TikTok is a popular short-form video social media platform that allows users to create and share 15 to 60 second videos. Since launching in 2016, TikTok has become one of the fastest growing social networks with over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide.
One common question for creators on TikTok is whether you can include links in videos and profiles, such as linking to ecommerce sites or other social media profiles. TikTok does allow users to include certain types of links, but there are some restrictions in place to prevent spam and maintain a positive user experience. This article will examine TikTok’s link policy, the types of links allowed, how to add links, link best practices, how links can help grow a following, and link alternatives on TikTok.
Link Policy
TikTok has a strict policy when it comes to posting links on the platform. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, links are generally not allowed in videos, captions, comments, bios, or usernames. The main reason TikTok prohibits links is to protect users from unwanted spam and malicious content.
Specifically, TikTok’s policy states that “URLs and links to external websites or content” are not permitted. There are some exceptions, such as links to certain music services for songs used in TikTok videos. But in general, direct links are blocked across the platform.
TikTok’s link ban applies to all URL shorteners, affiliated links, and any indirect ways to direct traffic off TikTok. The platform wants to keep users engaged within the app and prevent redirects. According to TikTok, circumventing link restrictions can result in content removal or account suspension.
While you can’t directly add hyperlinks, TikTok does allow adding some basic text like an @username or hashtag. But these cannot function as active links. Overall, TikTok aims to limit outside distractions and maintain an isolated, entertainment-focused environment.
Types of Links Allowed
TikTok allows users to include certain types of links in their profiles and videos. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, the main types of links allowed on TikTok are:
- Website links – Links to your own website or blog.
- Social media links – Links to your profiles on other social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Twitter etc.
- Affiliate links – Special tracked links to promote and earn commissions on products or services. Affiliate links must comply with TikTok’s policies.
- External links – Links that point users outside of TikTok to other sites and resources.
While most links are allowed, there are some restrictions around ecommerce links, crowdfunding, and prohibited services. Links must provide value to users and comply with community guidelines.
According to Authority Hacker, affiliate links in particular are commonly used by influencers on TikTok for monetization purposes. However, affiliate links can only be added once an account hits 1000 followers.
Adding Links to Profile
TikTok allows users to add links to their profile in a few different ways. The easiest way is to add a link to your TikTok bio. To do this, open the TikTok app and go to your profile page by tapping the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap “Edit Profile” and then tap on the website field under your bio. Here you can paste in any URL you want to link to from your bio.
According to PlannThat, if you have over 1,000 followers you will also see a “+” icon next to the website field where you can link out to other websites as well. TikTok officially allows up to 4 links in your bio once you reach 1,000 followers.
Another way to add links is by enabling the “Linked Accounts” feature in your profile edit page. Here you can connect your other social media profiles so followers can easily find you on other platforms. According to Later, you can also add a linked version of your TikTok profile this way to drive clicks from your bio to your videos.
Adding Links to Videos
TikTok allows users to add links directly within their videos. This feature enables creators to drive traffic to external websites through their TikTok content.
To add a link to a TikTok video:
- When editing your video, tap the “Link” icon in the top right corner.
- A dialog will appear allowing you to enter the URL you want to link to.
- You can choose when you want the link to appear by moving the slider below the URL.
- The video timeline will display icons indicating the timing of the link appearance.
- Tap “Save” and the link will now be live on your video.
Links can drive traffic to your website, online shop, landing page, or any other destination. Use them strategically to boost awareness and achieve your goals. However, avoid overusing links or they may seem spammy to viewers.
According to this Distractify article, adding links to videos gives creators another option beyond just linking in bios.
Link Best Practices on TikTok
Here are some tips for using links effectively on TikTok:
Be selective with links. Only include links that are highly relevant and useful for your audience. Too many links can be distracting.
Place links strategically in your profile or videos. Put them in places where viewers are likely to notice and click on them.
Use links to drive traffic to high-quality content. Make sure your landing page offers value to visitors.
Shorten long links using bit.ly or other URL shorteners so they’re easy to type and share.
Test different placement options for links to see what drives the most engagement.
Use UTM campaign tracking codes on your links to measure performance.
Remind viewers to click the link in your caption or with a prompt during the video.
Only use affiliate links for relevant products you genuinely recommend.
Prioritize driving traffic to your own website, landing pages, or social profiles with links.
Monitor click-through rates to optimize and improve link usage over time.
Using Links to Grow Following
Adding relevant and useful links in your TikTok profile and videos can be an effective strategy for growing your following on the platform. Links allow you to drive traffic from TikTok to other sites and profiles, expanding your reach beyond just the TikTok app. According to TikTok’s own guide on growing your audience, using links is one recommended method for gaining more followers.
Links can help grow your following in a few key ways. First, linking to your other social media profiles like Instagram or YouTube in your TikTok bio makes it easy for interested viewers to find and follow you on other platforms. This helps expand your overall audience across sites. Second, linking to a website or landing page allows you to direct traffic to places where users can sign up for email lists, make purchases, or consume other content you create. This gives viewers a reason to follow you, so they can get access to exclusive content through your links. Finally, linking to products, resources, or articles mentioned in your videos provides helpful context and value for viewers. This makes them more inclined to follow you for ongoing informative content.
The key is to only use links judiciously and ensure you are linking to content that actually provides value to your audience. Relevant, high-quality links demonstrate expertise and authority, which helps attract an engaged following on TikTok.
Link Restrictions
TikTok places certain restrictions on the use of links in order to maintain a high-quality user experience. As of 2022, TikTok does not allow users to include links in video captions or comments 1. Links can only be added to a user’s profile bio or website field.
TikTok restricts links as a protective measure against spam, inappropriate content, and potential scams. By limiting links to profile bios, TikTok can better control the spread of unwanted or dangerous URLs on its platform. This helps keep the app experience safe and focused on entertaining short-form video content.
There are a few exceptions – verified accounts and accounts associated with certain approved partners may be given more leeway to include links. But in general, links in captions or comments are prohibited across the board.
Link Alternatives
While links are allowed on TikTok, they have some restrictions. If you want to drive traffic or promote something without directly using links, there are some alternatives to consider:
Use your TikTok username instead. Mention your username in videos to encourage viewers to search for you. From your profile they can find links you’ve added.
Mention other social media handles. You can promote your Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or other social profiles where you’re able to include clickable links.
Add links to your bio. While you can’t include links directly in videos, your bio text does support clickable links.
Collaborate with creators who allow links. Consider partnerships with creators that have access to add links, where you can cross-promote.
Use link stickers from approved platforms. Some services like Linktree let you create a landing page with multiple links.
Leverage call-to-actions. Suggest viewers take an action like searching a term, without directly including the destination link.
Focus on growing your audience. Build authority and trust through quality videos, which later allows adding links.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok does allow users to include links in their profile bios as well as in the descriptions of uploaded videos. The types of links allowed include links to other social media profiles, external websites, online stores, and affiliate programs. While links are permitted, TikTok has some restrictions in place to prevent spam and abuse. Links should be relevant, high-quality, and used appropriately as part of a larger content strategy for growing an audience and community on TikTok. Used properly, links can help TikTok creators expand their reach beyond the app itself. However, overuse of links or linking to low-quality or irrelevant sites is frowned upon and may get an account suspended or banned. Overall, links are a useful feature on TikTok, but need to be incorporated thoughtfully as part of an effective social media strategy.
