TikTok Ads is a powerhouse for reaching Gen Z and beyond. At Mainn Media, we understand that successful TikTok advertising hinges on creative, data-driven TikTok marketing campaigns, and achieving that is never an easy task. Want to master TikTok Ads in 2025? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced advertiser, this step-by-step tutorial will walk you through everything, from setting up your ad account to optimizing your campaigns for maximum results.
What Are TikTok Ads?
TikTok Ads are paid promotional content that appears in users’ feeds, seamlessly integrating with the app’s short-form video format. With TikTok advertising, businesses can promote their products and services on one of the world’s fastest-growing social media platforms.
TikTok offers various ad formats, including In-Feed Ads, Spark Ads, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and more, giving brands multiple ways to capture attention. Whether you’re running TikTok marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness or drive conversions, the platform’s advanced targeting options ensure that your ads reach the right audience.
Which Brands Should Use TikTok Ads?
TikTok Ads can help brands reach a younger, highly engaged audience through creative and interactive content. Advertising on TikTok is especially effective for brands that rely on visual storytelling and viral marketing. Several types of companies below can benefit greatly from TikTok’s innovative ad solutions:
Fashion & Beauty: Showcasing trendy outfits, cosmetics, and skincare products through influencer collaborations.
E-commerce: Driving traffic to online shops with engaging product demos and promotions.
Food & Beverage: Creating viral challenges and recipe videos to attract food lovers.
Gaming: Promoting mobile and console games with engaging gameplay clips.
Tech & Gadgets: Demonstrating product features through immersive video ads.
Fitness & Wellness: Engaging audiences with workout challenges and wellness tips.
Entertainment & Media: Promoting movies, music, and shows through teaser clips and viral trends.
With the right TikTok marketing campaigns, brands can turn engagement into real business results, leveraging the platform’s unique creative potential.
Benefits Of TikTok Advertising
As a veteran in digital ad campaigns, I’ve witnessed how TikTok advertising has transformed how brands connect with their audiences. Its benefits go beyond increasing visibility, providing a powerful mix of creativity and targeted reach. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages TikTok Ads can bring to your business:
Large, engaged user base
TikTok Ads gives brands access to a massive and highly engaged global audience, with over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2025. The platform is especially popular among Gen Z and Millennials. Therefore, brands can target younger demographics who are active on this platform.
User engagement on TikTok advertising is unmatched, with the algorithm prioritizing content that resonates with viewers. Studies show that TikTok users spend an average of 95 minutes per day on the app, interacting with ads, challenges, and trending videos. This high engagement rate increases the chances of Advertising on TikTok driving conversions and brand loyalty.
Creative, interactive ad types
One of the biggest strengths of TikTok Ads is its diverse range of interactive ad types. Brands can choose from In-Feed Ads, Spark Ads, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and more powerful ad types. These TikTok marketing campaigns encourage users to actively engage with branded content rather than just passively viewing it.
Precise targeting options
TikTok also offers advanced targeting options that allow brands to reach the right audience at the right time. With TikTok Ads Manager, advertisers can target users based on demographics, interests, device types, and even behaviors such as app usage and purchase intent.
This precision targeting ensures that brands maximize their TikTok marketing campaigns, reaching high-intent users who are most likely to engage. The platform also allows lookalike audience targeting, helping businesses expand their reach to users who share similar characteristics with their existing customers.
Comprehensive analytics and reporting
To ensure brands get the most out of TikTok advertising, the platform provides a robust analytics dashboard that tracks key performance metrics. Businesses can monitor their campaign reach, engagement rates, conversion rates, and return on ad spend (ROAS) in real time. Performance-driven Advertising on TikTok enables brands to optimize their campaigns based on data rather than guesswork.
All TikTok Ad Types
Throughout my career, I’ve observed the evolution of creative ad formats, and TikTok’s diverse offerings stand out for their ability to captivate audiences. Understanding these TikTok ad types allows advertisers to choose the best approach for their campaign objectives. Here’s a breakdown of all TikTok ad formats available:
Throughout my career, I’ve observed the evolution of creative ad formats, and TikTok’s diverse offerings stand out for their ability to captivate audiences. Understanding these TikTok ad types allows advertisers to choose the best approach for their campaign objectives. Here’s a breakdown of all TikTok ad formats available:
In-Feed Ads
In-feed ads are seamlessly integrated into the user’s For You feed, appearing as they scroll through organic content. These ads mimic regular TikTok videos, making them feel less intrusive and more engaging. Since they blend naturally with user-generated content, they are ideal for brands looking to promote products without disrupting the user experience.
This TikTok ad type is highly effective for engagement-based advertising, as it allows brands to include call-to-action (CTA) buttons such as “Shop Now,” “Download,” or “Learn More.” Additionally, advertisers can target specific demographics, making these ads a great option for TikTok marketing campaigns that focus on audience segmentation.
TopView Ads
TopView ads offer premium placement by appearing at the top of the For You feed the moment a user opens TikTok. This TikTok ad format ensures brands receive immediate and full-screen visibility, making it perfect for launching new products, promoting major campaigns, or increasing brand awareness.
Since Advertising on TikTok is highly visual, TopView ads allow brands to make a strong first impression. The format supports up to 60 seconds of video, giving advertisers enough time to tell a compelling story and drive engagement. With its high-impact placement, TopView ads are best suited for businesses aiming for mass exposure.
Spark Ads
Spark Ads is a unique TikTok ad type that enables brands to amplify organic content by turning high-performing TikTok posts into paid advertisements. Instead of creating an entirely new ad, businesses can use existing videos, either from their own account or collaborations with creators, to increase reach and engagement.
This TikTok ad format aligns with the platform’s viral nature and fosters authenticity. Since these ads appear as regular TikTok posts, they maintain credibility and are more likely to drive user interaction, such as likes, shares, and comments.
Carousel Ads
Carousel ads allow brands to showcase multiple images or videos within a single ad unit, providing a more immersive advertising experience. Users can swipe through different frames, making it easier for businesses to highlight multiple products, features, or services.
This TikTok ad type is particularly effective for e-commerce brands, as it enables detailed product storytelling. Carousel ads work best when paired with a strong TikTok advertising strategy that leverages clear CTAs and eye-catching creatives.
Branded Hashtag Challenge
A Branded Hashtag Challenge is one of the most powerful TikTok ad formats for driving user-generated content (UGC). This ad type encourages users to participate in viral challenges by creating and sharing videos with a branded hashtag, increasing brand visibility and fostering a sense of community.
Brands using this TikTok ad type benefit from massive exposure, as these challenges often appear on TikTok’s Discover page. Branded Hashtag Challenges are highly effective for brands looking to boost engagement, attract followers, and build long-term brand recognition.
Branded Effects
With Branded Effects, businesses can create custom filters, stickers, and AR effects that users can apply to their videos. This TikTok ad format enhances brand recall by integrating branded elements into organic content, making advertising more interactive and entertaining.
Since advertising on TikTok thrives on creativity, Branded Effects provide a unique way for users to engage with brands while personalizing their content.
Brand Takeover Ads
Brand Takeover ads offer an unmissable advertising opportunity by displaying full-screen ads the moment a user opens the TikTok app. These ads deliver an instant and immersive experience, making them one of the most effective TikTok ad types for generating awareness.
Because these ads dominate the screen, they ensure high visibility and strong brand recall. Brand Takeover ads are perfect for companies launching new products, special promotions, or exclusive deals. With their clickable CTA, users can be directed to a website, landing page, or another TikTok video for further engagement.
Video Shopping Ads
Video Shopping Ads combine TikTok advertising with eCommerce integration, allowing users to purchase products directly from video ads. These ads seamlessly merge entertainment and shopping, creating a frictionless path from product discovery to checkout.
This TikTok ad type is ideal for brands looking to increase sales and drive conversions. To maximize success, advertisers should focus on ad bidding strategies, ensuring the right audience sees their products at the right time. With TikTok’s growing role in social commerce, Video Shopping Ads provide a powerful tool for businesses aiming to tap into the platform’s shopper-driven ecosystem.
TikTok Ad Specs
To create high-performing TikTok ads, businesses must follow the correct TikTok ad specs to ensure optimal display, engagement, and conversion rates. Below are the key TikTok ad specifications that advertisers should follow to maximize performance:
Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (Vertical), 16:9 (Landscape), or 1:1 (Square)
Resolution: Minimum 720 x 1280 px, 640 x 640 px, or 1280 x 720 px
File Type: MP4, MOV, MPEG, or AVI
Video Duration:5-60 seconds (Optimal: 9-15 seconds)
File Size: Up to 500 MB
How Much Do TikTok Ads Cost?
The cost of TikTok ads depends on several factors, including ad format, targeting options, and bidding strategy.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the current cost landscape:
Minimum Budget Requirements:
Campaign Level: A minimum budget of $50 is required.
Ad Group Level: Each ad group necessitates a minimum daily budget of $20.
Average Advertising Costs:
Cost Per Mille (CPM): As of February 2025, the average CPM for TikTok ads is approximately $3.48, indicating the cost to reach 1,000 viewers.
Cost Per Click (CPC): The median CPC stands at $1.08, reflecting the expense incurred each time a user clicks on an ad.
How To Create Your First TikTok Ad In 6 Steps
Follow this step-by-step guide to start your TikTok marketing campaigns and maximize your ad performance.
Step 1: Open the TikTok Ads Manager
To run TikTok ads, you need to create an account on TikTok Ads Manager.
Here’s how to get started:
Visit TikTok Ads Manager and click Create an Ad.
Sign up using your Business Account credentials.
Complete your business profile and set up payment details.
Once you’re inside the TikTok Ads Manager, you can access a wide range of tools to create and optimize your TikTok advertising campaigns.
Step 2: Set your advertising goal
Every successful TikTok ad campaign starts with a clear objective. TikTok provides multiple advertising goals to help businesses achieve their desired outcomes.
Choose from one of these objectives based on your marketing needs:
Awareness: Increase brand visibility with video views or reach campaigns.
Consideration: Drive traffic to your website, boost engagement, or increase app installs.
Conversion: Generate leads or encourage sales through your e-commerce store.
Defining your goal helps TikTok’s algorithm optimize your TikTok marketing campaigns for better results.
Step 3: Select your target audience
One of the biggest advantages of advertising on TikTok is its advanced audience targeting options.
You can define your audience based on:
Demographics: Age, gender, location, and language.
Interests & behaviors: Target users based on content they engage with.
Custom audiences: Retarget users who have interacted with your business before.
Lookalike audiences: Reach new users similar to your existing customers.
To run TikTok ads successfully, make sure your audience is specific yet broad enough to allow the platform’s AI to optimize your reach.
Step 4: Set your budget and schedule
Before launching your TikTok ads, you need to set a budget that aligns with your marketing goals. TikTok offers flexible budgeting options, allowing advertisers to control costs effectively.
You can choose between:
Daily budget: The amount you’re willing to spend per day (Minimum: $20 per ad group).
Lifetime budget: The total amount spent over the entire campaign.
Additionally, you can schedule your ads to run continuously or at specific times when your target audience is most active.
Step 5: Create your ad and submit
Here’s how to run ads on TikTok effectively:
Choose an ad format.
Upload your video or create one using TikTok’s Video Creation Kit.
Add captions, CTAs, and relevant hashtags to boost engagement.
Once you’re happy with your ad, click Submit for approval. TikTok reviews ads within 24 hours, ensuring compliance with TikTok advertising policies.
Step 6: Measure your ad performance
To determine how well your TikTok marketing campaigns are performing, regularly check the TikTok Ads Manager dashboard. Key metrics to track include:
Reach & Impressions: How many people saw your ad.
Engagement Rate: Likes, shares, comments, and interactions.
Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of users who clicked your CTA.
Conversion Rate: The number of users who completed a purchase or action.
H2: Best Practices For Creating Engaging TikTok Ads
If you want your TikTok ads to get noticed, you can’t just throw up any video. You need to make ads that look and feel like they belong on TikTok. Here’s how to make your ads work best for TikTok users.
Start with a captivating hook
The first 3 seconds of your TikTok ads are crucial for capturing users’ attention. Since users scroll quickly through their For You feed, your ad needs a strong hook to make them stop and watch.
To achieve this:
Use bold visuals or an intriguing question.
Start with fast-paced action to spark curiosity.
Feature text overlays that highlight your key message.
An engaging opening can increase watch time, leading to better ad performance in TikTok marketing campaigns.
Opt for a TikTok-native feel
TikTok is all about authenticity. Ads that feel too polished or overly scripted tend to perform worse than those that blend seamlessly with organic content. Advertising on TikTok should match the platform’s casual, creative style.
To make your ads feel native:
Use handheld-style filming to mimic user-generated content.
Use popular TikTok transitions and effects in your videos.
Maintain a conversational and relatable tone.
A TikTok-native approach helps brands connect with audiences on a more personal level, increasing engagement and conversions.
Use trending sounds and hashtags
TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes content that incorporates trending sounds and hashtags, making them powerful tools for boosting your ad’s reach. Using relevant audio and hashtags can help position your ads in front of a larger, more engaged audience.
Best practices for TikTok advertising with trends:
Browse TikTok’s Sounds Library to find trending audio.
Use popular and niche hashtags to improve discoverability.
Ensure the sound aligns with your brand message.
Trending elements make TikTok ads feel more relevant and engaging, increasing their chances of going viral.
Leverage user-generated content
Consumers believe the opinions of those who have used the brand more than the brand itself. That’s why user-generated content (UGC) is one of the most effective ways to enhance TikTok marketing campaigns. Ads that feel organic and authentic perform better because they resonate with TikTok’s community-driven culture.
To incorporate UGC into your TikTok advertising strategy:
Repurpose customer testimonial videos as ads.
Encourage users to generate content about your product.
Use Spark Ads to boost high-performing organic videos.
Integrating UGC makes ads more trustworthy and engaging, leading to higher conversion rates.
Partner with influencers
Collaborating with TikTok influencers is a powerful way to boost your ad’s reach and credibility. Influencers already have an established audience, and their recommendations feel genuine and persuasive.
How to use influencer marketing for advertising on TikTok:
Find influencers in your niche using the TikTok Creator Marketplace.
Give them creative freedom to make the content feel natural.
Use their content in TikTok ads to extend its reach.
Influencer-led TikTok marketing campaigns often drive higher engagement and trust, leading to better ad performance.
Provide a compelling offer
A strong call to action (CTA) paired with a compelling offer can motivate users to take action. Whether you want more sales, sign-ups, or app downloads, your ad should clearly communicate the benefit of engaging with your brand.
Tips for crafting a high-converting TikTok ad offer:
Use limited-time discounts to create a feeling of urgency.
Highlight the unique selling points of your product.
Make CTAs clear and action-oriented, like “Shop Now” or “Get 50% Off”.
A well-crafted offer increases conversion rates and ensures that TikTok advertising delivers a strong return on investment (ROI).
Refresh your ad creatives often
Unlike other platforms, TikTok ads can burn out quickly due to the fast-paced nature of the platform. Users crave new and exciting content, so refreshing your ads frequently is essential.
To keep your ads fresh:
Rotate different video styles, hooks, and CTAs.
Test various TikTok ad formats, such as In-Feed Ads, Spark Ads, and TopView Ads.
Repurpose top-performing organic content for new ads.
Consistently updating your creatives ensures your TikTok marketing campaigns remain effective over time.
Test and optimize
Running TikTok ads successfully requires ongoing testing and optimization. Even small tweaks can lead to significant improvements in engagement and ROI.
To optimize your TikTok advertising campaigns:
A/B test different headlines, visuals, and CTAs.
Monitor key performance metrics in TikTok Ads Manager.
Adjust targeting settings to improve audience reach.
Regular testing helps brands refine their ad strategy, ensuring long-term success in advertising on TikTok.
3 Examples Of Great TikTok Ads
Looking for inspiration? Here are some standout TikTok ads from brands across different industries, demonstrating unique approaches to engaging audiences.
Medik8: Leveraging the “Get Ready With Me” Trend
British skincare brand Medik8 collaborated with a TikTok creator to promote its Liquid Peptides product. The ad mimics the well-known “Get Ready With Me” format, making it feel natural and engaging.
Although the content feels organic, the creator strategically highlights key product features, such as their five different strengths and 10 peptides. To encourage conversions, the ad concludes with a 20% discount offer for viewers.
MVST: ASMR Meets Product Showcase
Premium luggage brand MVST takes a minimalist yet effective approach by blending unboxing and ASMR into its TikTok advertising strategy without using any dialogue.
The ad focuses solely on the product, featuring close-up shots of a hand opening the suitcase, spinning its wheels, and unzipping compartments. The soothing sounds of zippers and rolling wheels enhance the sensory appeal, making the ad both visually and audibly satisfying while effectively demonstrating the quality of the luggage.
MERIT: A Compelling Offer with a Trendy Twist
Vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand MERIT grabs attention by leading with an exclusive promotion. First-time customers receive a free signature bag filled with products when they order from the website.
The ad highlights each product inside the bag, generating excitement and urgency. To boost engagement, MERIT pairs the video with a trending TikTok sound, increasing its chances of resonating with the platform’s audience and enhancing its reach.
Ultimately, success on TikTok hinges on your ability to adapt and innovate. If you’re ready to explore the potential of TikTok Ads and elevate your brand’s digital presence, reach out to Mainn Media for a tailored consultation.
Wrap-up
TikTok Ads have transformed digital marketing, helping brands reach engaged audiences with creative content. From my expertise and experience, I feel that adapting to TikTok’s trends and optimizing ad strategies is key to success. If you’ve benefited from this post or learned something new, don’t forget to share this post to help others improve their TikTok advertising!
