On TikTok, when a profile view is attributed to “Shared with you,” it signifies that the viewer accessed the profile through a link that was directly shared with them by another user, typically through a messaging app or another social media platform external to TikTok. This mechanism allows users to share profiles of interest easily, and the platform tracks these views separately to provide insights into referral traffic. For instance, if User A shares User B’s profile with User C via text message, and User C clicks the link and views User B’s profile, that view is classified as “Shared with you.”
Understanding the source of profile views is crucial for content creators aiming to grow their presence on the platform. Views originating from shared links indicate that external sharing is driving traffic, which highlights the effectiveness of content in prompting users to recommend profiles to others. This information can inform content strategy, encouraging the creation of material that is more likely to be shared, thus expanding reach beyond the immediate TikTok audience. Historically, tracking referral sources in this manner has been a common practice across many social media and web analytics platforms, offering valuable data about user acquisition and engagement.