How to Make Someone an Admin on TikTok

Trying to give someone admin access to your TikTok account can feel a bit confusing, mainly because TikTok doesn't have a simple Make Admin button like a Facebook Page does. But don't worry, you can grant team members, agencies, or partners secure access without sharing your password. This all happens through the TikTok Business and Business Account features, giving you granular control over who can do what. This guide will walk you through setting up a Business Account, using the Business handle permissions, and understanding the different access levels available.

Why a TikTok Business Account is Step One

Before you can assign any roles, your first step is to switch your profile to a Business Account. If you're already using one, you're ahead of the game. If not, this is a non-negotiable step that unlocks all the tools you'll need for teamwork and management. Business Accounts give you powerful analytics, advertiser tools, a commercial music library, and, most importantly, the ability to grant permissions through the Business Manager.

How to Switch to a Business Account

Making the switch takes just a few taps and won't change your profile's look or feel to your followers:

• Open the app and navigate to your profile. Tap your profile picture (bottom right), then go to the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Select "Settings and Privacy."
• Move to "Account." In the "Account" menu, tap "Switch to Business Account." Look out for the option that says "Business Account." TikTok will ask you to select your industry and follow a few quick steps. That's it!

Gaining Access Through TikTok Business Manager

TikTok Business Manager, sometimes called the Business Center or Business Suite, is TikTok's version of a centralized hub designed for brands and teams that lets you manage multiple assets like video profiles and accounts and add team members. This is the official way to delegate roles in a secure and professional manner. If you've ever assigned agency access on Facebook, this setup will feel familiar.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Users (Members)

Here is the process to invite someone to your Business Manager:

• Step 1: Log Into the Business Center.
  Navigate to business.tiktok.com on a desktop browser. While TikTok is primarily a mobile app, its more robust management tools are exclusively available through the web platform. Log Into the Business Center
• Step 2: Go to the "Users" section.
  On the left-hand sidebar, locate and click on "Users." The dropdown will show you "Members" and "Partners."
• Step 3: Invite new members.
  Click on the blue "Invite" button. A pop-up window will appear prompting you to enter your team member's email address.
• Step 4: Set the Admin Status.
  This is a critical part of the process. You will have to choose which level of access you want to give. You'll see options for "Admin" and "Standard." We'll explain these in a moment. After setting the access level, click "Confirm" and TikTok will send an invitation to your team member, prompting them to join your business center.
• Step 5: Send the invitation.
  After setting the access level, click "Confirm" and TikTok will send an invitation to your team member, prompting them to join your business center.

Admin vs. Standard Access: What's the Difference?

Understanding the difference between "Admin" and "Standard" access is crucial in determining what your team member will be able to do. Here's a breakdown of what each permission entails:

Admin Access

Admin access is like giving someone the keys to your office. In practice, only trusted colleagues, co-owners, or senior members of your team should be given admin access. An admin can:

• Manage people: This means they can add and remove other members and adjust access levels.
• Manage all assets: They control all business assets, including your TikTok accounts, ad accounts, catalogs, and more.
• Access Business Settings: They can edit the configuration of the Business Center, including adding new members and managing billing information.

Standard Access

Standard access is the most practical choice most of the time. It grants limited access. The user can see and access assets but cannot make significant changes. This level allows you to keep team members focused on specific responsibilities without giving them control of the whole business. It is ideal for providing access for agencies or junior team members.

• Ad Manager and Operator: They can manage ads but cannot run ads. If you want to assign day-to-day control over ad campaigns, the "Operator" role is appropriate.
• Analyst: They can view analytics and reports but cannot make changes.

Are There Any Other Administrative Considerations?

While the Business Manager is the best tool for handling administrative roles, there are some other approaches to consider:

Don't Just Share Your Password

Let's be clear: you should not share a single login credential. It may seem tempting, but it opens up a huge security risk. By not sharing your password, everyone is accountable. This ensures strict accountability and prevents unauthorized access or even data breaches.

• Security Risks: When multiple people use the same password, it becomes impossible to track who is doing what. This is something you have to watch out for.
• Account Lockouts: TikTok has algorithms that flag suspicious activity. If you and your team are logging in from different locations, it could trigger a security alert and lock you out.

Best Practices for Keeping Your Account Secure

Regardless of the method or tool you use, following a few best practices will help keep your account and content safe and protected.

• Principle of Least Privilege: Always give people the lowest level of permissions necessary for them to do their job. The more access you provide, the more potential points of failure there will be.
• Regular Audits: Set a reminder every quarter to review who has access to your business pages and assets. Employ a "zero trust" model, and it's up to you to review access when needed.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Ensure that anyone with access to your account (including yourself) has 2FA enabled on their TikTok account. This adds an extra layer of security and prevents unauthorized access.
• Clear Communication: Make sure everyone understands what their role entails and what they are responsible for. When they know what they are supposed to do, they are less likely to make mistakes or misunderstand instructions.

Final Thoughts

While TikTok does not have a one-click "Admin" button, the Business Manager provides a robust and secure way to safely delegate tasks to team members, agencies, or partners. By using granular permissions, you can give your team the control they need without compromising security. This approach allows your team to work collaboratively, crafting and executing messages and campaigns efficiently. Let's get this going.