As a TikTok agency, we know it may sound straightforward choosing the right TikTok account for your brand, but actually, there are benefits that come with both account types and can require a bit more consideration.
So what’s best for your brand, you ask?
In this blog, we outline and compare the features of a TikTok Business Account vs. a Personal Account to assist you in deciding which is the best option for your needs.
Types of TikTok accounts
On TikTok, there are two types of accounts to choose from: Personal (previously referred to as Creator) and Business.
Here’s a brief overview of what each account type offers:
What is a TikTok Personal Account?
This is the default TikTok account type. If you’re just starting out on TikTok, the personal account is the standard option for new users.
With a personal account, users can create videos, follow creators, like and comment on content, and engage with the TikTok community in a more informal manner.
This type of account focuses more on the enjoyment of the platform’s content and social interactions, rather than providing advanced analytics or advertising tools like the Business Account.
What is a TikTok Business Account?
TikTok business accounts offer a range of benefits for brands and businesses. They provide access to analytics, which helps in understanding audience demographics, viewing insights on content performance, and refining strategies.
These accounts also facilitate advertising opportunities, allowing businesses to reach a broader audience through TikTok Ads Manager.
Additionally, these accounts offer tools for direct engagement with followers, facilitating interaction and fostering a community around the brand or business.
Main differences between both account types
- Access to sounds
Personal Accounts have access to more sounds, including all trending audio. You have access to both sounds and commercial sounds, which also means you can choose sounds without the copyright issues and sounds being removed.
With a Business Account, you have access to commercial sounds only and not every trending sound on TikTok, ultimately limiting the ability to participate in audio-based trends.
- Access to analytics
Business Accounts have full access to and can download their analytics through TikTok’s Web Business Suite.
With a Personal Account, whilst this comes with an in-app view of your analytics, it’s limited to a 60 day range and you are unable to download any data.
- Access to TikTok’s Development Programmes
Personal Accounts are eligible for monetisation features within the TikTok Creator Next and TikTok Creativity Programme for creators.
With a Business Account, these programmes are not available through business accounts.
- Privacy Settings
Business Accounts on TikTok are set to public by default and lack the option to change privacy settings.
With a Personal Account, you have the option to set your account to private, allowing only approved users to follow you and view your videos.
How to switch to a Business Account on TikTok
To switch from a Personal to a Business Account, follow these simple steps:
- Tap Profile at the bottom right.
- Tap the 3-line icon in the top right and go to settings.
- Tap Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Account.
- Tap Switch to Business Account and follow the instructions to finish.
How to switch to a Personal Account on TikTok
Whilst TikTok doesn’t recommend switching back and forth between business and personal accounts, if you wish to, follow these steps:
- Tap Profile at the bottom right.
- Tap the 3-line icon in the top right and go to settings.
- Tap Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Manage Account.
- Tap Switch to Personal Account.
Now you’re ready to get started with your own TikTok account! Whether that’s to opt for a Business or Personal Account, you now have all the information you need to choose the account type that suits you and your brand the most.
About Nonsensical
We’re a TikTok agency based in the UK who’s TikTok services include, strategy, social media management, influencer, paid social and TikTok Shop.
You can find more TikTok insight from us in our Substack – The TikTok Sauce that releases every 2 weeks.
