TikTok has taken the social media world by storm, with over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2024 (Source). As the platform has grown, so too have its account options, with users now able to choose between Personal, Creator, and Business accounts.
While Creator and Business accounts offer advanced features like analytics and commercial music licensing, many users find that a Personal account better suits their needs. In this guide, we‘ll walk you through the process of switching back to a Personal account on TikTok, as well as provide expert insights and strategies for making the most of your presence on the platform.
Understanding TikTok‘s Account Types
Before we dive into the specifics of switching account types, let‘s review the key features and capabilities of each option:
| Account Type | Music Access | Analytics | Commercial Tools | Profile Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | Unlimited | No | No | Not Displayed |
| Creator | Unlimited | Yes | No | Displayed |
| Business | Limited | Yes | Yes | Displayed |
Personal Accounts
Personal accounts are the default option for new TikTok users and are geared toward casual users who want to watch, create, and share content for fun. Key features include:
- Access to TikTok‘s full music library and sound effects
- Ability to create and participate in duets, challenges, and trends
- No analytics or audience insights
- No clickable links or commercial tools
As of 2024, the vast majority of TikTok users still use Personal accounts. According to a survey by social media agency Flick, 84% of TikTok users had Personal accounts, compared to 14% with Creator accounts and just 2% with Business accounts (Source).
Creator Accounts
Creator accounts are designed for influencers, public figures, and aspiring TikTok stars who want to build a following and establish themselves as creators. Key features include:
- Access to TikTok‘s music library and creative tools
- Detailed analytics and performance metrics via TikTok Creator Tools
- Ability to add a clickable link in bio
- Displayed account category (e.g. Art & Crafts, Education)
Creator accounts are a good fit for users who are serious about growing their TikTok presence and want insights into their content performance and audience demographics. However, they still lack some of the advanced commercial features offered by Business accounts.
Business Accounts
Business accounts are intended for brands, organizations, and entrepreneurs who want to use TikTok for marketing and promotion. Key features include:
- Limited access to TikTok‘s music library due to licensing restrictions
- Detailed analytics and audience insights
- Clickable links and CTAs in profile
- Access to TikTok Ads Manager and other business tools
- Displayed account category and contact info
While Business accounts offer the most robust set of features for commercial users, they also come with some notable limitations. Most significantly, Business accounts can‘t use many of the popular songs and sounds that are a key part of TikTok‘s culture and trends.
This can make it harder for brands to create the type of authentic, engaging content that performs well on the platform. According to a 2022 study by Hootsuite, 63% of TikTok users said they like when brands participate in existing TikTok trends, rather than trying to start their own (Source).
Why Switch Back to a Personal Account?
Now that we‘ve covered the different account types, let‘s explore some of the reasons why you might want to switch back to a Personal account from a Creator or Business account:
1. Unrestricted Music Access
One of the biggest draws of TikTok is the ability to create videos set to popular songs and soundtracks. However, Business accounts are limited to a much smaller selection of royalty-free music due to licensing agreements.
If you‘ve found that your Business account is hindering your ability to participate in trends and challenges, switching to a Personal account will give you access to TikTok‘s full music library. This can help your content feel more authentic and engaging to users.
2. Simplified Profile and Presence
For individuals who are using TikTok primarily for entertainment and personal expression, the additional features of Creator and Business accounts may feel unnecessary or even cumbersome. Switching back to a Personal account allows you to simplify your profile and focus on the core TikTok experience.
Personal accounts don‘t display an account category on the profile, which can make your presence feel more authentic and relatable to other users. Plus, you won‘t have to worry about maintaining a bio link or sifting through analytics data.
3. Algorithmic Advantages
While TikTok‘s algorithm is complex and ever-evolving, some users have reported that Personal accounts may have an advantage when it comes to organic reach and engagement.
Because Personal accounts are seen as more authentic and less commercial, TikTok may be more likely to suggest their content to other users. In a 2022 Flick survey, 56% of TikTok users said they feel Creator and Business accounts are less "genuine" than Personal accounts (Source).
Of course, this doesn‘t mean that all Creator and Business accounts are doomed to low engagement. Plenty of brands and influencers have built massive followings on TikTok by creating high-quality, authentic content that resonates with users. However, if you‘re struggling to gain traction with a Creator or Business account, switching to Personal could potentially give you a boost.
How to Switch to a Personal Account on TikTok
If you‘ve decided that a Personal account is the right fit for your TikTok goals, the process of switching is simple:
- Open the TikTok app and navigate to your profile
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner to access your settings
- Tap "Manage account"
- Tap "Switch to Personal Account"
- Confirm the switch by tapping "Switch Back"
Once you‘ve completed these steps, your account will be converted to a Personal account. You‘ll no longer have access to Creator or Business features like analytics and commercial music, but you‘ll be able to use TikTok‘s full suite of creative tools and participate in trends without restriction.
It‘s worth noting that as of 2024, TikTok allows users to switch between account types at any time, as long as their account is in good standing. So if you decide later on that you want to try out Creator or Business features again, you can always switch back.
Expert Tips for TikTok Success
Regardless of which account type you choose, there are a few best practices that can help you build a successful presence on TikTok. We asked social media experts and top TikTok influencers to share their insights:
1. Post Consistently and at the Right Times
"Consistency is key on TikTok," says social media consultant Megan Hazlett. "Aim to post at least once per day, and pay attention to when your audience is most active. For many users, this means posting in the evening or on weekends."
According to research by Influencer Marketing Hub, the best times to post on TikTok are between 6am and 10am, and then again between 7pm and 11pm (Source). However, this can vary depending on your specific audience and niche.
2. Hop on Trends Early
"TikTok is all about trends and challenges," says top TikTok creator Charli D‘Amelio. "If you see a new trend or sound starting to take off, jump on it as early as possible. This can help your video get picked up by the algorithm and shown to more users."
To stay on top of the latest trends, regularly browse the Discover page and keep an eye on what other creators in your niche are posting. You can also use third-party tools like Trend Tok and Tok Board to identify rising trends and sounds.
3. Create Authentic, Engaging Content
"At the end of the day, the most important thing on TikTok is to be authentic and create content that genuinely resonates with your audience," says social media expert Kimberly Smith. "Don‘t get too caught up in trying to game the algorithm or follow a specific formula. Focus on making videos that showcase your unique personality, skills, or perspective."
Some of the most popular types of content on TikTok include:
- Comedy and humor
- Dance and music challenges
- DIY and how-to tutorials
- Personal stories and vlogs
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses
4. Engage with Your Audience and Other Creators
"TikTok is a social platform, so being social is crucial," says influencer coach Rachel Pedersen. "Make an effort to like, comment on, and duet other users‘ videos, especially those in your niche. This can help you build relationships and expand your reach."
You should also encourage your own audience to engage with your content by asking questions, starting conversations in the comments, and regularly responding to messages and feedback. Building a strong community around your account can help drive long-term growth and success.
The Future of TikTok: Trends and Predictions
As TikTok continues to evolve and mature, we can expect to see ongoing changes and updates to its features, policies, and algorithm. Here are a few key trends and predictions for the platform in 2024 and beyond:
Continued Growth and Expansion
TikTok shows no signs of slowing down in terms of user growth and cultural impact. Experts predict that the app will reach 1.5 billion monthly active users by the end of 2024 (Source).
As the platform expands, we can expect to see even more diverse content genres and communities emerge, as well as increased opportunities for creators and brands to reach new audiences.
More Robust E-commerce Features
TikTok has been steadily rolling out new e-commerce features, such as shoppable links and in-app storefronts, over the past year. This trend is likely to accelerate in 2024, as the platform looks to compete with other social commerce giants like Instagram and Pinterest.
For creators and businesses, this could mean more opportunities to monetize their presence on TikTok and drive sales directly from the app. However, it will be important to approach these features in a way that feels authentic and non-disruptive to the user experience.
Emphasis on Short-Form Educational Content
While TikTok is often associated with entertainment and humor, the platform has also seen a rise in educational content in recent years. From quick how-to tutorials to bite-sized lessons on science, history, and more, TikTok has become a go-to destination for learning.
As this trend continues, we can expect to see more creators and organizations using TikTok to share knowledge and insights in engaging, snackable formats. This could be a particularly valuable opportunity for educators, experts, and thought leaders looking to build their brand and reach a new audience.
Increased Personalization and Customization
As TikTok‘s algorithm becomes more sophisticated, we can expect to see an increased emphasis on personalization and customization. This could manifest in more granular content recommendations based on users‘ interests and behaviors, as well as new features that allow users to tailor their experience on the app.
For creators and brands, this means it will be more important than ever to understand your target audience and create content that speaks directly to their needs and preferences. Niche content and communities are likely to continue to thrive on the platform.
Final Thoughts
Navigating TikTok‘s account options and features can be overwhelming, especially as the platform continues to evolve and add new capabilities. However, by understanding the key differences between Personal, Creator, and Business accounts, and choosing the option that aligns best with your goals and resources, you can set yourself up for success on the platform.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to focus on creating authentic, engaging content that resonates with your target audience. By consistently posting high-quality videos, participating in relevant trends and challenges, and building relationships with other users, you can grow your presence on TikTok and achieve your goals—whether you‘re a casual user, aspiring influencer, or business owner.
As TikTok continues to shape online culture and communication in 2024 and beyond, staying informed and adaptable will be key. By keeping an eye on emerging trends and best practices, and being willing to experiment with new features and formats, you can position yourself for long-term success on this dynamic and exciting platform.
