When we talk about TikTok, there is one thing that we can all agree on! TikTok is a very different social platform that gives everyone a chance to be themselves and become what they want to become. However the important questions that we always ask about social media platforms, remains. How much data TikTok gathers? What type of data does TikTok collect? Should we use real names or share fake information with TikTok?
These are the very questions that we are going to answer in this article from Twilinstok. Stay with us and stay safe in this digital world.
What Type of Data Does TikTok Collect?
TikTok collects 4 types of data, including:
- Data provided by the user
- Automatically collected data
- Data from third party providers
- Handling of sensitive data
Let’s take a look at all four points above.
Data Provided by the User
Let’s start with the information we provide at the very beginning of our TikTok journey. When we sign up in a platform, we accept to share some information with its developers. Let’s check how this type of data is handled in TikTok:
- Profile Information: TikTok saves Users profile data with usernames, profile pictures, and bios.
- Videos and Comments: The heart of TikTok lies in its short videos. Users upload clips showcasing their talents, dances, or funny moments. Comments and all the interactions within the the platform are stored in TikTok’s datacenter.
Just to remind you, this type of data is stored in almost all social platforms. Basically, you agree to share them voluntarily when you sign up in the platform.
Automatically Collected Data
We talked about the user-provided data! What about the Automatically Collected ones? Let’s check them one by one:
- Device Information: TikTok gets your device info! Brand, model, operating system, and its unique identifiers.
- IP Address and Location: TikTok saves your IP address every time you use the app. This type of data is used to personalize ads and secure your account.
- Cookies and Tracking Pixels: Like many websites, TikTok uses cookies to track user behavior. They also employ tracking pixels on external websites to understand user interactions.
Data from Third Party Providers
TikTok isn’t alone when it comes to gathering data! There collaborators and business partners that help TikTok gather more and better information. This type of data is called third-party data.
TikTok users aren’t that much of a friendly company when it comes to data. However, there are records suggesting this platform gathers data from you Facebook if you have one in the same device you are using to access TikTok!
There are also records of TikTik sharing info with other platforms. Though these records are not certified, you should be careful when it comes to third party data.
Handling of Sensitive Data
Sensitive data is an important topic for social media platforms. TikTok is no exception; when it comes to:
- Domestic Violence and Mental Health: TikTokers may publish some contents related to domestic violence, self-harm, and mental health. When it comes to these types of contents, TikTok tries to balance users’ intents and community guidelines.
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Last Words on What Type of Data Does TikTok Collect
TikTok is a popular platform which gives so much to its users. However this “so much” comes with its own price. Users accept to share certain types of data with TikTok. Although most of this information is safe, we should note that social platforms like TikTok use this very info to make money. Hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article 🙂
For more information about TikTok and the features of this social network, we suggest that you click on Free TikTok Tutorial [+]. Also, if you have any questions about TikTok, you can ask them in our TikTok Help Forum [+] in the form of a topic and wait for the answer from our experts.
FAQs
How much data does TikTok gather?
TikTok collects a significant amount of data, categorized into four main types:
- Data you provide directly
- Automatically collected data
- Data from third-party providers
- Handling of sensitive data
What kind of data does TikTok collect?
- Information you provide directly (profile details, videos, comments)
- Data collected automatically (device info, IP address, location, cookies, tracking pixels)
- Data from third-party providers (potentially including Facebook data)
- Information related to sensitive content (domestic violence, self-harm, mental health)
Should I use a real name or fake information with TikTok?
While you can choose a username different from your real name, it’s generally discouraged to provide fake information during signup. Most social media platforms, including TikTok, use the data you provide to personalize your experience, secure your account, and prevent misuse. Fake information might hinder these functionalities.