Thousands of pieces of content are published daily on TikTok, creating a huge number of new accounts. People generally use usernames when searching for someone to collect data or share posts with. But when it comes to serious advertising campaigns or collecting big data, you absolutely cannot do without a TikTok User ID.
Some people confuse these two concepts and think they are the same thing. Today, we will give you more information about each identifier. You will learn the differences and advantages of each.
TikTok User ID: Definition, Features, and How to Find
TikTok User ID is an identifier that TikTok creates as a numerical string. So, while a username is letters, an ID is numbers. The most important thing you should know is that the User ID cannot be displayed immediately on your profile. It is hidden from prying eyes. However, you may find it with special services. Check this TikTok ID finder tool.
Where do users most often use TikTok IDs:
- Analytical purposes. Connecting third-party analytics to your account requires searching for an ID, not a username.
- Advertising campaigns. You can launch multiple campaigns at once and for multiple accounts. It is easier with an ID.
- Base building. You can maintain a database of potential audiences and then target them with your ads. Users can change their username and be excluded from your ad impressions, but they can’t change their ID.
- Analyzing influencer engagement with your brand. Yes, monitoring all activity is much easier. You only need to find out the criteria’s ID.
Important: An ID is a more reliable tool for both account identification and marketing and advertising activities.
What is a TikTok Username
A TikTok Username is an identifier, which is most often a first and last name or a nickname. That’s what you see: a string of letters.
Where is a username most often used:
- Displayed in a profile to increase recognition or promote a brand name. It is used in the link to the page where you can find the username at the end of the URL.
- It is used to search for a user’s TikTok account within the app.
- It is shown to other users when broadcasting videos, commenting, and following.
Important to know: The main difference between a username and an ID is that a username can be changed from time to time. TikTok, like Instagram, provides this option. This way, you can periodically update your brand, repurpose your company, and adapt it to a new niche, or create a shorter, more catchy nickname.
Differences Between a Username and a User ID That Everyone Should Know
As you’ve probably already understood from the information we’ve written, the main difference lies in the purpose of each identifier. A Username is important for audience engagement, a memorable brand name, and positive visual perception. A User ID is critical for advertising, analytics, and marketing campaigns.
Another difference is that a Username is easy to remember, whereas an ID is difficult to remember. This is why it’s used in communications. It’s your personal nickname, so to speak.
A third difference is that a User ID can’t be used in place of a username. After all, it’s not intended to be remembered. Its main purpose is to avoid confusion between accounts.
A fourth difference is that a Username is easily accessible. It can be found in a profile and in user content, and it is also part of the profile URL. A User ID, on the other hand, is usually hidden. The account owner can find it in the settings. If you need to find someone else’s ID, some services can help.
Why Do You Need a Username
You’ve probably already realized that the main role of a Username is to promote personal branding.
What does a well-designed Username affect:
- Author or trademark recognition.
- Ease of search among other accounts.
- Overall impression.
Tip: The shorter and more evocative your username, the easier it will be to tag and mention it.
When Is a User ID Absolutely Necessary
The User ID has become indispensable in professional work with TikTok accounts. Professionals such as marketers, web developers, and data analysts rely on the metrics obtained from the User ID for more accurate data.
We previously wrote that the User ID is useful for advertising campaigns, collecting data on influencers, and much more. It is also useful when working with the TikTok API.
Conclusion
Usernames and IDs serve different purposes, appear differently, and are used for different ways of application. You can use a catchy name to promote your profile and increase recognition. An ID is useful for routine analytics, integration with third-party services, and data processing.


