This guide breaks down the differences between access models used by major social media platforms and explains how each one handles user permissions and account security.
Role-Based Access
Platforms: Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn.
These platforms support permission-based access, meaning each individual can be granted specific roles using their personal login credentials. This model is more secure, scalable, and trackable for businesses and teams.
Key Characteristics:
Individual Access: Users connect using their personal accounts (e.g. work email or existing LinkedIn profile).
Granular Permissions: Admins can assign roles such as admin, editor, moderator, advertiser, etc.
No Shared Credentials: Login details are never shared; access is controlled within the platform.
Revocable Access: Permissions can be revoked instantly without resetting passwords or disrupting other users.
Auditability: Most platforms log activity per user, supporting transparency and compliance.
Platform-Specific Notes:
Facebook: Uses Business Manager for asset control across Pages, Ad Accounts, and Instagram accounts. Access is granted via user's personal Facebook profile.
YouTube: Access is managed through Brand Accounts or Studio accounts in Google with clear role tiers. Access is granted via user's personal Facebook profile or Employee work email (YouTube account need to be generated).
LinkedIn: Access to Company Pages is granted from a user's personal LinkedIn profile.
Shared Credential Access
Platforms: Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok
These platforms rely primarily on shared login credentials, creating security risks and management complexity.
Key Characteristics:
One Set of Credentials: One username/email, phone number, password, and 2FA for all users.
No Permission Layers: Everyone using the credentials has equal, full access (typically admin-level).
Difficult Offboarding: Removing a user requires changing all login details and re-sharing them securely.
Higher Risk of Breach: More people with full access increases exposure to compromise.
No User Attribution: It's hard to track who performed which action within the platform.
Platform-Specific Notes:
Instagram: Business accounts can be linked to Facebook for some level of access control, but login sharing is still common.
X (Twitter): No built-in permission structure for organic accounts; shared logins remain standard.
TikTok: Offers no native permission structure. Only one person can be logged in at a time without app interference.
Summary Table
Platform | Access Model | Permissions Support | User-Level Control | Revocable Access | Risk Level |
Role-Based Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | High | |
YouTube | Role-Based Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | High |
Role-Based Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | High | |
Shared Credentials | No | No | No | Critical | |
X (Twitter) | Shared Credentials | No | No | No | Critical |
TikTok | Shared Credentials | No | No | No | Critical |