that allow you to use Snapchat and override some of its security features. For example, some apps and tweaks let you take screenshots of snaps or even save snaps without the other person knowing. This is a clear violation of Snapchat’s terms of service. Snapchat++ is a popular app that, if used, will get you banned. It lets you view a snap without the user knowing and it lets you keep snaps open indefinitely.
Any app or plugin that advertises itself as a way to get around a Snapchat feature is violating the app’s terms of service. You shouldn’t use it. It’s not illegal in the sense that you’ll end up in prison but it will result in a ban.
Appealing A Snapchat Ban
Snapchat doesn’t have an appeal process however, it doesn’t implement a permanent ban right off the bat. If your content has been reported, Snapchat will respond to the report within 24 hours. The content will be removed. If the offence is particularly egregious, your account may be banned. It suspends your account for 24 hours. If you’re locked out, you should wait that long before trying to sign in again.
