TikTok is packed with features that help users connect with each other. One of those features is the “Shared with You” label you may have seen while scrolling. If you’re wondering what it means and why some videos have it, you’re not alone.
In this article, you’ll find a simple and clear explanation of what “Shared with You” means, how it works, where to find those videos, and how it relates to your privacy.
What Does “Shared with You” Mean on TikTok?
When a video is labeled “Shared with You,” it means a TikTok friend sent that video to you through a direct message or shared it privately inside the app. TikTok highlights these videos so you can easily find what your friends want you to see.
Quick Summary: “Shared with You” = A friend personally shared that video with you using TikTok’s sharing tools.
This feature makes TikTok feel more personal by connecting users beyond the usual For You Page (FYP) recommendations.
How Does a Video Get Marked “Shared with You”?
A video gets labeled “Shared with You” when a friend shares it directly. Here’s how it happens:
- A user taps the Share arrow on a TikTok video.
- They pick a friend or group from their Direct Messages list.
- The video is sent through a private message.
- TikTok marks the video for the receiver as “Shared with You.”
Sharing happens inside TikTok’s messaging system, and not everyone will see the same shared videos unless the content is sent directly to them.
Where Can You Find “Shared with You” Videos?
You can spot these shared videos in a few places across the TikTok app:
- TikTok Direct Messages (DMs): In your inbox, where you see all your chat history.
- Friends Tab: This section highlights videos shared by people you follow and message.
- Activity Notifications: Sometimes TikTok will send you a notification when a video is shared.
TikTok keeps shared content easy to find so you won’t miss important or fun videos from friends.
Does “Shared with You” Impact Privacy?
The “Shared with You” feature does not expose your private activity. It only labels videos shared directly with you. Your own content will not be shared without your action.
Privacy settings in TikTok control who can send you messages or share content with you. You can adjust these settings by:
- Going to Settings and Privacy.
- Choosing Privacy.
- Selecting Direct Messages and deciding who can send you messages (Everyone, Friends, or No one).
These controls keep users safe while still allowing friendly interactions through sharing.
How to Share TikTok Videos with Friends
Sharing a TikTok video with friends is quick. Follow these steps:
- Tap the arrow icon under the video you want to share.
- Choose a friend from your Direct Message list.
- Add a quick note if you want.
- Hit Send.
The video will appear in your friend’s inbox marked as “Shared with You.”
Why Does TikTok Highlight Shared Content?
TikTok highlights shared videos to boost engagement between friends. The app believes that users are more likely to enjoy videos personally recommended by people they know.
Shared videos can:
- Make livestreams and video trends spread faster.
- Strengthen friendships on the platform.
- Help TikTok’s algorithm suggest better content to you based on what your friends like.
TikTok uses these interactions to create a more connected experience for users.
Managing Notifications About Shared Videos
If you get too many alerts about shared content, you can control them. Here’s how:
- Open TikTok Settings.
- Go to Notifications.
- Tap Activity.
- Turn off or adjust notifications about shared videos.
Tip: Customizing your notifications keeps your app experience focused without missing important updates from friends.
Common Problems with “Shared with You” Videos and How to Fix Them
Sometimes shared videos do not show up right away. Here are common problems and easy fixes
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not seeing shared videos | Update your TikTok app to the latest version |
| Video shared but not labeled | Check your Direct Messages manually |
| Too many “Shared with You” alerts | Adjust notification settings in the app |
Making sure your app is updated and settings are correct often solves most issues.
Shared vs Suggested Videos: What’s the Difference?
Shared videos come directly from your friends through TikTok DMs. Suggested videos, however, come from TikTok’s algorithm, based on your activity, interests, and what’s trending globally.
Shared content is more personal. Suggested videos are automatic recommendations from the For You Page.
Knowing the difference helps you understand how TikTok mixes personal interactions with platform-driven discovery.
Conclusion: Understanding Shared Content on TikTok
The “Shared with You” label simply means a friend sent you a video. It’s TikTok’s way of helping users connect and enjoy content recommended by real people rather than just algorithms.
If you still have questions about TikTok’s features or want to share your experience with shared videos, drop a comment below. Share this article with anyone who might be wondering about TikTok’s “Shared with You” feature too.