Let’s face it. When you use social media, especially apps like TikTok, you’re not just giving them your funny videos and dance challenges. You’re also handing over a bunch of data. The question on most users’ minds is what kind of data does TikTok collect? If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening behind the scenes while you’re scrolling through your FYP, this is the breakdown you’ve been looking for.
Basic Account Information
First off, when you create a TikTok account, the app collects the basics.
Username, Email, or Phone Number
These are needed to set up your account and make sure they can identify you as a user.
Profile Information
Things like your profile photo, bio, and any other information you voluntarily provide.
Keep in mind that this is just the tip of the iceberg of the data that TikTok is collecting from users.
Usage Data
While you’re scrolling through TikTok liking, commenting, and sharing, the app is keeping tabs on that too.
Watch History
Every video you watch, how long you watch it, and how often you rewatch it. TikTok is trying to get that perfect algorithm going, so knowing what you like (and what you don’t like) helps them show you more of the stuff you’ll stick around for.
Likes, Comments, and Shares
TikTok tracks every like you make, every comment you leave, and every video you share. We mean it, every single one.
Messages
The app keeps track of the messages you send and receive on the app, although this is typical for moderation purposes.
Device and Network Information
TikTok doesn’t just want to know what you do on the app. They also collect data about how and where you’re accessing it.
Device Information
TikTok tracks your device type (like whether you’re on an iPhone or Android), screen resolution, operating system, and other device-specific information.
Network Info
They also take note of your IP address, your mobile carrier, and even the type of internet connection you have. This helps with things like optimizing video playback and determining your general location.
Cookies
TikTok uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to gather data about your activity both on and off the app.
Location Data
If you’ve allowed TikTok to access your location services, the app can collect precise location data. This helps TikTok deliver location-based content and ads. Even if you haven’t enabled location tracking, they can still estimate your general location based on your IP address.
Behavioral Data for the Algorithm
Here’s where things get even more interesting. TikTok is constantly learning from the way you interact with the app. Based on how you engage with videos, TikTok’s algorithm builds a profile of your interests and behaviors.
Engagement Patterns
The app picks up on your browsing habits. What time you’re most active, how fast you scroll, and what types of videos you skip versus the ones you watch all the way through.
Content Preferences
Over time, TikTok learns the types of videos you’re most likely to enjoy. This could be cooking tutorials, dance challenges, educational content, or anything in between.
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line is that TikTok collects a lot more than just the videos you post. The next time you’re scrolling through TikTok, just remember there’s a lot more going on than just viral dances and recipes!
