TikTok offers two main types of accounts: Business and Personal. It's important to note that due to TikTok's API limitations, each account type provides access to different features within Later.
Please be aware that TikTok previously had a third account type (Creator), but it has been removed. If you're unsure about your account type or wish to switch, read on to find out how.
Checking Your TikTok Account Type
To determine your TikTok account type, follow these steps:
Open the TikTok mobile app and go to your profile.
Tap on the ☰ icon in the top right corner.
Select "Settings and privacy."
Choose "Manage account."
Look under "Account control":
If it suggests "Switch to Business Account," you currently have a Personal Account.
If it proposes "Switch to Personal Account," you're using a Business Account.
Please note that TikTok's API restrictions require a Business Account to access various Later features, including Auto Publish, Analytics, and Conversations.
Switching to a TikTok Business Account
To transition to a TikTok Business Account, adhere to these steps:
Important: TikTok Business Accounts are public, making your posts visible to all TikTok users.
Launch the TikTok mobile app and access your profile.
Tap on the ☰ icon in the top right corner.
Choose "Settings and privacy."
Select "Manage account."
Under "Account control," tap on "Switch to Business Account."
Proceed by tapping "Next."
Opt for the category that best suits your TikTok account.
After this, you can also choose to display your business email on your TikTok profile. It's worth mentioning that switching back to a Personal Account is possible at any time by following the same steps and selecting "Switch to Personal Account." However, this move will result in losing access to TikTok Business Account features.
Understanding the Distinctions Between TikTok Business & Personal Accounts
TikTok's API restrictions contribute to the differing capabilities of each account type:
TikTok Business Accounts
These accounts enjoy enhanced capabilities granted by TikTok's API, which translates to more features in Later.
What Business Accounts Can Do:
Auto Publish videos on TikTok.
Access TikTok Analytics (available in current paid plans only).
Manage TikTok comments using Conversations (available in current paid plans only).
Display a business email in their TikTok profile.
TikTok Personal Accounts
Personal Accounts, while having the ability to go private on TikTok, have fewer API-granted capabilities.
What Personal Accounts Can Do:
Publish videos on TikTok using notification publishing.
Set their account to private on TikTok.
However, Personal Accounts lack the ability to Auto Publish videos, access TikTok Analytics, or manage TikTok comments via Conversations. Switching to a TikTok Business Account is advisable if you wish to utilize these features in Later (refer to the steps mentioned earlier).