Let’s set the scene: You’re scrolling through TikTok, giggling at prank videos, when you suddenly realize you’re watching an ad. It’s a common experience on the platform (as well as the swipe of spite that follows), but you may not realize that the creator responsible for it was almost certainly using a Business Account.
On TikTok, the difference between a Personal and a Business Account is in the features. A business account allows you to run ads, but a Personal Account enables you to monetize content.
The gist? To earn money on the platform, you need to know the difference between the two. Otherwise, you might miss the features that will help you get there.
TikTok Personal Accounts (Also Known as Creator Accounts)
With a Personal Account, you can access most of the standard TikTok features (such as the For You feed, search tool, TikTok LIVE, and TikTok studio). You can also set your profile to private and access music and sounds from the general music library and TikTok’s Commercial Music Library (CML). Plus, once you reach the 1,000-follower mark, you can post a link in your bio.
Monetizing content with a Personal Account
If you’re a creator with a Personal Account, you can monetize your content by taking advantage of Series. This option allows you to post premium content behind a paywall for users to purchase.
You can also join TikTok’s Creator Rewards program with a Personal Account, although there are some minimum requirements you have to meet:
| Requirements for TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program | |
|---|---|
| Age | 18+ |
| Followers | 10,000+ |
| Views | 100,000+ video views in the last 30 days |
| Account type | Personal |
| Content | Videos must be original content (designed, filmed, and produced by you) and at least one minute long. |
In addition to these requirements, your account needs to be in good standing (meaning it doesn’t violate the Community Guidelines or Terms of Service) and located in a country where the Creator Rewards Program is available.
Finally, Personal Accounts have access to TikTok’s Analytics and Promote tools. Analytics is what it sounds like—a free feature that lets you analyze your videos’ performance. Promote isn’t free (a minimum of $3 per boost) but can expand your content’s reach.
Psst, bookmark this for later: How to Make Your TikTok Account Irresistible to Advertisers: Tips for Creators.
Who should use a personal account?
A TikTok Personal Account is the best choice for everyday users who want to post and watch videos, as well as creators and public figures who want to monetize their content.
You get access to more music and audio clips than you would with a Business Account, and you’re eligible to monetize your content through Series and the Creator Rewards Program. It’s good enough for Charli D’Amelio, so it’s probably good enough for you.
TikTok Business Accounts
With a Business Account, you can post videos, go live, and access the Commercial Music Library (the general music library is off-limits, as those songs aren’t approved for commercial use).
You can also use TikTok’s Analytics and Promote tools with a Business Account. Still, notably, you can’t monetize content, which is probably the most significant distinction between business and Personal Accounts aside from TikTok’s Business Suite.
TikTok Business Suite
You’ll find a range of marketing tools included in TikTok’s Business Suite, all accessible via the app or a web browser. Some of the features available include:
| TikTok Web Business Suite features | |
| Homepage | A dashboard where you can see new followers, likes, profile visits, and video views from the last seven, 30, and 90 days. You can also use the Scheduler tool to schedule posts in advance. |
| Creative Hub | A steady stream of viral content from across the platform can serve as inspiration for future posts. |
| Lead Generation/Lead Manager | Tools that allow you to generate and download leads from CTAs and links in videos and LIVE content. |
| Analytics | A more robust version of the Analytics tool available to Personal Accounts that details audience insights, content performance, clicks, and more. |
| TikTok Shop | An integrated e-commerce platform that allows you to sell products directly on TikTok. |
| TikTok Ads Manager | A feature that helps you to create and publish ad campaigns |
| TikTok Creator Marketplace (TTCM) | A platform where brands and creators can collaborate on content. Both Personal and Business Accounts have access to TTCM. |
Who should use a Tiktok Business Account?
TikTok Business Accounts are best for brands and businesses that want to use the platform as a marketing channel. For example, Crocs, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Fenty Beauty have Business Accounts on TikTok. If your goal is conversions, you should use a Business Account.
You should also use this: The Ultimate TikTok Marketing Template Pack: From Content Ideas to Ad Scripts.
Can You Switch Between a TikTok Personal and Business Account?
Yes, you can switch between the two account types anytime through Settings (although we don’t recommend doing that).
Switching back and forth has consequences; for example, you’ll lose out on specific aspects of Analytics if you switch from a Business to a Personal Account. TikTok also prioritizes serving users content from Personal Accounts, so your content could suffer if you transitioned from a Personal to a Business Account.
All this to say, determine which account type will support your goals, then switch if necessary.
To reiterate: Personal Accounts are best for creators who want access to monetization tools or trending music and audio clips. Business Accounts work better for brands that want to run ads and sell products.
How to change your TikTok account type
If you decide that it’s time to make the switch, here’s what to do:
- Tap Profile at the bottom right of the TikTok app.
- Go to Menu (you know this one—it’s the hamburger in the top right corner).
- Select Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Account.
- Select Switch to Business Account (or Switch to Personal Account) and follow the prompts.
A Bonus for Business Accounts: TikTok Automation
If you’ve landed on a TikTok Business Account, congratulations: You can use Manychat to automate routine tasks like responding to DMs and boosting promotions.
If you’re interested, check out the TikTok Open Beta Today.
Or, learn more by checking out this post: TikTok Automation: It’s Here, and It’s About to Change Everything.
