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Tik tok faces 97% bot fraud: what it means for users

TikTok's 97% Bot Rate | A Major Concern for Value Assessment?

By

Mohammed Aziz

Apr 16, 2025, 01:39 AM

Edited By

Liam O'Reilly

2 minutes of reading

A digital representation of TikTok's bot activity overshadowing genuine user engagement

As TikTok faces scrutiny over a staggering bot rate of up to 97%, the implications for the platform's valuation have ignited a heated debate among users and industry experts alike. As discussions unfold, how does this affect the advertisers and creators relying on genuine engagement?

The Reach of Bots: A Hidden Threat

The allegations of TikTok's overwhelming bot presence aren't just casual chatter; they raise serious questions about the platform's authenticity and value. If indeed 97% of the activity is bot-driven, the actual number of users engaging with content could be much lower than thought. This discrepancy could potentially mislead advertisers and undermine trust in the platform as a viable marketing tool.

Interestingly, multiple sources affirm that while other social media sites face bot issues too, their rates remain substantially lower, often below 50%. So, what happens if TikTok's user engagement is wishful thinking rather than reality?

Community Sentiment: Mixed Reactions

While some users brush off the concerns surrounding TikTokโ€™s bot rate, arguing that all social media platforms wrestle with similar issues, others are deeply troubled by the ramifications. One user pointedly remarked,

"The profits generated by bots raise concerns about overall user engagement."

This sentiment captures a pervasive worry: that the engagement your brand or content relies on might not be coming from real consumers.

It seems clear that the conversation is split. Although many believe that a shifting focus to authentic interactions could boost value, others fear that purging bots through advanced technology may lead to decreased engagement.

Implications for Advertisers and Creators

Advertisers, aiming for clicks and impressions, must navigate this complex landscape. If TikTok were to adopt technology like Hedera to cleanse bot activity, there's a chance the reality of engagement would reveal a starkly different social media environment. A creator noted,

"The challenge lies not just in the number of users but in genuine engagement metrics."

This sparks a crucial question: could implementing solutions that reduce the bot count ultimately backfire, resulting in a collapse due to lack of interaction?

The community acknowledges the weight of this scenario. The stakes are high; if real users dwindle, so do the profitsโ€”and the platformโ€™s sustainability.

Current Status and Key Insights

As the debate continues to unfold, industry experts are weighing options. Hereโ€™s a snapshot of whatโ€™s being discussed:

  • โš ๏ธ High bot activity: Up to 97% of TikTok engagement may be artificial.

  • โšก Advertiser alarm: The impact on advertising and user retention could be significant.

  • ๐Ÿ” Genuine engagement at risk: Users worry about the potential effects of a shift in focus.

While many users remain unconcerned by the bot rates, this discord indicates undercurrents of worry about the platform's future. The question lingers: Can TikTok afford to risk eliminating bots when it might reveal the true state of its engagement?

As this story develops, expect more analysis on how TikTok, its users, and advertisers navigate these murky waters.