Do I Need a Personal or Business TikTok Account?

Posted on 8th Nov, 2024.

Looking to start a career in TikTok but haven't yet made an account? Before we get started on how to make content that sends your profile viral, you first need to establish whether you'll need a business or personal account.

If you plan on making the bulk of your income on TikTok by becoming the content creator, it can seem like a business account might be the best choice, but this isn't strictly true. To help you make the right decision, let's dive into the benefits and drawbacks of both business and personal accounts.

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What is the Difference Between a Personal and Business TikTok Account?

Business TikTok accounts are typically used by brands and personal TikTok accounts are typically used by individuals - both regular app users and content creators. There are differences in the features each type of account offers, too. Business accounts, for example, can only be public not private, only use commercial sounds, and enjoy access to downloadable analytics. Personal accounts can be private, use any sounds, and have access to in-app analytics.

Before 2021, there was actually a specific creator account type, but TikTok then merged this with the personal accounts, giving all users access to the tools used by creators. If you're deciding between the two account types now, it's best to consider whether you're promoting a business or creating content to become an influencer.

Advantages of a Personal TikTok Account

Access to More Sounds

While business accounts can only use commercially available music that doesn't breach copyright, while personal accounts get access to all of the sounds on the TikTok app, allowing for more varied content.

The Ability to Make Any Content

While any page can technically make whatever content they want to as long as it doesn't breach TikTok's guidelines, business TikTok accounts are representing a brand, so the type of content they make it naturally more limited by professionalism. With a personal account, you're only representing yourself (outside of brand collabs), so you can create the content you want with more authenticity.

Opportunity for Link in Bio

With certain personal accounts, you can add a link in your bio, which could be to your personal website, a good cause or charity, or basically anything you want!

Access to the Creator Fund

Probably one of the biggest reasons for creators to choose a personal account instead of a business one is the opportunity to earn from the Creator Fund. Personal accounts with 10,000+ followers can join the Creator Fund, which pays out money to content creators for the number of views each video receives. In this way, you get directly compensated for your engagement.

Privacy Settings

Business accounts can only be public, not private. With a personal account, you can limited who sees your profile by changing your profile to 'private'. These extra privacy settings give you greater content of the availability of your content.

Disadvantages of a Personal TikTok Account

Non-downloadable Analytics

Unlike a business account, you can't download your analytics on a personal account - you can only view them in the app.

Advantages of a Business TikTok Account

Option to Add a Link in Bio

Like a private account, business accounts also offer the option to add a link in your bio, which can send users to find your products or services, making it easier for your followers to buy what you're selling if they like your content.

Professionalism and Legitimacy

While both personal and business accounts can become verified which helps with making you look more professional, having a business account can also help with both your perceived professionalism from users and also your ability to use the business account tools to make the most of your profile. If a business or brand has a personal account it can make the brand look a little amateur, just like a business using a personal email address.

Access to Downloadable Analytics

Unlike personal accounts which can only see analytics in the app itself, business accounts can download these analytics, which is helpful when it comes to presenting them at meetings.

Disadvantages of a Business TikTok Account

Limited Privacy Settings

While personal accounts can go private, business accounts can't, so if you need to hide your profile while you make changes, a business account isn't ideal.

Limited Use of Sounds

Business accounts can't just only any sounds on TikTok - only commercial ones to as not to risk infringing on copyright.

No Creator Fund

Business accounts don't have access to the Creator Fund, so won't receive remuneration for high engagement and views. Instead, business accounts usually make money by using the content to sell products.

What Type of Account Should a Content Creator Use?

Most content creators use a personal account since it retains access to all the same tools that a creator needs. If you're an influencer who also runs your own business, things can get more complicated, but in this situation we'd recommend keeping your personal account for content creation and also opening a business account for your business.

Remember, if you're using a personal account to promote a brand - whether it's your own or a collaboration - you need to mark all your advertising content to ensure you meet advertising standards.

Whether you opt for a business or personal account, make the most of the features each one offers, from analytics to the ability to make the most of trending topics and challenges to create engaging content. The same principles apply to both business and personal accounts - make consistent content, get creative with filters, sounds, and trends, and collaborate with other creators to help your content and/or products to reach a wider audience. If you feel like you're currently using the wrong type of account, you can switch from one to the other.

TikTok offers an incredible opportunity for creators and brands alike to be seen by a huge audience, so take full advantage with the help of tips on our advice-packed blog.