As TikTok has exploded from niche app to one of the most downloaded platforms on earth with over 1 billion monthly active users, privacy concerns have grown in parallel. Multiple incidents – like email addresses being accessed unauthorized – have highlighted just how much visibility settings matter on an app of this scale.
I‘ll provide you a comprehensive guide on exactly how to update your TikTok privacy settings as an experienced user would to restrict access and enable controls. Because the truth is, with such an enormous audience, you need to be empowered to micromanage the visibility of both your personal information and creative content.
Why You Should Manage Your TikTok Privacy Now
Let‘s discuss recent developments that make locking down your privacy on TikTok so necessary:
Recent Data Breaches
In late 2022, TikTok reported multiple breaches where employee accounts were hijacked to improperly download user data like email addresses.
While TikTok remediated issues, it highlighted the masses of personal user information accessed through the app that you need safeguards around.
Scale Leads to Harassment
With the app‘s meteoric growth to over 1 million users, complaints of harassment have risen in parallel.
A 2021 investigation found 15% of teen users had experienced harassment on the app, driving home the need to protect yourself by limiting visibility.
Overview of Key TikTok Privacy Settings
To manage privacy, TikTok provides robust visibility and interaction controls allowing you to restrict access to information like:
- Personal details – name, profile info, emails
- Video content – old and new creative content
- Interactions – likes, follows, comments, duets
I‘ll provide expert advice on leveraging these below!
Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Privacy
Ready to take charge of privacy on TikTok? Here are clear steps any user should follow:
Step 1: Access Profile Settings
First, open your TikTok profile by tapping the "Me" tab on the bottom right. From here, choose the 3-line menu in the top right and select "Settings & privacy".
This brings up the hub to manage exactly who sees aspects of your profile and content.
Step 2: Hide Personal Details
Under "Privacy", toggle "Private Account" on so only followers you approve can see information like your name, profile pic, likes and more.
You can also toggle contact info like your email, phone number, birthday and more to only be visible to you. This removes avenues strangers could access your data.
Step 3: Restrict Video Visibility
Do you have old videos you don‘t necessarily want public anymore as your account has evolved? Under "Content Visibility", limit visibility of chosen videos to only followers or even just yourself.
You can also disable downloads here so users can‘t improperly keep copies of your content.
Step 4: Filter Interactions
By default, anyone can comment on or message you on TikTok. Under settings like "Comments", "Messages", "Duet" and more, filter to only allow followers to interact.
You can even block tags from those you don‘t follow under "Mentions". This prevents harassment from strangers mentioning you or your content.
Expert Recommendations for Locking Down Your Profile
As an experienced TikTok user myself, here are my top privacy tips I recommend toggling on:
Enable Restricted Mode
Limit comments, messages, etc to ONLY people you follow mutually. This makes it impossible for strangers to contact you.
Review Interactions Frequently
Check messages and comments often for concerning behavior and block/report bad actors to protect yourself.
Filter Video Visibility
Hide old videos from public view, disable downloads, turn off shares to give you ultimate control.
Following guidance like this allows you to wield privacy settings to take full ownership around who interacts with you and your creative content.
Take Your Privacy Seriously
I hope this guide has broken down exactly how to leverage TikTok‘s robust privacy controls like an expert user would. With risky incidents putting user data and safety at stake, being vigilant about your settings is key.
Don‘t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to offer additional tips.