What is a TikTok User ID (UID)?
A TikTok User ID, also known as a UID, is a unique numeric identifier assigned to every TikTok user account (Source). It is an 8-10 digit number that stays constant and cannot be changed. The UID is separate from a user’s username and nickname.
When a user creates a new TikTok account, the app automatically generates a random UID to identify that account. This number is displayed on the user’s public profile page, next to their username. However, it is not shown in the username or handle that appears with videos or comments.
The main difference between a TikTok UID and username is that the username can be changed, while the UID remains permanent. Usernames must be unique, but two people can coincidentally pick the same username. The UID solves this by providing an unchanging ID tied specifically to each account.
Nicknames are different from both UIDs and usernames. A nickname is a customizable display name that appears with a user’s videos and comments. It does not need to be unique. The UID and username are fixed identifiers for each account, while the nickname is just a changeable public-facing name.
Why Does TikTok Use UIDs?
TikTok uses unique user IDs (UIDs) to identify each user account on its platform. According to TikTok’s support page, UIDs allow the platform to uniquely identify users without revealing personal information like usernames or phone numbers [1]. There are several key reasons why TikTok relies on UIDs:
First, UIDs allow TikTok’s algorithms and operations to function properly. The algorithms that recommend content, connect users, and measure engagement require a persistent way to identify each account behind the scenes. Using an anonymous UID rather than a username or other personal identifier allows the platform to understand user behavior without compromising privacy.
Second, UIDs provide users anonymity if desired. On TikTok, usernames are public-facing and part of a user’s brand. The UID allows users to maintain a consistent identity within TikTok’s systems, separate from their public persona.
Lastly, UIDs are necessary for tracking performance, preventing fraud, serving relevant ads, and customizing the TikTok experience. Features like “For You” recommendations would not be possible without a unique identifier that persists across sessions and content changes. Overall, TikTok relies on UIDs as a way to understand users and connect them to relevant content while maintaining privacy.
Finding Your Own TikTok UID
It’s easy to find your own TikTok UID within the TikTok app or on your profile. Here are the steps:
In the TikTok app:
- Go to your profile by tapping the “Me” icon in the bottom right
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner
- Select “Copy profile URL”
- The URL that is copied will contain your unique TikTok UID (a series of numbers)
On your TikTok profile:
- Go to your profile page on TikTok.com
- Look at the URL of your profile page in the address bar of your browser
- Your TikTok UID will be the series of numbers at the end of the URL
To find the UID of any other TikTok user:
- Go to their profile page
- Check the URL in the address bar for the numeric UID
There are also online tools like MediaMister and HighSocial that allow you to search for a TikTok UID by username.
Uses of a TikTok UID
TikTok user IDs have several important uses on the platform, including:
Identifying yourself and others – The UID allows you to uniquely identify a specific TikTok user. You can search for and find someone’s profile using just their UID. This is helpful for finding friends, connecting with influencers, or identifying brands. Having your own UID also allows others to easily locate your profile.
Reporting issues – If you need to report another user for violations of TikTok’s terms, you can include their UID to precisely identify their account. This helps TikTok investigate and take action if needed.
Analytics and audience research – Brands and creators can use UIDs to better understand their audience and track performance. By collecting follower UIDs, they can analyze demographics and interests. Services like Social Blade use UIDs to provide detailed stats for any profile.
According to research from MediaMister, UIDs allow for more effective audience targeting and analytics to optimize content and engagement.
Importance of UIDs for Brands
User IDs are important for brands looking to leverage TikTok’s huge user base and viral content capabilities. Specifically, UIDs allow brands to:
Track content performance – By searching for a UID, brands can view all public content tagged with their UID. This makes it easy to monitor user-generated content about your brand, measure engagement, and analyze performance of TikTok campaigns.[1]
Identify influencers – UIDs enable brands to discover creators and influencers who are engaging with their content. Brands can then collaborate with these influencers for sponsored content, campaigns, or influencer marketing.[2]
Engage with niche communities – TikTok’s algorithm surfaces content to hyper-targeted audiences. Monitoring UIDs allows brands to identify and connect with niche communities organically engaging with their content.
In summary, UIDs provide powerful analytics and enable audience insights for brands on TikTok. They are invaluable for developing effective TikTok marketing strategies.
[1] https://ads.tiktok.com/help/article/tiktok-app-id?lang=en
[2] https://www.trapezemedia.co.uk/blog/15-reasons-your-brand-should-be-on-tiktok
Case Studies and Examples
Brands and marketers are finding creative ways to leverage TikTok UIDs to improve their marketing campaigns and connect with audiences. Here are some examples:
JD Indonesia used UIDs combined with Dynamic Showcase Ads to drive cost-efficient app installs at scale, resulting in 2.4X lower cost per install compared to other platforms (https://partners.tiktok.com/success-stories).
Sephora partnered with influencers and creators using UIDs to build customized augmented reality effects, driving strong engagement. Their #SephoraSquad campaign resulted in over 4 billion TikTok views in 6 months (https://www.tiktok.com/business/en-US/inspiration/sephora-sparks-creativity-and-community-with-tiktok-campaign).
The World Wildlife Fund created a TikTok hashtag challenge using UIDs that educated users about endangered species. It became the top hashtag for nonprofit campaigns on TikTok, with over 17 billion views (https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/wwf-tiktok-campaign-endangered-emoji/).
These examples showcase innovative and effective uses of TikTok UIDs by brands to connect with target audiences and achieve marketing objectives.
Limitations of UIDs
While UIDs serve an important function on TikTok, they also come with some limitations compared to usernames:
Not as recognizable as usernames – The auto-generated string of numbers that make up a UID aren’t as distinctive or memorable as a customized username that a user chooses for themselves. Trying to communicate a UID instead of a username makes it harder for people to find and identify someone’s account.
Longer and more complex – UIDs are longer than most usernames, containing 10 or more characters. This makes them harder to quickly reference or type out compared to a short, catchy username.
Can’t be customized – Unlike usernames which users can change to their preference, UIDs are fixed and can’t be altered by users in any way. This limits someone’s ability to brand themselves on the platform.
Overall, while essential for TikTok’s systems, UIDs lack some of the flexibility and branding potential of usernames. Brands in particular may find it harder to grow a following solely around a UID rather than establishing a unique branded username.
Best Practices for Using UIDs
When deciding whether to use a UID or username, it’s important to consider the use case. UIDs are better for tracking performance through analytics, while usernames may be more memorable and useful for branding. According to TikTok Ads Manager, “UIDs allow you to connect data across multiple ad accounts belonging to the same business manager account. This enables aggregated reporting and optimization across larger business initiatives.”1
To make UIDs more memorable, consider using a consistent naming convention that incorporates your brand name or keywords related to your business. For example, @yourbrand_analytics or @yourbrandreports. You can also use a URL shortener to create a shortened, cleaner version to share.
To integrate UIDs with analytics, connect your TikTok business manager account containing the UIDs to your analytics platform. This may require some technical implementation, but allows you to track performance across devices. As noted by TikTok Ads Manager, “Business manager accounts gives advertisers aggregated analytics across their managed accounts.”1
Future of TikTok UIDs
TikTok UIDs are likely to become even more important for discoverability and usability on the platform in the future. According to TikTok’s 2024 Trend Report, the company is focused on “igniting a transformative mindset” among users and encouraging “Creative Bravery.” This indicates TikTok will continue pushing boundaries and evolving its features and functionality.
Specific potential UID developments could include increased use for targeted advertising, integration with ecommerce functionalities, or utilizing UIDs to improve recommendations and visibility for creators. TikTok may also make UIDs more prominent in URLs or profiles to facilitate recognition and consistent branding for popular accounts. There is concern that broader access to UIDs could compromise privacy, as noted by some privacy advocates like Interconnected. However, overall, changes are likely to focus on discoverability and utility rather than risks.
UIDs are an integral part of TikTok’s infrastructure and will only grow in importance. As the platform continues rapid innovation, creators and brands should stay updated on UID developments to fully leverage them for visibility and engagement.
Summary
In summary, a TikTok user ID (UID) is a unique numeric identifier assigned to each TikTok account. Understanding your UID can be useful for finding your own analytics, tracking content, and brand management. Key points include:
- UIDs allow you to look up any TikTok user account and gain insight into their content and audience.
- Brands can use UIDs to track campaign performance by monitoring engagement on specific pieces of content.
- You can find your own UID in your account settings or by using online UID lookup tools.
- While public, UIDs have some limitations in how they can be used for tracking users.
- Best practices are to use UIDs ethically, avoid spam, and focus on analytics rather than targeting individuals.
Overall, TikTok UIDs serve an important role in content analytics and performance tracking for both individuals and brands. Understanding how to find and utilize UIDs can provide valuable insight into your TikTok presence.
