What Are TikTok Ads?
TikTok Ads are paid videos (usually taking up the whole screen) that brands or creators pay for to show on the app.
There are 3 kinds:
- TikTok Ad: Just one ad
- TikTok Ad Group: A bunch of TikTok ads together
- TikTok Campaign: A bunch of TikTok ad groups
Why Use TikTok Ads?
Big beauty names and new tech businesses have all done well with TikTok Ads.
There are two big pluses: You can show off what your products do and connect with Gen Z (they’re more than half of TikTok’s users). It’s a win for everyone.
How Much Do TikTok Ads Cost?
In short: You can spend as much or as little as you like on TikTok Ads.
The system works on an auction and bidding basis, so you set the price you’re willing to pay for each view, click, or impression.
But, there’s the least amount you need to spend — $50 daily for each ad campaign and $20 daily for every ad group.
TikTok Bidding Methods
For bidding on TikTok Ads, there are four main strategies:
- CPV: This means you pay for every 1,000 views.
- CPM: This is the cost for every 1,000 times your ad is shown.
- oCPM: This is like CPM, but the cost is optimized for every 1,000 impressions, making sure your ad reaches the right people.
- CPC: This means you pay each time someone clicks on your ad.
8 Types of TikTok Ads
#1: TikTok Video Ads
TikTok Video Ads are a popular type of advertising on TikTok.
They appear like normal TikTok videos but include a direct link or call-to-action button for the advertised product or service. It’s as straightforward as that.
#2: TikTok Spark Ads
TikTok Spark Ads lets you use real TikTok videos for your ads.
You can pick your videos or someone else’s (with their permission) to advertise.
The cool part? All that good stuff counts for the original video when people watch, like, share, or follow your ad. It makes your ads feel like real posts. That’s a big win.
#3: TopView Ads
TopView Ads are the first video ads you see when you open TikTok.
They take up the whole screen, have sound, and you can interact with them, making them a great choice for showing off your brand.
#4: TikTok Image Ads
TikTok Image Ads are simple: they’re pictures that show a brand or app name and some words.
But, putting them up on TikTok is a bit special because you can only do it through the Global App Bundle and Pangle Placements.
#5: Carousel Ads
Do you have a lot to say and need more space?
With Carousel Ads, advertisers can share up to 10 pictures, each with a different caption, all in a single ad.
#6: Playable Ads
Think of it as TikTok Ads meets Inception.
Ideal for gaming businesses, playable TikTok Ads are interactive videos that offer a real-time taste of your game before users decide to download it.
#7: Video Shopping Ads
Just so you know: Now, anyone who advertises on the web can use Video Shopping Ads (but they’re still checking it out on phones with some testers).
You can sell stuff with a shopping catalog or live on TikTok, making your next sale as easy as scrolling.
#8: Branded Effects
Putting your brand on stickers, filters, and fun effects is a simple way to get noticed on TikTok.
5 Best Practices for TikTok Ads
Making TikTok ads that grab people’s attention might seem hard if you’re not used to it.
Here are five simple tips to help your ads do better:
#1: Make the Start Catchy
With so many TikToks watched each day, if your ad isn’t fun right away, people will skip it. Aim to make the first few seconds catchy.
#2: Add Music
Music can make your ad more interesting and help get your point across.
A good tip? Use TikTok’s music library that’s okay for businesses to use.
#3: Think About Viewers With Sound Off
Many people watch videos without sound, so it’s smart to add words to your ads to keep them engaged.
Tip: Use CapCut for easy-to-add captions.
#4: Keep Updating Your Ads
TikTok suggests changing your ads every week to keep things fresh and avoid boring your viewers.
New ads keep people interested.
#5: Team Up With TikTok Stars
The best advice? Partner with TikTok stars.
They can help your brand stand out to younger people in a way that regular ads might not, making your brand more popular online.