Typically plaster ceiling cracks have two causes.
Roof leaked and niw my ceiling plaster is cracked.
The jointing compound will cover the tape and be reinforced by the tape.
Ceiling cracks in plaster ceilings.
If your ceilings are plastered cracks are often attributable to weathering of the plaster.
Delaminating cracks these cracks are a sign of plaster pulling away from the lath behind it.
In addition water damage from roof or plumbing leaks can discolor plaster and cause peeling or efflorescence the leaching of salts and minerals to the surface.
When plaster begins to pull away from the lath there is a chance it may fall away from the wall or ceiling and come crashing down.
These show up on both ceilings and walls but can be the most dangerous on ceilings.
Some plaster is of poor quality and this may cause the plaster to crack and crumble.
If you live in a home with plaster ceilings and you begin to see cracks they may be caused by moisture and or movement.
Cracks in drywall can be caused by truss uplift or vibrations from an appliance such as a ceiling fan.
If they are bigger and sections of plaster are falling you will probably have to remove the plaster and replace it with a drywall section.
If the crack is between drywall sheets along ceiling joists then use drywall screws to hold the two sheets of plasterboard immobile and approximately level with each other.
Small cracks can be repaired by applying plaster.
Large cracks and a bowed ceiling.