If your TikTok profile is set to ‘Private’, then users will have to submit a follow request that you must accept before they can view your content.
Users who opt for a Private account typically want to restrict the follower base to people who they know and want to engage with – ignoring or rejecting the requests of those who fall outside their circle.
If you are someone with a Private account, this article is geared towards helping you find any follow requests you’ve received and sift through them in order to accept or reject potential followers. But first for a few more things worth noting about a Private account…
What Happens if Your Account Is Private?
When your account is set to Private, potential followers have to ask for permission to follow you and see your content and updates. Users who do not follow you will also be unable to view information on your profile page, and will be unable to send you a Direct Message or communication through the app.
But it doesn’t end there.
Those creators with a private account will also find that their videos do not appear on the ‘For You’ feeds of any other users, and videos will not connect to search results – even if they use the perfect search-friendly hashtags.
The aim of a Private account is to restrict the number of users who can view your activity and content, to the circle that you are comfortable accepting and engaging with.
Where Are Follow Requests Located?
Follow requests that you receive as a Private account holder are sent directly to your Inbox.
Once inside your inbox, click on ‘Follow Requests’ at the top of the page. The small number next to the clickable button indicates exactly how many requests you have waiting for you.
If the user is one who you’re keen to engage with, select ‘Accept’. If not, clicking ‘Delete’ will remove the request – without letting them know you have declined their request.
NOTE: As soon as you Accept a follower request, they will be able to see all of your content and access information on your profile page.
How to Send a Follow Request
Before we leave you to explore the benefits of a Private account for yourself, a quick guide on the reverse action – how to send a follow request.
If you stumble across a profile or account which is set to Private, clicking the large red ‘Follow’ button on their profile page will automatically send them a follow request.
They will then follow the process outlined above, to accept or delete your request.
It’s as simple as that!
