TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps in the world. Millions of people watch and share short videos on the platform every day. Want to join in? In this guide we explain how to create a TikTok account and learn how to use the app.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is an app where you can watch and make short videos. The videos usually last between 15 seconds and 10 minutes. You'll find all sorts of things: funny clips, dance videos, cooking tips, news, educational content and much more. What makes TikTok special is that the app learns what you like and shows you more and more videos that match your interests.

Why use TikTok?

TikTok is not just for young people. More and more adults are discovering the app and find it a fun way to pass the time. You can find inspiration, learn new things or simply laugh at funny videos. You don't have to make videos yourself to enjoy TikTok: just watching is fine too.

Downloading the TikTok app

Before you can create an account, you need to download the TikTok app on your phone.

On an iPhone

  1. Open the App Store (the blue icon with a white A)
  2. Tap the magnifying glass at the bottom to search
  3. Type "TikTok" in the search bar
  4. Tap "Get" or the cloud icon next to TikTok
  5. Wait until the app has been downloaded and installed

On an Android phone

  1. Open the Google Play Store (the colorful triangle)
  2. Tap the search bar at the top
  3. Type "TikTok" and tap search
  4. Tap "Install" next to the TikTok app
  5. Wait until the installation is complete

Creating a TikTok account

Now that you've downloaded the app, you can create an account. You have several options for signing up.

Step 1: Open the app

Tap the TikTok icon on your phone to open the app. You'll immediately see videos playing, but you need an account to use all the features.

Step 2: Go to sign up

Tap "Profile" (the person icon) at the bottom right. You now get the option to log in or sign up. Tap "Sign up".

Step 3: Choose how to sign up

You can sign up in several ways:

  • With your phone number or email address: The most direct way
  • With Facebook: If you already have a Facebook account
  • With Google: Handy if you use a Gmail address
  • With Apple: For iPhone users with an Apple ID

We recommend using your email address. This is the easiest option and you don't depend on other accounts.

Step 4: Enter your details

If you choose email:

  1. Enter your email address
  2. Create a password (at least 8 characters, with letters and numbers)
  3. Enter your date of birth
  4. Choose a username

Tip: Choose a username that is easy to remember. This becomes your @name on TikTok.

Step 5: Verify your account

TikTok sends a verification code to your email address. Open your email, find the code and enter it in the app. Your account has now been created.

Getting to know the TikTok app

Now that you have an account, it's time to explore the app. We explain the most important parts.

The home screen (For You page)

When you open TikTok, you land on the "For You" page. Here you see videos that TikTok has selected especially for you. You can:

  • Swipe up to go to the next video
  • Swipe down to go back to the previous video
  • Tap the screen to pause or play

The buttons on the right

On every video you see several buttons on the right side:

  • Profile photo: Tap it to go to the creator's profile
  • Heart: Tap to like the video
  • Speech bubble: View and post comments
  • Bookmark: Save the video to watch again later
  • Arrow: Share the video with others
  • Spinning disc: See which music is used

The bar at the bottom

At the bottom of the app you see five buttons:

  • Home: Back to the For You page
  • Friends: Videos from people you follow
  • Plus (+): Make your own video
  • Inbox: Your messages and notifications
  • Profile: View and edit your own profile

Setting up your profile

A complete profile makes your account more personal. Here's how to set it up.

Adding a profile photo

  1. Go to your profile (the person icon at the bottom right)
  2. Tap "Edit profile"
  3. Tap "Change photo"
  4. Choose a photo from your gallery or take a new photo

Adding a bio

Your bio is a short description of yourself. It can be up to 80 characters long.

  1. Go to "Edit profile"
  2. Tap "Bio"
  3. Write something about yourself
  4. Tap "Save"

Following accounts

By following accounts, you see their new videos in your feed. Here's how to follow someone:

  1. Go to the person's profile
  2. Tap the red "Follow" button
  3. Their videos now appear on your "Following" page

Finding accounts to follow

You can find interesting accounts in several ways:

  • Search for topics that interest you with the magnifying glass
  • See who the creators you like are following
  • Look at the suggestions TikTok gives you

Privacy settings

It's important to check your privacy settings. Here's how:

  1. Go to your profile
  2. Tap the three lines at the top right
  3. Tap "Settings and privacy"
  4. Go to "Privacy"

Important privacy options

  • Private account: If you turn this on, people have to request approval to follow you
  • Who can watch your videos: Choose between everyone, friends or only you
  • Who can comment: Limit who is allowed to post comments
  • Who can send messages: Decide who you receive messages from

Saving and sharing videos

See a fun video you want to keep or share? That's easy to do.

Saving a video

Tap the bookmark icon (the little flag) on the right side of the video. The video is saved to your favorites. You can find your saved videos through your profile under the bookmark tab.

Sharing a video

Tap the arrow on the right side. You get several options:

  • Share via WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram or other apps
  • Copy the link to paste wherever you want
  • Download the video to your phone (if the creator allows it)

Frequently asked questions

Is TikTok free?

Yes, TikTok is completely free to download and use. There are optional in-app purchases, such as coins to support creators, but you don't need them to use the app.

Do I have to make videos myself to use TikTok?

No, absolutely not. Many people use TikTok only to watch videos. You can use the app fully without ever making a video of your own.

Is TikTok safe?

TikTok is just as safe as other social media apps. It is important, though, to set up your privacy settings properly and be careful with personal information. Never share your address, phone number or financial details.

Can I use TikTok on my tablet?

Yes, TikTok is available for both smartphones and tablets. The app works the same on both devices. Simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store on your tablet.

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