Digital Exodus: Nigerian Creators Flock to Facebook After TikTok Bans Top Accounts, Including VDM With 2.7M Followers.
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian digital space was thrown into a frenzy following the sudden and permanent removal of two of its most prominent TikTok personalities, sending a wave of panic and uncertainty through the creator community.
The catalyst was the banning of the controversial but hugely popular influencer, VeryDarkMan (VDM), whose account boasted a massive 2.7 million followers. This move by TikTok came only hours after another major creator, GehGeh, with over 3 million followers, also had her account taken down.
The simultaneous disappearance of these two major accounts has left social media users asking one pressing question: what is really going on?
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A Pattern of Punishment or a “Mass Cleanup”?
For many Nigerian creators, these high-profile bans are not isolated incidents but part of a frustrating pattern. There is a growing sentiment that TikTok’s moderation system is often unpredictable and sometimes targets accounts without clear justification.
While some speculate that TikTok is engaged in a “mass cleanup” to purge controversial figures and align with global community standards, others see a more “hidden agenda.” Regardless of the reason, the consequence is a deep-seated feeling of instability among creators who have invested years of work, money, and energy into building their platforms.
“This is very wrong and bad for business,” a comment from a fellow creator read. “Look at what VDM has done; he used his platform to get help for many people. To just wipe that out overnight feels incredibly unfair.”
The core of the frustration lies in the finality of a permanent ban. For a creator like VDM, losing a 2.7 million-follower account isn’t just a setback; it’s the destruction of a personal brand and a primary source of income. Many are now calling for TikTok to implement more nuanced forms of punishment, such as temporary suspensions or demonetization, rather than resorting to the digital death penalty.
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The Facebook Alternative: A New “Oil Well” for Creators?
This recent turmoil has accelerated a shift that was already underway. Nigerian creators are increasingly turning their attention to Facebook, and the timing is no coincidence.
Recently, Facebook (under the Meta umbrella) rolled out its monetization programs for Nigerian creators, a long-awaited move that opened up a new revenue stream. Where TikTok was once the undisputed king of short-form video engagement, Facebook is now being viewed as a more stable and financially viable “new oil well.”
TikTok’s strength in Nigeria was built on its vibrant community and ease of virality. However, the perceived threat of arbitrary account bans is now a significant weakness. Creators are realizing that building a house on a foundation that can be swept away without clear explanation is a risky business strategy.
A Warning to the Giants
The message from Nigeria’s digital class is clear: loyalty is conditional on stability. If platform giants like TikTok continue to enforce permanent bans without transparent communication and a fair appeals process, they risk a steady downsizing of their most valuable asset—their creators.
The internet in Nigeria was definitely shaken today. But more than that, it may have reached a tipping point. The journey for many is now shifting from the familiar streets of TikTok to the promising shores of Facebook, and the status of Nigerian social media could be changing for good.
Digital Exodus: Nigerian Creators Flock to Facebook After TikTok Bans Top Accounts, Including VDM With 2.7M Followers.
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