Linking a friend on Artfight shares your account information with them

When you link a friend on Artfight, you create a connection that lets them see your account details, including your username, profile picture, bio, and the list of characters you've uploaded. The person you link can also see which other users have linked you. This is different from following someone — it's a mutual visibility feature that Artfight uses to help artists find collaborators and track who they're connected to.

The link itself doesn't give your friend access to change your password, delete your account, or post as you. But it does mean your friend can see everything on your public profile and know that you've specifically chosen to connect with them on the platform. Artfight stores this connection in its database, which means the link persists until you remove it.

Key Takeaways

  • Linking a friend makes your profile visible to them and shows them that you've intentionally connected, but does not give them control over your account.
  • You can link a friend by finding their username in Artfight's search, opening their profile, and clicking the link button — the exact location depends on whether you're on desktop or mobile.
  • Artfight stores your links in its database and shows mutual connections to both users, so linked friends can see that you've linked them back.
  • Removing a link is reversible and when ready — the other person will no longer see you as linked, though they may notice if they check your profile.
  • Your linked friends' usernames and the fact that you're connected are data Artfight holds and could share with third parties depending on their privacy policy.

How to find and link a friend step by step

Start by logging into your Artfight account. On the desktop version, look for the search bar at the top of the page. Type your friend's Artfight username exactly as it appears — usernames are case-sensitive on most platforms, so "ArtisticName" is different from "artisticname". Press Enter or click the search icon.

When your friend's profile appears in the results, click on their username or profile picture to open their full profile. On the right side of their profile header (on desktop), you should see a button labeled "Link" or a chain-link icon. Click it. On mobile, this button is usually in the same area but may be under a menu icon if space is limited. After you click, the button should change appearance — often turning a different color or showing a checkmark — to indicate the link is active.

Your friend will be notified that you've linked them, usually through a notification on their dashboard or in their notifications feed. If they link you back, you'll see a mutual link indicator on both profiles. You can link as many people as you want; Artfight doesn't limit the number of connections.

What information gets shared when you link someone

When you link a friend, they gain access to see your public profile information. This includes your username, profile picture, bio or "about" section, your character list, and any public posts or art you've shared. They can also see when you were last active on the platform, depending on your privacy settings.

The link itself — the fact that you are connected to this specific person — is also data. Artfight stores a record that you linked this user, and that information can appear in your account data if you request it. If your friend links you back, both of you will see that the connection is mutual. This mutual link information is also stored in Artfight's database.

What your friend cannot see: your email address (unless you've made it public in your bio), your password, your private messages unless you've shared them, or any characters or posts you've marked as private. If you have a private account, linking doesn't override those privacy settings.

How Artfight uses link data and who might see it

Artfight uses your links to power features like "mutual connections" displays and to help the algorithm suggest new artists you might want to follow. The platform may also use link patterns to understand how its community is organized — which artists work together, which groups are connected, and so on.

Artfight's privacy policy determines whether this link data can be shared with third parties, sold, or used for advertising. You should read Artfight's current privacy policy directly on their website to know exactly what they do with connection data. Privacy policies change, and different platforms have different rules about whether they share social graph data (the map of who is connected to whom) with advertisers, analytics companies, or other services.

If Artfight is ever sold, hacked, or subpoenaed, your link data could be transferred or disclosed as part of that event. This is true of any platform where you create connections.

Removing a link and what happens after

To unlink a friend, go back to their profile and click the link button again. It should toggle off, and the button will return to its original state. The link is removed when ready. Your friend will no longer see you listed as someone who has linked them, though they may notice if they visit your profile and the link indicator is gone.

Removing a link does not delete any messages you've sent them, erase their memory of your connection, or notify them automatically. It straightforward removes the visible connection from both profiles. If you link them again later, you're creating a new link — the old one is gone.

Artfight may keep a record that you linked this person in the past, depending on how long they retain historical data. But the active link is removed from your profile when ready.

Privacy considerations before linking someone

Linking someone means you're telling Artfight's system — and that person — that you want to be publicly associated with them. If you're concerned about your online safety or privacy, think about whether you want this person to know you're on Artfight, and whether you want your connection to them to be visible in Artfight's database.

If you use a pseudonym or separate online identity for Artfight, linking a friend who knows your real name could create a bridge between your identities. They might mention the link to others, or their account could be compromised, exposing the connection. Consider whether the person you're linking has good account security practices and whether you trust them with knowing your Artfight presence.

You also have no control over what your linked friend does with the information they can see on your profile. They could screenshot your characters, share your art elsewhere, or use your profile information in ways you didn't intend. Linking is a trust decision, not just a technical one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link someone without them knowing?

The link is visible on your profile, and Artfight typically sends a notification to the person you've linked. So no — they will know you've linked them unless they don't check their notifications. You can unlink them later if you change your mind, but the notification will have already been sent.

What if someone links me and I don't want them to?

You cannot prevent someone from linking you, but you can unlink them from your side. You can also block them, which typically prevents them from seeing your profile at all. Check Artfight's block or privacy settings to see what options are available on your account.

Does linking someone let them message me?

Linking does not automatically grant messaging permissions. Whether someone can send you a direct message depends on Artfight's messaging settings, which you control separately. You may be able to restrict messages to only people you follow, only mutual links, or only friends — check your privacy or notification settings.

If I link someone, can they see my private characters?

No. Linking only gives them access to your public profile. Any characters or posts you've marked as private remain hidden from them, even if you're linked. Your privacy settings override the link.

What happens to my links if I delete my Artfight account?

When you delete your account, all your links are removed. People who linked you will no longer see you as a connection. Artfight may retain some historical data depending on their data retention policy, but the active links disappear with your account.