How to Find a TikTok ID

Trying to find a specific TikTok User ID can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially since it’s not displayed anywhere on a user's profile. You can see their handle and nickname, but that unique string of numbers - the User ID - is hidden from plain sight. This guide will walk you through exactly what a TikTok ID is, why it's important, and several clear, step-by-step methods you can use to find one for any public account.

What Exactly Is a TikTok ID (and Why Should You Care)?

First, let's clear up some confusion. You’ll encounter a few different identifiers on TikTok, and knowing the difference is half the battle. Think of it like a person’s name versus their government-issued ID number.

• Nickname: This is the display name on a profile (e.g., "Jane Loves Dogs"). It’s easily changed and is not unique. Many people can have the same nickname.
• Username: This is the unique handle that starts with "@" (e.g., @janelovesdogs123). No two accounts can have the same username at the same time, but a user can change it.
• User ID: This is a permanent, unique numerical identifier assigned to every TikTok account upon creation (e.g., 6792228813939688454). It never changes, even if the person changes their username or nickname.

So, why would you ever need this long string of numbers? The User ID is the ultimate source of truth for an account. Because usernames can change, relying on them for tracking or integration can be unreliable. If @janelovesdogs123 decides to rebrand to @janethetrainer, any tool or website calling her account by the old username will break.

Here are the most common situations where you'll need a TikTok User ID:

• Marketing & Analytics: Many third-party social media tools use the unchanging User ID to track an account's performance data accurately over time, regardless of username changes.
• Website Integrations: If you want to embed a specific TikTok creator's video feed onto your website, many plugins and widgets require the User ID, not the username, to pull the correct content reliably.
• Running Giveaways or Contests: Using the User ID is the most secure way to identify a winner. People can’t simply change their username to try and impersonate someone else if the User ID is the proof of identity.
• API & App Development: For developers, the User ID is the primary key used to make calls to the TikTok API to fetch a user's profile information, videos, or other data points.

How to Find a TikTok ID: 3 Simple Methods

Now that you know what it is and why it's valuable, here are three proven methods for finding any public TikTok user’s ID, from a simple online tool to a more hands-on approach using your browser.

Method 1: Use an Online TikTok ID Finder Tool (The Easiest Way)

The fastest and most straightforward way to get a TikTok ID is by using a free online tool designed for this exact purpose. These websites connect to TikTok's backend and pull the ID for you in seconds. While there are many options out there, the process is generally the same.

Heads Up: Be smart about which tool you use. Stick to well-known or reputable sites. If a site is covered in pop-up ads, looks dated, or asks you to download software, it’s best to avoid it and find another option.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Copy the Profile URL: First, go to the TikTok profile you want to find the ID for. You can do this on your phone or on a desktop browser. Click the share button (or the three dots on desktop) and select "Copy link." The URL will look something like this: tiktok.com/@username.
2. Open an ID Finder Tool: Open a new browser tab and search for "TikTok User ID finder" or a similar phrase. Click on a reliable-looking result.
3. Paste the Profile URL and Search: Most tools have a single search bar. Paste the profile URL and click the "Search," "Find," or "Get ID" button.
4. Copy Your Result: The tool will instantly display the unique User ID associated with that account. You can now copy and paste that long number wherever you need it.

This method is perfect for marketers, community managers, or anyone who needs a quick result without getting technical. It's fast, simple, and effective.

Method 2: Inspect a Profile’s Page Source Code (The DIY Method)

If you prefer not to rely on third-party tools, or if you just enjoy taking a peek behind the curtain, you can find the User ID yourself by looking at the page's source code. It sounds complicated, but it's surprisingly simple if you follow these steps. You'll need to use a desktop browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for this.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Go to the Profile on a Desktop Browser: Navigate to the TikTok profile page you’re investigating. For instance, go to tiktok.com/@charlidamelio.
2. View the Page Source: Right-click anywhere on the blank space of the page (not on a video or image). A context menu will pop up. Select "View Page Source". This will open a new tab filled with the website's HTML and code.
3. Search for "authorId": Don't get overwhelmed by all the code! Just use your browser's find feature by pressing Ctrl+F (on Windows) or Cmd+F (on Mac). A small search bar will appear, usually in the top-right corner of the window.
4. Find and Copy the ID: In the search box, type authorId and press Enter. Your browser will instantly highlight the text. You'll see it followed by a number in quotes.

Here's what the line of code usually looks like:

"authorId":"50949109"

That number inside the quotes - in this case, "50949109" - is the User ID! For this example, it's Charlie D'Amelio's ID. You can confidently copy and paste that number. This method is 100% reliable because you're pulling the data directly from the page provided by TikTok - no middleman required.

Method 3: Download Your Own Data (For Your Own Account’s ID)

What if you just want to find your own User ID and want to go straight to the source? TikTok lets you request a full download of your account data. Your User ID is included in this data file. This is the slowest method, as it can take a day or two for TikTok to process your request, but it's the official, sanctioned way to get information about your account.

Here’s how to request your data:

1. Open TikTok Settings: In the TikTok app, go to your Profile page and tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger" menu) at the top right.
2. Navigate to 'Account': From the menu, select "Settings and privacy," then tap on "Account."
3. Request Your Data: Look for the option labeled "Download your data."
4. Choose a File Format: You'll be asked to choose between a TXT file (human-readable) or a JSON file (better for developers). Select TXT if you just plan on opening it in a text editor like Notepad.
5. Submit the Request: Tap the "Request data" button. You’ll now have to wait. TikTok will compile your file, which could take up to a few days. You’ll be notified once it’s ready.
6. Download and Search: Once your file is ready, go to the "Download data" tab in the same section of the app. Tap the file to save it to your device, then open it. Use your device's find function to search the document text for the term "User ID." You'll find your User ID next to that text, ready for you.

While this method isn’t practical for finding other people's IDs, it's perfect for verifying your own, perhaps for an integration that requires absolute confirmation.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, finding a TikTok User ID is a straightforward process once you know where to look. Whether you opt for a lightning-fast online finder, get your hands dirty with the page source code, or request an official data file, you're now equipped to pull this valuable piece of information for any of your marketing, development, or creative projects.

We know how important these small details are for running organized and effective social media campaigns, analytics, or community monitoring. At Postbase, we built our platform to handle the messy parts of social media management - like tracking accounts regardless of username changes - so you don't have to. You can focus on creating great content instead of digging through source code just to make sure your tools are tracking the right influencer.