TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform for users to showcase their creativity, connect with a global audience, and even build a brand. As TikTok continues to gain popularity, users are faced with a crucial decision – should they opt for a personal account or take the plunge into the realm of business accounts?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between TikTok personal and business accounts to help you make an informed decision based on your goals.
What is a TikTok Personal account?
A TikTok personal account is the default setting when you sign up for the platform. It’s suitable to use TikTok for personal enjoyment, sharing content with friends, and exploring diverse trends and challenges. With a personal account, you have access to the full suite of TikTok features, including video creation, duets, and the ability to engage with others through comments, likes, and shares.
Benefits of a TikTok personal account
A TikTok personal account is a great way to express oneself, connect with others, and grow one’s online presence. Here are some benefits of such an account:
- Ease of Use: The interface on the app is user-friendly and intuitive, making it simple for anyone to create and share their own videos.
- Casual Content: You have complete control over the content you post. It’s a fun and engaging platform where you can share your talents and engage with a community of people who appreciate your content.
- Privacy Control: Privacy Control: If you have a personal account on TikTok, you have the option to make it private. This will restrict the visibility of your content to only those who follow you. As a result, you can keep your brand exclusive to a select group of people.
- Unlimited Use of the Audio Library: A personal TikTok account allows users to create unique and engaging content with unlimited access to the audio library. This means there are no restrictions on the types of content users can create, giving them the freedom to express themselves in any way they choose.
- Eligibility for TikTok Creator Next Program: Being eligible for the program can be a huge benefit for personal TikTok accounts as it can open up new opportunities for creators to showcase their talent and gain recognition on the platform.
- Access to Analytics: You can see metrics such as views, likes, shares, comments, and engagement rates, which can help you understand your audience better and create content that resonates with them.
- Ability to Promote Videos: A personal TikTok account allows you to increase the visibility of your content to a wider audience. By promoting your videos, you can reach people who are not yet following you and potentially gain more followers and engagement on your account.
Limitations of a TikTok personal account
While TikTok has a lot of features that make it fun and engaging, there are also some limitations when it comes to using a personal account. Those include:
- Messaging limitations: TikTok personal account users cannot send direct messages to other users unless they follow each other. This can be a limitation for individuals who want to connect with other users for networking or promotional purposes.
- Website link limitations: TikTok personal accounts can add only one clickable link to their profile, and this link can only direct users to another social media platform or a website. This can be a limitation for those wanting to promote multiple websites or products.
- Limited management tools: Through a personal TikTok account, users have limited management tools to manage their accounts. They cannot schedule posts, moderate comments, or analyze their account’s performance. This can be a limitation for individuals who want to use TikTok for business purposes.
- Analytics limitations: TikTok personal accounts can only view basic data such as the number of likes, shares, and comments on their posts. This can be a limitation for individuals who want to track their account’s performance and make data-driven decisions.
What is a TikTok Business account?
TikTok business accounts are designed for individuals, creators, or companies looking to leverage the platform for marketing, brand promotion, and analytics. By switching to a business account, users can unlock additional features that are tailored to help them achieve their marketing objectives.
Let’s explore some of the benefits that come with the business switch.
Benefits of a TikTok business account
If you’re looking to promote your brand or business on TikTok, setting up a business account can be a great way to get started. Here are some of the benefits:
- Analytics and Insights: TikTok’s Business Suite allows businesses to create and manage their TikTok campaigns. It provides access to tools like the Ads Manager, which enables businesses to create and optimize their ads, set budgets, and target their desired audience.
- Messaging opportunities: TikTok’s messaging feature enables businesses to communicate with their customers directly. This feature allows businesses to respond to customer queries, address concerns, and build customer relationships.
- Promotional Opportunities: TikTok provides businesses with a wide range of promotional opportunities, such as sponsored ads and hashtag challenges. These promotional opportunities help businesses increase their brand awareness, reach new customers, and create engaging content.
- Enhanced Profile Features: This feature also allows businesses to add links to their website or other social media accounts, making it easier for customers to find them. If you have a small online business or a B2B marketplace platform you can easily add your link on your TikTok profile.
- Third-party tools integration: TikTok’s Business Suite integrates with third-party tools, allowing businesses to automate their TikTok campaigns and make data-driven decisions. This integration streamlines the campaign creation process, making it easier for businesses to manage their campaigns.
- Access to the in-app Business Creative Hub: It offers templates, music, and video editing tools, making it easier for businesses to create high-quality content that resonates with their audience.
Limitations of a TikTok business account
Just like a personal TikTok account, business accounts also have their limitations. Here are some:
- Limited sound library: Unlike personal accounts, business accounts have access to a smaller selection of sounds to incorporate into their videos. This can make it difficult for businesses to create engaging and entertaining content that resonates with their target audience.
- No access to creator programs: These programs are designed to help creators grow their audience and monetize their content. Without access to these programs, businesses may find it more challenging to reach new customers and increase their brand awareness on the platform.
- Limited stitching or duet options: Stitching and duetting are popular features on TikTok that allow users to engage with other creators and collaborate on content. However, business accounts have limited options for these features, which can make it challenging to build relationships with other creators and grow their following on the platform.
Choosing the Right Account for You: TikTok Personal Account vs. Business Account
When it comes to choosing between a TikTok Personal Account vs. Business Account, it all boils down to your goals and needs. If you’re only looking to have fun and entertain yourself, then a personal account is perfect for you. However, if you’re a business owner looking to promote your brand, products, or services, then a business account is the way to go. For example, using a TikTok business account to deploy a social media marketing strategy for hotels can transform how your businesses connect with potential guests and find opportunities to set you apart in a crowded market
With a business account, you’ll have access to analytics, paid advertising, and other features that can help you grow your business on TikTok and also have a positive impact on your customer success process. But, no matter which account type you choose, the key is to create compelling content that resonates with your target audience.
The Bottom Line
Both TikTok personal and business accounts have their merits, catering to different needs and objectives. Whether you’re in it for fun, self-expression, or business promotion, TikTok offers a versatile platform with options tailored to suit your preferences.
Carefully consider your goals and priorities before making the switch, and remember that TikTok allows users to switch between account types, ensuring flexibility as your needs evolve over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it better to have a TikTok business account or a personal one?
It is better to have a TikTok business account if you are using the platform to promote your brand or business. However, if you are just using it for personal use, a personal account would suffice.
Do business accounts get more views on TikTok?
There is no definitive answer to whether business accounts get more views on TikTok. However, having a business account allows you to access certain features and analytics that can help you optimize your content and reach a wider audience.
Is it worth switching to TikTok business?
It can be worth switching to TikTok business if your target audience is active on the platform and you have a strategy in place to engage with them effectively.
Is there a downside to the TikTok business account?
There can be a few downsides to the TikTok business account, such as limited analytics and targeting options, brand safety concerns, and limited options for customer support.
