TikTok Business vs. Creator account: What’s the difference? (2024)

If you haven’t heard it already: TikTok is here to stay. And whether you’re a business, content creator or individual user, it’s important to understand the differences between a TikTok Business vs. creator account. Do you know which type of TikTok account is going to be the best for your brand?

Both of these TikTok account types have different features and benefits—but which one will be best for you? We’ll address the pros and cons of each account type, then walk you through how to choose which account type you should use.

Let’s get started.

What is a TikTok Business Account?

A TikTok Business Account is a public, professional account that has access to TikTok’s entire marketing suite of tools. This type of account is ideal for brands and businesses who are looking to make a splash on the platform and create a cohesive marketing strategy.

Pros of a TikTok Business Account

Access to TikTok’s Business Suite. One of the biggest benefits of having a Business account is access to TikTok’s Business Suite. This includes access to:

  • TikTok analytics regarding your profile, video, content and LIVE videos.
  • TikTok ads and promoted videos to help get more people to discover your videos, navigate to your website and hopefully gain more followers.
  • the Commercial Music Library of over 1 million commercially licensed songs and sounds. Brands can also create their own TikTok trends and sounds through the tools and resources available.
  • the Business Creative Hub to view trending videos and for tips on best practices on creating content and strategy.

Having access to all of these features is a great way to monitor your performance and make sure your brand gets in front of the right audience.

Use of an ecommerce storefront. Another major perk—especially for ecommerce brands—is the ability to create your own TikTok store. Social shopping is the next generation of ecommerce, and with a TikTok store, you can highlight all of your products right on the app, making it extremely easy for customers to make a purchase. Followers can browse your products, then immediately check out through Shopify.

Ability to connect to Sprout Social. Simplify how you work across different platforms and apps by connecting all your accounts through a social media management tool like Sprout Social. TikTok Business Accounts can be connected to your Sprout account, making it easy to plan calendars, schedule content and monitor performance alongside the rest of your social media channels.

TikTok Business vs. Creator account: What’s the difference? (1)

This makes social media management even easier, with the ability to manage all social accounts in a single Sprout dashboard.

Cons of a TikTok Business Account

While having a Business Account comes with a lot of perks, every rose has its thorn.

Limited library of sounds. Because brands have more legal loopholes to jump through, TikTok provides access to royalty-free, commercial sound clips to business accounts rather than the entire audio library.

This can limit the sound bytes your business can use, but it also gives you the opportunity to work to be even more creative with your video content. This is your silver lining! Plus, brands can always create their own sound bytes when making their own rendition of an ongoing TikTok trend.

Limited duet or stitching options. With this limitation on sound bytes, it means brands are also limited on which TikTok videos they’re able to stitch or duet. Any video with non-commercial audio cannot be stitched or dueted by a brand.

What is a TikTok creator account?

A TikTok creator account is also considered a personal account.

While TikTok used to have two types of professional accounts—Business or creator—that were separate from a personal account, they converted all creator accounts to a personal account in August of 2021.

Influencers are still able to partner with brands, become verified and grow massive followings, even with what’s considered a personal account.

Pros of a TikTok creator account (personal accounts)

Full access to the audio library. This is probably the biggest perk of having a TikTok creator account. You’ll have full access to popular songs, trending sound bytes and any other audio clip available in the app. Creators and influencers are able to utilize any available sound clip, as well as create their own.

Ability to stitch and duet. In addition, creator accounts can stitch or duet any video, giving them the ability to react to or add to stories of any other creator or brand video.

Access to TikTok analytics. Both types of TikTok accounts have access to analytics and performance insights. For creator or personal accounts to access analytics, they must post at least one public video. Because analytics aren’t limited to business accounts, like on other apps, this gives individual creators a leg up on their reach and engagement.

Potential to promote videos. Creator accounts also have access to the “Promote” option just like brands and Business Accounts do so that they can extend the reach of some of their videos—especially sponsored ones.

Eligibility to join the TikTok Creator Fund. Creator accounts can access the TikTok Creator Fund as a way to monetize their account and be incentivized for creating more awesome content.

Similarly, creator accounts can access the TikTok Creator Next Program, which allows TikTok users to accept monetary tips from their top followers.

Cons of a TikTok creator account (personal accounts)

Cannot add website to profile. TikTok Business Accounts can immediately add a website link in their bios, whereas creator accounts have to hit 1,000 followers before they’re able to add a link.

Native-only account management. Unlike the Business Account, creator accounts can’t connect to social media management tools like Sprout Social. Brands should stick with a Business Account, even if they aren’t able to access all sound bytes. This is especially because brands may face litigation if they are an actual business and use unlicensed music.

Deciding between a TikTok Business vs. creator account?

Before you start a new social media account on TikTok, you should have answered several questions, including: is my target audience on TikTok and will TikTok help me reach my social media goals?

As for which type of TikTok account you should create, TikTok wants to be extremely straightforward: businesses opt for a Business Account and creators stick to a creator or personal account.

However, sometimes it’s not that simple. There are perks to each one, and no account type can “have it all.” Which one should you go for?

Consider all of the pros and cons for each account type to see which one is really worth it. For example, as a business, it’s a bummer not to have access to the full sound library. But is it worth it to be at risk of litigation because you want to use a trending sound?

Once you’ve weighed all of the benefits versus the limitations, choose your account type and stick with it. Although TikTok lets you switch back and forth, it’s better to just stick with the account type you choose for the extent of your time on the platform.

Get started with your own TikTok account

Get started with your own TikTok account, whether it’s a Business Account vs. creator account—you’ll now know which account type is going to be the best option for you and your business.

To learn even more about how to get the most out of TikTok, check out our full guide to TikTok for business.

TikTok Business vs. Creator account: What’s the difference? (2024)

FAQs

TikTok Business vs. Creator account: What’s the difference? ›

TikTok creator accounts need 1,000 followers before they can add a website link to their profile, but businesses get access to this right away, so new followers can easily learn more about what they do.

Is it better to have a business or creator account on TikTok? ›

With a Business Account, you have access to advanced business tools (example: Business Creative Hub). This helps you create a comprehensive marketing strategy. Anyone whose primary goal on TikTok is to promote their business (either a product or service) should use a Business Account.

Does a business account on TikTok get more views? ›

There's no evidence that a Business account on TikTok receives more views than others. Views are mostly influenced by TikTok's algorithm, which prioritizes content quality, user engagement, and relevance.

What is the difference between creator account and business account? ›

Instagram suggests that the Creator Account is best used by public figures, content creators, photographers, artists and influencers. Whereas the Business Account is suitable for retailers, local businesses, brands, organisations or service providers.

Is it worth switching to TikTok business? ›

TikTok Business Accounts allow brands to take full advantage of TikTok's marketing features. A Business Account is better for reaching, engaging, and converting TikTok users than a Personal or “Creator” Account. However, it also comes with some limitations.

Should I choose business or creator account? ›

If you're a business using Instagram for lead generation or to promote your physical location, then Instagram's Business account has the features you want. However, if you want access to monetization tools and more audios for your content, then the Creator account is the way to go.

How much does TikTok pay per 1,000 views? ›

According to reports from top influencers, TikTok pays around $0.02 and $0.04 for every 1,000 views. These are reports based on payments received through the TikTok Creator Fund. This is a program that TikTok introduced in 2021 in a bid to compensate content creators for creating content on the platform.

What are the cons of TikTok business account? ›

Disadvantages of the Business Account
  • Limited access to the library of sounds. ...
  • Limited duet and stitching options. ...
  • Lack of access to Creator Programs. ...
  • Full audio library access. ...
  • Stitch and duet opportunities. ...
  • Access to limited TikTok analytics. ...
  • Promotion of videos. ...
  • Access to Creator Programs.
Oct 3, 2022

What is the advantage of TikTok business? ›

TikTok encourages creativity and authenticity, making it an ideal platform for businesses to showcase their unique brand personality. Creative and engaging content has the potential to resonate with users, leading to increased engagement and brand loyalty.

Do TikTok business accounts make money? ›

Can you make money on TikTok as a small business? Yes, you can! Influencers who sell their merchandise or small businesses who have their own products or services to sell can make more money on TikTok by using this platform as an extension of their social media marketing strategy or through direct sales.

What is the disadvantage of Creator account? ›

There are several disadvantages to Instagram creator accounts, such as:
  • It's entirely public. ...
  • It has fewer CTA options than a business account.
  • It does not allow integration with third-party organizational tools like Social Champ.
  • Need approval from brands before tagging products.
Jan 15, 2024

Should I switch from business to Creator? ›

Instagram Creator Accounts offer more in-depth insights about your following than business profiles do. These insights will not only show you overall growth, but the daily growth and follower loss as well. You can use this knowledge to determine whether or not your social media marketing went wrong.

What happens if I switch from business to creator account? ›

While you'll still be able to track Creator Accounts, switching your brand account from Business to Creator will hinder your ability to use Bazaarvoice Social Commerce. Switching to a Creator account will remove your ability to post to Instagram (manual or automatic), track hashtags, track users, and see your insights.

How many followers do I need to get paid on TikTok? ›

TikTok uses its Creator Fund to encourage popular TikTokers to keep creating engaging content. As a creator, once you have at least 10,000 followers and at least 100,000 video views over the last 30 days, you have the potential to start earning money.

Can I use a personal TikTok account for business? ›

- Create and publish ads on TikTok Ads Manager. - Manage your organization through Business Center. - Make Spark Ads using organic TikTok content. Note: You can use an existing TikTok account to create a TikTok for Business account.

How much does a TikTok business account cost? ›

A business account on TikTok is free.

How much does TikTok Creator Fund pay per view? ›

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, TikTok pays around $0.02 and $0.04 for every 1,000 views through the TikTok Creator Fund. This program was introduced in 2021 to compensate content creators for creating content on the platform.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 5802

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.