Finding someone on TikTok by their ID can be a bit tricky if you don’t know where to look. A TikTok ID is the unique username that identifies each user, similar to a Twitter handle. Here’s a quick rundown of how to find someone’s profile using their TikTok ID:
Check the Profile URL
The easiest way is to simply insert the TikTok ID into the profile URL. All TikTok profile URLs follow the same format:
@username
So for example, if the TikTok ID you want to find is “catlover123”, you would type in:
https://www.tiktok.com/@catlover123
And you will be taken directly to that user’s profile page. This is the quickest method to find someone if you already know their exact TikTok ID.
Search on TikTok
You can also search for the user directly within the TikTok app or on TikTok.com. At the top of the screen you will see a search bar – tap on it and type in the exact username you want to find. Hit enter and the top result should be the profile you are looking for.
One thing to note is that the search on TikTok looks for usernames, full names, as well as trying to match some content the user has created. So you may get multiple results for a very common name. Using the exact, unique username will give you the most targeted search result.
Search Within Comments
If you came across the person’s TikTok ID in a comment on someone else’s video, you can search for it that way too. Go back to the video where you saw the comment. Tap on the comment icon to bring up all comments on that video. Then hit the search icon at the top of the comments.
Type in the username you want to find. Their comment will be highlighted. Tap on their highlighted name and it will take you right to their profile page.
Find Mutual Friends
If you know friends or other accounts that the person you are searching for follows, or who follow them, you can use that to search. Go to one of those mutual friends’ profiles, and tap on the “Following” or “Followers” list. This will show all of the accounts that friend follows or is followed by.
Scan through the list until you find the username you are looking for. Tap on it to open their profile page. This works well if you have a common connection but don’t know the exact spelling of the TikTok ID.
Use the Discover Page
TikTok’s Discover page shows you popular and trending videos. Look through videos on here, as the username of the person who posted it appears above the video. If you happen to come across a video posted by the person you are searching for, tap on their username to be directed right to their profile.
Look Up Their Facebook or Instagram
If you know the person’s Facebook or Instagram account, see if they have linked it to their TikTok profile. Many users will connect their other social media to provide links between accounts. Search for them on Facebook or Instagram, and check their bio or profile info for a TikTok url.
Tap on the link if they have one, and you will be sent to their TikTok profile using that linked ID. This can help track down their profile if you can’t quite remember their TikTok username.
Use Third-Party Websites
There are some third party websites that provide additional tools to search for TikTok users. These sites allow you to search by name and other info, rather than an exact username match. Some examples include:
- SocialSearcher
- SearchTok
- TokSearch
Just enter the details you know, such as name or username fragments, and it will show matching accounts. Double check that you have the right person before contacting them or sharing personal information though.
Contact TikTok Support
If all else fails, you can try reaching out to TikTok’s customer support team for assistance locating an account. They may be able to help you track down a user if you can provide additional details like a full name, previous username, email address, or phone number associated with the account.
Keep in mind support agents are limited in how much personal information they can disclose though. If the user has a private account or wants to remain anonymous, they likely won’t reveal a private ID.
Tips for Searching by TikTok Username
Here are some tips to keep in mind when searching for someone by their TikTok ID or username:
- Make sure you have the exact, full username – typing it directly into the profile URL is the most accurate search method
- Double check the spelling – one letter off will give you the wrong account
- Try alternate versions of their name – they may use a nickname or variation
- Look for connected social media accounts – cross-reference their other profiles
- Use advanced search tools – third party sites provide more options
- Ask mutual connections if you’re having trouble – friends who follow them can help
What to Do If You Can’t Find the Profile
If you still can’t locate the TikTok profile using the above methods, here are some possibilities to consider:
- The user changed their username. Try searching for possible old usernames.
- The account is set to private. You won’t be able find a private profile through searching.
- The user deleted or deactivated their TikTok account. It will disappear from search results.
- You have the wrong username spelling. Go back and double check the ID.
- You have the wrong person. Make sure the name lines up with the account owner.
If you think it’s a case of a changed or mistyped username, your best bet is to reach out to the person directly through another channel, or ask mutual connections if they know the updated profile name. They can then share the correct handle with you.
Is it Possible to Search with Just a Name?
Searching directly by name alone is tricky on TikTok. Unlike other sites like Facebook, TikTok usernames are unique IDs not tied to real names. There can be multiple people with the same first and last name. Here are some tips for name searches:
- Add other data like location or school/workplace to narrow it down
- Use the search filters like accounts followed or videos liked
- Check their social media profiles for possible linked TikTok accounts
- Look for name tags and mentions in the comments of mutual friends’ videos
Ultimately the unique TikTok ID will get you the most accurate search. But adding supplemental name details to aid the algorithm can sometimes help surface the correct profile.
Can You Find a TikTok User with Just a Photo?
Unfortunately there is no direct way to search for a TikTok user by only a photo. Some third party apps claimed to offer reverse image search for TikTok, but most of them were unreliable or have been taken down. Here are some possible workarounds:
- Use Google reverse image search to potentially find associated social media accounts
- Check the image metadata for any usernames or profile links
- Post the photo on your own TikTok and ask anyone who knows them to tag their profile
- Crop and reverse search small profile pictures from potential matching accounts
Without at least some identifying information like a name or username, finding the source of an image will require a bit of detective work. But the strategies above can sometimes help connect photos back to a TikTok account.
Can a TikTok Account Be Completely Anonymous?
While TikTok allows users to go by a username separate from their real identity, it is difficult to remain completely anonymous for a few reasons:
- TikTok associates accounts with a connected mobile device and phone number verification.
- TikTok’s algorithmic recommendations make it easy to surface associated accounts.
- Usernames are unique and can be traced back to individuals.
- Other social media accounts can be linked in bios and comments.
Staying anonymous requires using an unknown username with zero other personal details, and avoiding any connections to outside profiles or contacts. Even so, determined individuals may still be able to eventually connect the dots. True nameless anonymity is a challenge on a platform meant for sharing videos and building an audience.
Is it Possible to Browse TikTok Anonymously?
If your goal is to view TikTok content anonymously without an account, here are a few options:
- Use TikTok’s browser version at TikTok.com without logging in
- Browse and search while logged out of the mobile app
- Use a private/incognito browsing window
- Clear cookies and data after each browsing session
TikTok still utilizes tracking methods like device fingerprints, but staying logged out makes it harder to personalize and connect browsing activity to your identity. You also won’t show up to others as visiting their posts or profile under an anonymous viewing mode.
Closing Thoughts
Finding someone by their TikTok ID can take a bit of detective work, but is typically doable with the right strategies. Knowledge of their username, associated accounts, mutual friends, and search workarounds can all help you successfully locate a TikTok profile. Just be careful not to mistakenly identify the wrong person, and respect others’ privacy if they wish to remain anonymous.
