What It Means To Share A TikTok Account
Sharing a TikTok account gives someone else access to log in, post, and manage content on that account. This is different from just logging into someone else’s account temporarily. When you share access to a TikTok account, that person can continue accessing and posting from the account unless access is revoked.
Sharing a TikTok account essentially allows multiple people to co-manage the account. Both individuals will be able to log in, post and edit content, monitor analytics, message followers, and make other account changes. It creates a collaborative environment for operating a single TikTok profile.
Simply logging into someone else’s TikTok account temporarily does not provide the same extensive access. You can only perform actions on their behalf while logged in, and will be logged out once you close the session. So sharing an account provides ongoing access, while logging in just allows temporary usage.
Reasons To Share Access To Your TikTok Account
There are a few key reasons someone may want to share access to their TikTok account with another user:
Manage content and respond to comments together – Having multiple people with access makes it easier to collaborate on creating content and engaging with your audience. You can divide up responding to comments or developing video ideas.
Post content from different locations – If you travel a lot or live in different places, sharing access allows posting content from wherever you are. This can help keep your content fresh and varied.
Leverage someone else’s audience – Allowing access to someone with an existing following on other platforms can help cross-promote your TikTok to new audiences. Their existing fans may be interested in following your shared TikTok account.
According to TikTok’s rewards program, there are also incentives like earning points when friends you’ve referred complete certain activities after signing up (https://www.tiktok.com/tiktok-rewards/program-overview/). However, the primary motivations are likely around collaboration and expanding reach.
How To Share Your TikTok Account
There are a few different ways to provide someone else access to your TikTok account:
Add them as a collaborator from settings – Within your TikTok account settings, you can add another user as a collaborator. This will allow them to log into your account, create and post videos, edit profile details, etc. However, they won’t be able to change your password or remove you as the account owner. To add a collaborator, go to your profile, tap the three-dot menu, choose “Manage account” then “Account ownership and control” and finally “Add account collaborator”. Enter the username of the person you want to give access to.
Share login credentials – You can provide your TikTok username and password to someone else, allowing them full access to log in to your account from their device. This gives them the ability to post, edit, change settings, etc. Be cautious when sharing credentials as it provides full account access.
Log in from multiple devices – You can be logged into your TikTok account simultaneously on multiple devices. So you and another person could both be logged into your account at the same time from your respective smartphones or tablets. This allows you to collaborate and both contribute content to the same account.
TikTok Account Sharing Limits
TikTok places certain limits on how many people can collaborate on a single account. Currently, TikTok allows up to 5 total users to manage one account. This means the account owner plus up to 4 additional collaborators are able to log in and create content.
In addition to the limit on collaborators, TikTok restricts linking an account to only 1 mobile device at a time. So if the account owner links their account to their mobile phone, any collaborators would need to use a separate mobile device or log in from a desktop to manage the account. The owner can unlink devices as needed to allow collaborators to link their own.
These sharing limitations are in place to prevent accounts from being overrun by too many managers. With a maximum of 5 total users, collaborators have to coordinate carefully on content strategy. And the single device linking prevents collaborators from simultaneously logging in and making changes without oversight.
Sources:
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-limits-and-restrictions-infographic/578999/
Risks of Sharing Your TikTok Account
There are several potential risks that come with sharing access to your TikTok account with another person. Some of the main risks include:
Account security and hacking – Giving someone else your login credentials exposes your account to potential hacking, phishing, or scams. If the person you share with has their device compromised, it could lead to your account being accessed by malicious actors (1).
Posting inappropriate content – You lose control over what gets posted from your account if someone else has access. They may inadvertently or intentionally post content that damages your brand or goes against TikTok’s community guidelines (2).
Damaging your brand image – The content shared from your account reflects on your brand and reputation. Letting someone else post from your profile could lead to content being shared that alienates your audience or portrays you negatively (3).
It’s generally advisable to avoid sharing your TikTok login credentials when possible. If you need to collaborate with others, using features like Duet or Stitch may be a safer alternative.
Best Practices For Safely Sharing Access
If you decide to share access to your TikTok account with someone, it’s important to take steps to do so safely. Here are some best practices to follow:
Use collaborator features instead of sharing your password. TikTok has tools like the “Co-Owner” feature that allow you to add other users to your account without giving them your password. This is safer than sharing your password, which gives someone full access to your account.
Set clear rules and guidelines. Discuss account usage expectations upfront to avoid confusion. Set boundaries around content creation, commenting, messages, privacy settings, etc. Create an agreement detailing what each person can and can’t do.
Limit capabilities given. Only give collaborators access to what they need. For example, use the “Analyst” role if someone is just helping with analytics vs. the “Moderator” role.
Check in regularly. Periodically review account activity and ensure guidelines are being followed by all parties.
Change password if sharing ends. If someone no longer needs access, change your password to revoke access.
Use available account security features. Enable two-factor authentication, review login notifications, and turn on other security options.
Managing A Shared TikTok Account
When sharing access to a TikTok account with multiple people, it’s important to have open communication and coordination regarding posting schedules, content themes, and creative direction. Discuss in advance who will be responsible for creating and posting what types of content. You may wish to split up days or times for handling the account.
Use features within TikTok Studio or TikTok Business Suite to collaborate and monitor all account activity. Review each other’s draft videos before posting. Provide constructive feedback but also respect creative differences. Analytics and engagement data can help inform which content resonates best with your audience.
Inevitably there may be disagreements regarding the ideal posting approach. Compromise where possible but defer to account owners for final say. Shared logins mean relinquishing sole control, so be prepared to allow collaborators’ ideas. Frequently communicate to address any issues early and head off bigger conflicts. Most importantly, keep the audience in mind – create content that entertains them, not your internal disputes.
Revoking Account Access
If you’ve shared access to your TikTok account with someone but want to revoke their access, there are a few steps you can take:
Removing collaborators – You can remove collaborators you’ve added to your account by going to your account settings, selecting “Manage collaborators”, and removing anyone you no longer want to have access.
Changing password – Changing your account password is an easy way to revoke access from anyone you’ve previously shared your login details with. Just go to your account settings and reset your password.
Logging out all devices – You can forcibly log out anyone logged into your TikTok account across all devices by going to your account settings, selecting “Security and login”, choosing “Log out of all devices”, and confirming the action.
Once you’ve taken these steps, any shared access will be terminated and your account will be fully under your control again.[1]
Alternatives To Sharing An Account
While sharing access to your TikTok account may seem convenient, there are safer alternatives that allow you to collaborate while maintaining control of your own account.
One option is to create a joint branded account that is specifically for your shared content. You and the other person would both contribute to posting content, but it would be under a separate handle from your personal profiles. This allows you to build a shared audience while still keeping your individual accounts distinct. Just be sure to establish clear guidelines for posting and logistics.
Another alternative is to cross-promote between your individual TikTok accounts. You can routinely shoutout each other’s profiles, collaborate on content for both accounts, and share each other’s videos. This helps expand both of your audiences organically by tapping into each other’s follower base. However, your personal accounts remain fully under your own control and authority.
Overall, exploring alternatives like joint branded accounts and cross-promotion allow you to find that middle ground of working with someone on TikTok while minimizing risks associated with sharing login access. As social media consultants emphasize, “Your brand identity is too important to hand over fully to someone else” (Source). There are creative ways to collaborate without compromising your account.
Key Takeaways
In summary, there are both advantages and disadvantages to sharing your TikTok account with someone. The main benefits include being able to collaborate on content creation and engage a wider audience. However, sharing your account also comes with risks like someone posting inappropriate content or changing the account password.
When deciding whether to share access, first consider if you completely trust the other person. Establish clear guidelines for using the account. Limit the permissions granted to avoid inadvertent changes. Check back frequently to monitor for any concerning activity.
To successfully co-manage a TikTok account:
- Discuss content strategy and branding so all posts align
- Split up responsibilities like creating, commenting, engaging with viewers
- Use features like Collections that let you each manage certain videos
- Set a schedule for who can post when to avoid flooding subscribers
- Login via a shared third-party app instead of sharing passwords
With proper precautions, sharing access can allow creative collaboration and growth. But maintain vigilance and be ready to revoke permissions if problems arise.
