Launched in 2016, TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular apps for sharing short-form videos. The platform has over 1 billion active users globally who spend an average of 52 minutes per day on the app. While many use TikTok for entertainment or to connect with friends, others leverage the large audience to build their brand or business.
TikTok offers multiple account types to meet different user needs. The standard personal account is suitable for most individual users. For those looking to expand their presence, TikTok offers two types of professional accounts – Pro and Business. While similar in some aspects, these accounts provide additional analytics and monetization opportunities geared towards influencers, creators and brands.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what a TikTok Pro account is, the requirements to upgrade, key benefits you can unlock, monetization options, tips for measuring your success, best practices, examples from real Pro users, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you are considering switching your personal profile or already using TikTok for business, this article will help you understand how to maximize a TikTok Pro account.
What is a Pro TikTok Account?
A Pro TikTok account is an upgraded version of a regular personal TikTok account designed for content creators, influencers, artists, public figures, and brands. While a regular personal account is meant for casual users, a Pro account unlocks additional features tailored for professional use.
The main differences between a personal and Pro account are:
- Pro accounts gain access to TikTok’s Creator Portal which includes advanced analytics, training materials, and monetization options like TikTok Creator Fund and Tips.
- Pro accounts can use branded content and link out to external websites. Personal accounts don’t have these capabilities.
- Pro accounts can run campaign budgets and ads through TikTok For Business Ads Manager. This is not available for personal accounts.
- TikTok’s algorithm may give a slight visibility boost to Pro accounts, especially when the account produces high quality content.
Overall, the Pro account designation signals to TikTok that an account is used for professional purposes. Switching to a Pro account unlocks features to grow a following, engage with fans, and monetize content.
Requirements to Switch to Pro
In order to switch to a TikTok Pro account, there are a few requirements that need to be met first. The main requirements are having a verification badge and meeting a minimum follower threshold. According to Kubbco, users need the sought-after blue verification badge on their personal profile before they can switch to a Pro account. This badge indicates that TikTok has confirmed the authenticity of the account. It helps prevent impersonation and builds trust with viewers.
The other key requirement is having a minimum number of followers. The specific follower threshold is not publicly disclosed by TikTok, but most sources estimate it to be around 10,000 followers. According to FlexClip, users typically need “a substantial following” in order to qualify for switching to Pro. So the more followers you have, the more likely you are to meet the requirements set by TikTok to upgrade to a Pro account.
Benefits of a Pro Account
One of the biggest benefits of switching to a Pro account on TikTok is gaining access to more in-depth analytics. With a Pro account, you can view detailed data on your followers, content performance, traffic sources, and more. This allows you to make data-driven decisions to optimize your content strategy and grow your account (source).
Pro accounts also unlock the ability to add links to your TikTok bio. This makes it easy to drive traffic to your website, online store, or other social profiles from TikTok. Adding clickable links in your bio is a powerful way to leverage your TikTok following and turn viewers into customers or email list subscribers (source).
Finally, switching to a Pro account gives you access to TikTok’s branded content tools. This includes the option to add “sponsored” tags to your videos when posting branded content in partnership with advertisers. Using branded content tools professionally and transparently is key to unlocking monetization opportunities on TikTok as an influencer or brand.
Monetization Options
There are several ways for creators to monetize their TikTok accounts and make money through the platform once they switch to a Pro Account.
One of the main monetization methods is through TikTok’s Creator Fund. The Creator Fund pays creators based on the number of video views. To qualify, accounts need at least 10,000 authentic followers and have accrued at least 10,000 video views in the last 30 days. Payout rates vary based on factors like location, but most creators earn 2-4 cents per 1,000 video views. The Creator Fund does have a cap on total earnings, so it’s best for supplemental income versus full-time monetization.
Another monetization method is in-app tipping. TikTok allows users to send virtual gifts during livestreams, with creators keeping a cut. Top creators can earn hundreds or even thousands in live gifting revenue. Tipping is available once accounts hit 1,000 followers.
Sponsored branded content partnerships represent a popular way for influencers to monetize TikTok fame. Brands will pay creators to produce branded content promoting products or services. Rates vary greatly based on follower count and audience engagement, but nano-influencers can earn $30-$150 per sponsored post while influencers with millions of followers command $50,000 or more.
Measuring Success
Once you switch to a Pro account on TikTok, you gain access to powerful analytics that provide insights into your content’s performance. The key metrics available in TikTok analytics include:
- Views – The number of times your video has been watched.
- Likes – How many users have liked your video.
- Comments – The amount of comments your video has received.
- Shares – How often your video has been shared.
You can view historical data and trends to see how your videos are performing over time. This allows you to identify your top performing content. For example, you may find that videos focused on a certain topic or formatted in a certain style consistently get more engagement.
Using the insights from TikTok analytics, you can optimize your content strategy to boost views, likes, and shares. You may decide to create more videos about your top subjects or use your highest performing video styles across more content. Analyzing performance data is key to expanding your audience on TikTok as a Pro user.
According to TikTok, accessing analytics is easy – simply tap the three dots on your profile, choose “Creator tools,” and select “Analytics.” This dashboard provides an overview of weekly and monthly views, follower growth, and trending videos [1].
Best Practices for Growing Your TikTok Account
Here are some best practices to employ when trying to grow your TikTok account:
Consistency
Posting consistently is key. As mentioned earlier, aim to post 4-8 times per day to maximize your reach and discoverability. Develop a posting schedule and stick to it. Your followers will come to expect new content regularly when you post consistently.
Leverage Trends and Challenges
Jumping on trends and participating in popular TikTok challenges is an effective way to reach new audiences. Check the Discover tab regularly to find trending sounds, hashtags, and effects. Put your own spin on them to engage viewers. Challenges that are going viral present great opportunities for exposure and growth.
Use Strong Calls to Action
Incorporate solid calls to action in your videos to convert views into follows. For example, directly tell viewers to “double tap if you agree”, “comment below your favorite part”, or “follow for more”. CTAs give viewers clear direction on engaging further with your content and channel. The more followers you accumulate, the more TikTok will surface your videos.
Case Studies
Examining examples of successful pro TikTok accounts can provide inspiration and best practices. The TikTok for Business website shares several case studies of brands that have leveraged pro accounts effectively:
The gym brand Planet Fitness gained over 5 million followers and saw a boosted app install rate of 2-10x by using branded hashtag challenges and influencer collaborations. Their #Gymtimidation campaign against gym intimidation spread positivity and inclusiveness.
The Chipotle brand increased its follower count from 5,000 to over 330,000 in just 6 months. By partnering with influencers and using TikTok’s creative tools, they saw engagement rates of 6-12%, much higher than other platforms.
Fashion retailer Guess spotlighted their clothes and accessories using the Duet video feature. They also drove traffic to products featured in their videos using Shoppable Product Links. Their creative content helped them gain over 5 million followers.
These examples showcase how pro accounts allow brands to fully utilize TikTok’s features to creatively engage their niche, while measuring results and driving business objectives. Activating campaigns tailored to the platform, partnering with influencers, entertaining audiences, and optimizing content can lead to TikTok success.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about switching to a Pro account on TikTok:
Why am I not able to switch to a Pro account?
Some common reasons you may not be able to switch include:
- You don’t meet the minimum requirements like number of followers or previous views
- Your account is too new (typically needs to be at least 30 days old)
- There are country restrictions prohibiting Pro accounts in your region
- You need to be logged in on the latest version of the TikTok app
I switched to Pro but don’t see any analytics. What’s wrong?
It can take 24-48 hours after switching for the analytics to show up in your Pro account. Be patient and check back the next day.
Can I switch back to a regular TikTok account?
Yes, you can revert back to a regular personal account at any time. Just go to your profile settings and select “Switch to Personal Account.” However, you will lose access to the Pro analytics.
Is there a fee to upgrade to Pro?
No, upgrading to a Pro account is totally free at this time. TikTok does not charge users to access these advanced analytics features.
Will switching to Pro affect my followers or likes?
No, upgrading to a Pro account does not affect your followers or likes. It simply unlocks additional analytics that give you insights into your content performance.
Conclusion
Switching to a Pro account on TikTok unlocks a variety of benefits that can help take your channel to the next level. Some of the key advantages include:
- The ability to monetize your content through TikTok’s Creator Fund, tips, brand sponsorships and more.
- Advanced analytics to understand your audience and optimize your content strategy.
- Additional tools for community engagement like hosting LIVEs and offering channel subscriptions.
- More branding and creative options like linkable bios and customizable thumbnails.
For creators who are serious about growing their audience and monetizing on TikTok, upgrading to a Pro account is highly recommended. The eligibility requirements are easy to meet, it’s free to switch, and the rewards can be significant in terms of income earned and channel growth.
At the end of the day, the decision depends on your goals and how committed you are to the platform. But for most ambitious TikTok creators, making the switch to Pro is a logical step on their journey to establishing a thriving channel.
