Following the trends is the surest way to keep yourself at the forefront of your marketing potential. And as of late 2021, no app on Earth is as trendy as TikTok. The fastest growing social media platform in the world, TikTok is a ‘short form’ video hosting site where users can create and post videos as short as 15 seconds and as long as three minutes. These quick video bites cater to the younger crowd - over 40% of TikTok’s clientele is between the ages of 16 and 24 - and many businesses have used its phenomenal reach by creating fast and funny advertisements that appeal to TikTok’s burgeoning user base. If you enjoy being in front of the camera and think you have what it takes to capture the imagination and humor of young adults, TikTok is a goldmine of prospective customers. Here’s a quick guide to familiarize yourself with the TikTok platform.
How to create your TikTok account
As TikTok is designed as an ‘on the go’ social experience, users must download the app, either from the Android Marketplace or Apple Store, depending on their phone brand. There is a desktop TikTok website that users may peruse, but it does not have the full functionality of the platform. Once you download the app, simply open it, tap the ‘Profile’ button in the lower right, and enter the requested information. Just like most other social media platforms, TikTok requests your email address and phone number for identity verification and password recovery purposes. (1)
How to regain access of your account
Let’s hope that you provided the correct email credentials and/or phone number when you signed up, because if you forget your TikTok password, you’ll need those to reset it. To update your password, open the app and click ‘log in’. On the Log In screen, click ‘forgot password’. The system will then ask if you want to use your email or phone number to assist in verifying your identity. Once you provide that information, TikTok email or text you a code number. Once you enter that into the space provided, the app will ask that you enter a new password.
But what if you’re locked out of your account altogether? The app may - rightfully or not - decide that a post or comment that you created violates its terms of service and ban you from the platform. If this happens, a screen will pop up when you log in informing you that your account has been banned. This message contains an ‘Appeal’ button. If you feel that this decision was made in error, you may submit an appeal in writing by pressing this button and explaining the situation in the provided text box. Site administrators will then review and decide whether or not to lift the ban. (2)
How to edit your account
Editing and updating your TikTok profile information is very easy. Simply tap the ‘Profile’ button as you did when creating your account and then ‘Edit Profile’. From here, you can choose (or change) your profile photo, TikTok username, desired password, language preferences, and more. You can also link your Instagram and/or YouTube profiles with your TikTok to make your account a one-stop shop for users interested in your content. (3)
To add videos to your profile, press the ‘+’ button at the bottom of the screen. There, you can create a new video from scratch or add a video from your phone’s camera roll library. Simply press ‘Record’ when you’re ready and tap the check mark when you’re finished. TikTok has a wide assortment of filters, special effects, and other tools to spice up your video. Once you’re satisfied with the final result, post it and your video will circulate on TikTok for all to see! (4)
How to delete your account
So you’ve decided that other social media platforms are more suitable for your particular needs and you’d rather just delete your account - no problem. To delete your TikTok profile, visit the app and click the ‘Profile’ button in the lower right. Click the (...) icon in the upper right, tap ‘Manage Account’ and finally ‘Delete Account’. A warning message will appear informing you that you will no longer be able to log in to your account and that you will lose access to your created videos. Press continue and TikTok will send a code to your email or phone. Entering that code in the provided box is your official confirmation that you wish to proceed. Once the code is entered and you again press ‘Delete Account’ for a final time, your account will be deleted… (5)
Or will it? Like some other social media platforms, TikTok has a built-in safety net when it comes to account deletion. Instead of instant erasure, the app will first ‘deactivate’ your account for a 30-day ‘cooling off’ grace period. During that 30 days, you may revisit the app and choose to reactivate it with no data lost. However, if the 30 days comes and goes without your approval to reactivate, your account - and all data and videos therein - will be deleted forever.
Becoming part of the fastest growing social media platform in the world can seem daunting, especially one as wildly popular with the younger generations as TikTok is. But to the right kind of extroverted salesperson, it can also be a goldmine of potential young consumers who are often difficult to reach through ‘traditional’ marketing channels. A sense of humor, a willingness to be a little silly, and a sixth sense of what might grab young users’ attention can pay dividends in the long run and can be a lot of fun too!