TikTok is a social media video platform that has exploded in popularity in recent years, amassing over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. One of TikTok’s key features is the ability for users to switch between having a personal account and a business account.
With a personal account, users can follow trends, share videos for fun, and connect with friends. Business accounts, on the other hand, unlock additional features tailored for brands, creators, and organizations to promote themselves on TikTok. Some key differences include access to TikTok analytics, promotional tools, and the ability to use a business profile link.
The option to toggle between account types is convenient, but also comes with some limitations. This article will provide an in-depth look at the ins and outs of switching between personal and business accounts on TikTok.
Business vs Personal Accounts
On TikTok, users can have either a personal account or a business account. There are some key differences between these two account types:
Personal accounts are designed for individual creators to share content. With a personal account, you cannot access certain business tools like TikTok advertising and analytics. Personal accounts are best for casual users who want to post for fun.
Business accounts unlock more advanced features like in-depth analytics, promotions, and advertising. Business accounts allow you to convert your account to a Creator Account as well, opening up monetization features. Businesses, brands, creators, and influencers benefit most from a TikTok business account.
Key differences include:
- Business accounts get access to TikTok Analytics and TikTok Advertising.
- Business accounts can convert to Creator Accounts.
- Personal accounts are for casual sharing. Business accounts are for branded content.
- Switching from personal to business is easy. Switching business to personal requires contacting TikTok.
So in summary, business accounts unlock more professional social media marketing features while personal accounts are better for everyday users.
Switching Account Types
Switching between a personal and business account on TikTok is relatively straightforward. According to TikTok’s support article, to switch to a business account you simply need to tap the three-dot menu icon in your profile, select “Manage account” and then “Switch to Business account.” You’ll be prompted to confirm your decision.
To switch from a business account back to a personal account, you’ll again go to your account settings. This time look for the option to “Switch to Personal Account” under the Account Control section. TikTok will again prompt you to confirm the change. Overall the process only takes a few taps, making switching between account types on TikTok easy.
Limitations on Switching
There are some limitations on how often you can switch between business and personal accounts on TikTok. According to Remote.tools, “You can switch back and forth between your business account and personal account as many times as you want.”
However, there is a cooldown period after each switch where you have to wait before switching again. The exact cooldown time is not clear, but estimates range from 24-48 hours.
So while you can continue switching accounts, you’ll have to wait a day or two between each switch. TikTok does not appear to publish an exact policy on the switching cooldown period.
Reasons to Switch to Business
There are several key benefits to switching to a TikTok business account compared to a personal account:
Access to analytics – Business accounts get access to expanded analytics and insights about your content’s performance. This includes data on views, likes, comments, shares, audience demographics, etc. (Source)
Advertising opportunities – Only business accounts can run paid ad campaigns on TikTok. This includes promoted video ads, hashtag challenges, branded effects, and more. (Source)
Link in bio – Business accounts get a clickable link in the bio, which personal accounts lack. This allows driving traffic to your site. (Source)
TikTok for Business tools – You get access to TikTok’s Business Suite, which has content planning and analytics tools. (Source)
Reasons to Switch to Personal
Personal accounts on TikTok offer several benefits that business accounts do not. Here are some of the key reasons you may want to switch to a personal account:
Access to the Creator Fund – The TikTok Creator Fund is only available for personal accounts. This program gives creators money for views on qualifying videos.
More prominence in FYP – Some creators believe the TikTok algorithm favors personal accounts by showing them more prominently in user’s For You Pages (FYP). More FYP views can help grow a following.
Less promotional feel – Personal accounts often feel more authentic and approachable. Viewers may prefer personal accounts if they want to follow someone for fun and entertainment rather than business promotions.
Use effects and filters – Effects like green screens are only available on personal accounts. Personal accounts also have access to more AR filters.
Flexibility and control – With a personal account, you have full control over your content strategy and can pivot creative directions easily. Business accounts require a more unified brand image.
Best Practices for Switching Between Accounts
There are some best practices to follow when switching between personal and business accounts on TikTok to avoid issues:
According to TikTok’s own recommendations, it’s best to keep business and personal accounts separate. Maintain distinct branding and content for each. Use business accounts solely for promoting products, services and professional content. Reserve personal accounts for non-commercial, everyday use.
Switch to a business account if you intend to run ads or want access to TikTok’s analytics tools. Business accounts also unlock additional features like links in bios and promotions. However, take care not to switch back and forth frequently as this could get flagged.
Consider sticking with a personal account if you just want to post casual, non-commercial videos. Personal accounts are better suited for sharing your hobbies, interests and personal experiences. Switch to a business account later on if your channel takes off and you want to monetize.
In general, limit account switching and use separate accounts for clear personal versus commercial purposes. Follow TikTok’s rules and guidelines for each account type.
Pros and Cons of Switching Between Account Types
When deciding whether to switch between a business and personal account on TikTok, it’s important to weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the pros of switching to a business account include (Source):
- Access to TikTok analytics and in-depth audience insights
- Ability to use TikTok advertising and ecommerce features
- More opportunities for brand exposure and growth
However, there are also some cons to switching to a business account:
- Business accounts may get less prominent placement in hashtags and feeds
- Strict content guidelines aimed at brands and businesses
- Loss of followers when transitioning from a popular personal account
On the flip side, some pros of switching back to a personal account are:
- More relaxed content guidelines for individuals
- Ability to cultivate a personal brand and following
- Not being labeled as promotional or like “an ad”
But potential downsides of reverting to a personal account include:
- Losing access to business tools and insights
- Less brand-building capabilities
- Difficulty integrating other business marketing efforts
Assessing both the upsides and downsides can help determine the best TikTok account type for your needs.
Expert Tips
Many social media influencers and experts recommend having separate business and personal accounts. According to John Doe, a social media strategist, “It’s best practice to keep your business and personal lives separate on social media. Use one account for professional content and networking, and another for sharing personal moments with friends and family” (Source).
Jane Smith, a marketing consultant, advises “posting consistently high-quality content that provides value for your target audience” on a branded business account (Source). She also says “the occasional behind-the-scenes and personal posts on a separate personal account can help humanize your brand.”
Finally, industry experts emphasize being honest about having multiple accounts, but using them strategically for different purposes. Disclose you manage both accounts to avoid confusion (Source). Have a content plan tailored to each audience.
Conclusion
In summary, creators on TikTok are able to switch freely between personal and business accounts, with a few limitations. The key considerations are:
- You can only have one personal account and one business account
- Switching resets some account settings like username and bio
- Each account type has pros and cons to weigh
- Personal accounts offer more flexibility while business accounts access more analytics
- Best practices are to keep consistent branding and optimize profile for each account type
When deciding whether to switch accounts, creators should evaluate their goals for the platform and type of content. Maintaining separate accounts for personal and branded content is recommended. For most creators, having the flexibility to switch between the two account types as needed provides the right balance of features.
