How to block TikTok on your network with Unifi DreamMachine

With over one billion active users worldwide, TikTok has taken the world by storm. Known for its short-form videos, which range from humorous to informative, the social media platform can be quite addictive. While TikTok is a lot of fun for countless people, it can also have a negative impact on your mental health.

Its addictive nature is one of the biggest problems with TikTok. It can lead to excessive screen time because the algorithm is designed to keep you hooked for as long as possible. When you spend too much time on the app, it can cause you to neglect other important areas of your life, such as your work, your relationships, and your self-care. In addition, the constant onslaught of content can make you feel overwhelmed and tired, which can lead to burnout.

The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories is another issue with TikTok. During the COVID-19 outbreak, TikTok has been flooded with false information and conspiracy theories that could make you feel anxious, scared, and confused. Before believing and sharing information, it's significant to be critical of the content you consume and fact-check it.

Finally, TikTok's data collection practices are a cause for concern. Many people are unaware of how their personal information is used, which creates feelings of paranoia and suspicion.

More than one reason to keep TikTok off your network. Let me show you how you can block TikTok with your Unifi DreamMachine.

Configure Content Filtering

While you're logged in your DreamMachine follow these simple steps:

1. Click on the Cog icon in the left navigation bar.
2. Click on Traffic Mangement.
3. Select New Rule in the middle.

In the New Rule form, you have several options to block TikTok. The first option is to use the Unifis App feature. The second option is to manually maintain the TikTok domains you want to block. Personally, I recommend the first option because Ubiquiti maintains the domain list on their end, and you don't have to update your rule regularly.

Option 1: App filtering

In your New Rule form, follow the following steps:

1. If not already selected, select App as the Category.
2. Below that, write TikTok in the field and select it.
3. At the Target, select the devices to apply the rule to. For example, All Devices.
4. Define a Schedule when to apply the rule. I recommend selecting Always.
5. Optionally, you can set a note. Write here what this rule is about.
6. Click on Add Rule on the lower right. That's it.

Option 2: Manually maintain TikTok domains

In your New Rule form, follow the following steps:

1. For the Category, select Domain Name
2. In the next field called Domain Name, click on Batch Add
3. Now copy & paste the list below into the new form and click Add
4. Define a Schedule when to apply the rule. I recommend selecting Always.
5. Optionally, you can set a note. Write here what this rule is about.
6. Click on Add Rule on the lower right. That's it.

TikTok Domain List as of 7th March 2023

bytecdn.cn
byted.org
byteoversea.com
ibytedtos.com
ibyteimg.com
muscdn.com
musemuse.cn
musica.ly
p16-tiktokcdn-com.akamaized.net
tiktok.com
tiktok.com.c.footprint.net
tiktok.net
tiktokcdn.com
tiktokcdn.com.c.worldfcdn.com
tiktokcdn.com.wsdvs.com
tiktokcdn.liveplay.myqcloud.com
tiktokv.com
v.tiktok.com
v.tiktok.net

That's it. I hope that not using TikTok will save you or your colleagues some time.