How to Set Up a Business TikTok Account in 3 Simple Steps

Key facts

• UGC SHOP, a UGC and performance creative studio headquartered in Los Angeles, published this three-step guide to setting up a TikTok business account.
• Step 1 is creating a TikTok account at tiktok.com/signup or in the app, using a phone number, email, Facebook, Google or Twitter account.
• Step 2 is switching to a Business Account: Profile > 3-line icon > Settings and privacy > Manage Account > Account control > Switch to Business Account.
• TikTok lets you switch between Business and Personal Account as many times as you want, at no cost.
• Step 3 is optimising the business name, profile picture, bio and bio link.
• The TikTok bio is limited to 80 characters.
• A clickable bio link requires at least 1,000 followers; below that, a link can be typed as plain text in the bio.
• Business accounts get Analytics, Workspace, and Activity & support statistics, and can only use the Commercial Sounds library.

How do you create a TikTok account for your business?

To create a TikTok account for a business, go to tiktok.com/signup or download the TikTok app, then sign up with a phone number, email, Facebook, Google or Twitter account. TikTok may send a confirmation code. After you set a password, it asks for your birth date and then a username. If you already have an account, skip to the switch step.

What should your business TikTok username be?

A business TikTok username should reflect your brand or business name so users can identify and remember you. UGC SHOP advises using the same username on all your social accounts, or making them as similar as possible. UGC SHOP itself is @ugc_shop on TikTok and @ugcshop on Instagram.

How do you switch a personal TikTok account to a business account?

• Tap "Profile" in the bottom right corner of the app.
• Tap the 3-line icon in the top right, then choose "Settings and privacy".
• Select "Manage Account" at the top of the settings.
• Under "Account control", tap "Switch to Business Account".
• Click "Next".
• Choose a category that describes your account, then tap "Next".

Can you switch back from a TikTok business account to a personal one?

Yes. According to UGC SHOP's guide, TikTok allows you to switch to a Business Account and back to a Personal Account as many times as you want, at no cost. You simply repeat the same steps through Profile, Settings and privacy, Manage Account and Account control.

How do you optimise a TikTok business account?

• Business name: your username and your name are different things, so fill in the "Name" section when editing your profile with your business name.
• Profile picture: it appears in comments, videos, direct messages and on your profile page. Use your logo, and the same logo across all platforms so users recognise you.
• Bio: you get 80 characters. Use only necessary words and drop non-essential adjectives, match your business's voice (emojis for a fun vibe, fewer exclamation points for a professional one), and add a call to action such as "Join now", "Book a free call" or "Use coupon XX for 15% off".
• Bio link: a clickable link needs at least 1,000 followers; see the bio link section for details.

How do you add a link to your TikTok business bio?

With at least 1,000 followers, you can add a clickable website link to your TikTok bio when you edit your profile. Tools like Linktr.ee let you share several links, such as Instagram and Twitter. Under 1,000 followers, type a short link into the bio text; it will not be clickable. Link shorteners such as Bit.ly can help keep the whole bio within 80 characters.

Why is a TikTok business account better than a personal account for a brand?

UGC SHOP's guide gives two main advantages of a TikTok business account for a brand: access to audience statistics, and a restriction to licensed sounds. Analytics, Workspace, and Activity & support help you understand your audience and build your following. The Commercial Sounds library helps ensure you do not use an unlicensed sound to promote a product.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a personal TikTok account before getting a business account?

Yes. You first create a regular TikTok account, then switch it to a Business Account through Settings and privacy. If you already have a TikTok account, you can go straight to the switch.

Does it cost anything to switch to a TikTok business account?

No. TikTok allows you to switch to a Business Account and back to a Personal Account as many times as you want, at no cost.

How many characters can a TikTok business bio have?

The TikTok bio has an 80-character limit. UGC SHOP suggests using only necessary words, matching your brand's voice and adding a call to action.

How many followers do you need for a clickable TikTok bio link?

You need at least 1,000 followers to add a clickable link to your website in your bio. With fewer, you can still type a link as text, though it will not work as a hyperlink.

Which sounds can a TikTok business account use?

A business account only has access to the Commercial Sounds library, which helps avoid using an unlicensed sound to promote a product.