On TikTok, “profile stalking” refers to when other users repeatedly or excessively view someone’s profile and content without interacting or following them. Unlike some other social media platforms, TikTok does not have a built-in feature that allows users to see exactly who has visited their profile.
However, TikTok users may still want to know if someone is stalking their profile for several understandable reasons. These include curiosity about who is interested in their content, concerns about someone invading their privacy or harassing them, desires to connect with potential new followers, or simply wanting to know who is viewing their public content.
While TikTok keeps profile views private to protect user privacy, there are some limited options users have to get a sense of who may be viewing their profile more than others.
Why TikTok Doesn’t Allow Profile Stalking
TikTok prioritizes user privacy and safety, which is why the platform does not have a feature to see who views your profile. As stated in TikTok’s Privacy and Security policy, TikTok aims to prevent stalking, harassment, and other safety issues by limiting the ability for users to gather personal information about others.
Features like profile view counts could enable stalking behaviors by letting users know exactly who has viewed their page. TikTok wants to cultivate an environment of trust and comfort, where users do not feel threatened by unwanted attention. Showing profile views would undermine that environment.
Additionally, as outlined in TikTok’s Safety and Civility guidelines, the platform bans any form of harassment or threatening behavior. Enabling stalking capabilities through profile view counts would go against these guidelines.
By not having a profile viewer feature, TikTok aims to create a safer, more positive experience for all users. The focus is on creating and enjoying content rather than tracking other users’ viewing habits.
Signs Someone is Stalking Your Profile
One of the main signs someone may be repeatedly viewing your TikTok profile is an increase in profile views, especially on days or times when you do not post new videos. Each time someone views your profile, TikTok counts it as a profile view. So if you suddenly see your profile views spike without an obvious reason like posting new content, it could indicate a profile stalker.
You may also notice new followers, especially if they do not like or comment on your videos. This could be someone who wants to follow you to keep tabs on your new posts, without revealing themselves by engaging with your content.
Increased likes and comments on old videos can also signal a stalker going through your previous posts. The stalker may go back weeks or months, watching and liking your old videos to avoid detection. But this activity might still be visible to you if you check your individual video analytics.
Overall, trust your instincts. If your profile views or passive engagement seem higher than normal, chances are someone is silently keeping tabs on you.
Using a Second Account to Check
One way to see who is viewing your profile is to create a second private TikTok account. You can use this account to search for and view your main profile without anyone knowing it’s you. Your main account followers won’t be notified when your private second account views your profile.
To do this:
- Download the TikTok app again and create a new account with a different username and email.
- Make sure the new account is set to private in your privacy settings.
- Don’t follow or interact with any of the same accounts between your two accounts.
- Search for and view your main profile from your second private account.
- Check your main profile’s visitor list afterwards to see if the views from your second account are listed.
If you see views from your second account on your main profile’s visitor list, you’ll know whoever else is on that list has been viewing your profile too. This can help identify who the profile stalkers are.
Just be careful not to like, follow, or interact with your main profile from your second account, or else you may give yourself away.
Asking Friends to Check
One simple way to get an idea of who might be stalking your profile is to ask your friends to help check for you. Have a couple trusted friends view your profile, then ask them to report back on any profile visitors or followers they don’t recognize.
Ask your friends to look out for accounts with no posts, videos, or information. These types of accounts are more likely to be fake accounts used for stalking purposes.
While your friends won’t be able to see a full list of everyone who has viewed your profile, they can at least identify any viewing activity from accounts you don’t know. This can give you clues regarding who may be checking you out.
Just keep in mind that TikTok limits profile views visibility to protect user privacy. So even your friends will only get a partial picture of who’s viewing your profile. Use this method as one way to gather clues, but understand it has limitations.
Checking Video Views
One way to detect a potential stalker is to see if your old videos suddenly get spikes in views. TikTok shows you how many views each of your videos has received under the “Videos” tab on your profile. You can scroll through and look for older videos that get an unusual boost in views.
For example, if you have a video from 6 months ago that normally averages 10 views per day, but suddenly gets 50+ views in a short period, that could indicate someone is going back and watching your old content. TikTok doesn’t show exactly who viewed your videos, but a spike in views on old videos that don’t normally get traction can be a red flag for a repeat viewer.
According to an article by GroovyPost, “If you notice unusual spikes of traffic on old videos, there’s a good chance a regular viewer is consuming your past content.” So keep an eye out for surges in traffic on your backlog of videos, as it may expose a profile stalker.
Using Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps like TikTracker claim they can show you who has viewed your TikTok profile and videos. However, using these types of apps likely goes against TikTok’s terms of service. TikTok does not provide an official way for users to see who has viewed their profile or videos. Any third-party app that claims to offer this ability is likely accessing TikTok user data in an unofficial, unauthorized way.
While it may be tempting to use one of these apps to find out who your “stalkers” are, it’s best to avoid them. Installing third-party apps that violate TikTok’s terms could potentially get your account banned. It’s also possible these apps collect and misuse your personal data. For your own security and privacy, it’s safest to steer clear of apps that claim they can show your TikTok profile visitors.
Going Live to See Viewers
One way to get a sense of who is viewing your profile is to start a live stream on TikTok. When broadcasting live, you can see the usernames of viewers who join your stream in real time.
However, this is not a foolproof way to identify profile stalkers. Just because someone tunes into your live stream does not necessarily mean they are stalking you. Many TikTok users browse live streams out of boredom or curiosity rather than an obsession with a particular creator. According to TikTok’s LIVE Analytics, the average live viewer only stays for around 90 seconds.
Additionally, if someone is intentionally stalking your profile, they may choose not to reveal themselves by viewing your live stream. Or they could watch anonymously without an account. So while seeing usernames in a live stream gives some indication of active viewers, it is not a reliable method for unmasking profile stalkers.
Considering Why Someone May Be Viewing You
It’s important not to jump to conclusions if you notice someone viewing your profile often. Many times, people who view your profile repeatedly are just fans of your content and want to see more. They likely have no ill intentions and are not stalking you in a dangerous way. Frequent profile views could simply mean they enjoy your videos and want to stay updated on your new posts.
Try to avoid assuming someone is a stalker right away. While stalkers do exist online, having an enthusiastic, engaged fanbase is a good thing for any content creator. If someone likes your work enough to routinely check your profile, take it as a compliment rather than a threat. As long as they are not directly harassing you or crossing boundaries, having your content resonate with people is a positive.
Additionally, someone may be viewing your profile because they are interested in collaborating or featuring you in some way. If you notice repeat views from a brand or another creator, it could signify potential opportunities coming your way. Maintain an open perspective when you see recurring profile visits.
That said, if someone’s viewing habits do begin to feel invasive or make you uncomfortable, take steps to block them and ensure your safety. But typically, profile views alone are harmless.
Staying Safe on TikTok
While TikTok can be a fun place to share videos, it’s important to take steps to stay safe on the platform. There are several ways to protect your privacy and security:
Make use of TikTok’s privacy settings to limit who can view, comment on, and interact with your videos. You can make your account private so only approved followers can see your content.
Be cautious about sharing personal information like your real name, birthday, school, address, phone number, or other details that could identify you. Avoid geotagging your location.
Use TikTok’s blocking and reporting tools if you encounter harassment, bullying, or other concerning behavior. You can block accounts to restrict unwanted interactions and report violations of TikTok’s community guidelines.
Limit interactions with strangers and be wary of anyone pressuring you to meet offline. Be skeptical of suspicious links or requests for personal info.
Educate yourself on safely using social media through resources like StopBullying.gov. Talk to a trusted adult if you have any concerns.
Staying vigilant about security allows you to use TikTok while mitigating risks. But remember your well-being is most important.
