Research API

TikTok is working to enhance transparency with the research community. As part of our efforts to stay accountable to how we moderate and recommend content, we've built an API that includes public data on content and accounts on our platform.

This API will be made available to researchers globally, starting with academic researchers in the United States and expanding to include researchers from public interest organizations and non-U.S. regions as we build capacity.

Our process

In Phase 1, we offered Research API access to some members of our Content and Safety Advisory Councils, who provided valuable feedback on usability, data quality, and applicability to a range of research use cases.

In Phase 2, we have incorporated that feedback and improved the functionality of our API. Today, we are opening an application for API access to U.S.-based researchers.

What's nextIn Phase 3, the application will become available to researchers based in non-U.S. regions. Please keep an eye on this page for future announcements regarding this expansion.

What data will be available?With the Research API, researchers can access public data on:

Accounts

This includes data on user profiles, comments, and performance, such as number of comments, likes, and favorites that the user receives

Content

Keyword search results

How to apply for Research API access

How to qualify for access

To qualify for access, applicants must:

• Have demonstrable academic experience and expertise in the research area specified in the application
• Have no conflicts of interest with respect to using the services
• Be employed by a US non-profit academic institution
• Be able to provide a clearly defined research proposal
• Be committed to only using data for non-commercial purposes

For more details on our eligibility requirements, check out
our Research API Services Terms of Service.

How to apply

01

Create accountIf you have not already done so, create a TikTok for Developers account using your .edu email address.

02

Complete applicationDownload the application form here and fill it out. Make sure to include any requested documentation.

03

Submit applicationEmail your application form to usresearchapi@tiktok.com using the .edu email address associated with your TikTok for Developers account.

You will hear back from us within 3 to 4 weeks from submitting the application.

Please be aware that in this phase we are ONLY opening up to researchers affiliated with U.S. universities and institutions. Applications from researchers outside of the US will not be considered until we open up applications for more regions.

How to access Research APIOnce your application is approved, check out our Getting Started with Research API guide for step-by-step instructions on how to access research data.

View guide

Inquiries and questions?

Please reach out to transparency@tiktok.com

Email us