Do I need a business account on TikTok?
/One of the most common questions I hear about getting started on TikTok is, “do I need to have a business account?” While it seems like a natural decision for a business to set up a business account from the start, there are several advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding. Today I’m sharing all the details on when it makes sense to choose a business account versus a personal account as you start creating content for TikTok.
What is a TikTok Business Account?
According to TikTok, a business account is designed for “anyone whose primary goal on TikTok is to promote their business (either a product or service). These are public profiles that offer several features and marketing tools meant to help businesses engage with customers online.
Advantages of a TikTok Business Account
Using a TikTok Business Account makes sense if you want to use any of the following features:
Analytics
While you can still see analytics with a personal account, the analytics in a business account are downloadable, which can be helpful for reporting. For personal accounts, you can only view the last 60 days and only view them in-app.
Running ads
If you plan to run ads for your business, you’ll need a business account to do so. You can’t run ads off a personal account.
Connecting to a third party tool
For those who use third party social media tools, you can only integrate with a third party tool through a business account.
TikTok Shop
Looking to sell products on TikTok? You’ll definitely want a business account! Only businesses can set up TikTok Shop and start selling their products directly on TikTok.
Disadvantages of a TikTok Business Account
Limited access to sounds
This is probably the biggest reason that some organizations will opt not to use a business account on TikTok. Trending sounds can help you grow your account more quickly by participating in fun, viral moments online. Business accounts are only able to use sounds available in the Commercial Music Library. There are thousands of songs in there, but think elevator music, not the trending snippets that accompany many popular videos.
Link in bio
Surprisingly, you don’t automatically get access to a link in your bio just by switching to a business account. You must have 1,000 followers in order to add a link to your bio, whether you’re using a business or a personal account.
Fewer opportunities to stitch or duet
TikTok allows users to “stitch” each other–where your video is essentially a reply adding onto someone else’s video, or to “duet” each other–where your video plays alongside the original creator’s, capturing reactions. Both of these can be great opportunities to join the conversation and grow your following! However, because you are limited to commercial sounds only with a business account, you may not be able to stitch or duet some videos depending on the sounds they are using.
Unable to participate in creator programs
Hoping to utilize TikTok to earn some additional income? Businesses are not able to monetize through TikTok programs like the Creator Fund or Creator Next.
My Recommendation: Start with Personal
The good news is that whatever you decide, you’re not stuck with a business or personal account forever! You can easily switch from one to the other if you change your mind. Additionally, many features are available to both types of accounts, so no matter what you choose, you’ll be able to do things like get verified, go live, share videos, send messages, etc.
For the majority of my clients, I recommend starting with a personal account. This lets you explore the platform and get to know how it works before committing to a business account. You can experiment with trending audios and enjoy all of the sounds available to the average TikTok user. You can even add a link to your bio once you reach 1,000 followers!
I recommend switching to a business account (or starting with one in the first place) when you’re ready to start running ads on the platform or selling products through TikTok Shop. Those are the most compelling reasons to opt for a business account; otherwise personal will likely serve you just fine.
For more TikTok guidance, book a consultation!