TikTok Ads FAQ Every Marketing Manager Needs to Know
Whether you’re new to TikTok advertising or looking to level up your campaigns, you’re probably asking yourself a few important questions. Is TikTok really worth the investment? What kind of ads perform best? And how do you reach the right audience on a platform known for dance trends and viral challenges?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about TikTok ads, especially for marketing managers who want to make the most of their ad budget. With TikTok’s explosive growth and unique content format, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about TikTok Ads in simple terms, with real-world insights and practical advice you can use right away.
Why Should Marketing Managers Care About TikTok Ads?
If we told you that TikTok has over 1 billion active users worldwide, would that get your attention? Because it’s true. And more importantly, many of these users are highly engaged, spending an average of 95 minutes per day scrolling, sharing, and interacting with content.
Here’s why TikTok is worth considering:
- Massive reach across demographics, especially Gen Z and Millennials
- High engagement compared to other social platforms
- Creative, authentic ad formats that blend in with user content
- Advanced AI-powered targeting tools to reach specific audiences
So even if you’re not dancing on camera, TikTok can still be a solid advertising channel for your brand—whether you’re selling skincare, SaaS tools, or sneakers.
Is TikTok Advertising Right for Every Business?
Good question. The short answer? Not always. Here’s when TikTok Ads might be a good fit:
- You’re targeting younger audiences, especially under 35
- Your product or service is visually engaging or trend-friendly
- You can produce short, fun, and informative video content
- You’re open to testing and iterating creatives quickly
If your brand sells something like legal services or B2B software, TikTok might not feel like a natural fit. But even then, some companies have found creative ways to make it work—like showing behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials, or funny tips about industry trends.
Still unsure if it fits your company? Speak to our digital marketing experts for a free consultation—Start Advertising on TikTok Today.
How Much Do TikTok Ads Cost?
This might surprise you, but TikTok can be quite affordable—especially for small to mid-sized businesses. Ad costs aren’t fixed and depend on:
- Your industry and competition
- The ad format you choose
- Your targeting preferences
- Bidding strategy (CPC, CPM, etc.)
Typically, TikTok’s minimum ad spend is:
- £50 per campaign
- £20 per ad group
If managed right, you could run an effective campaign on a modest budget.
Want to know what kind of results you can expect? Our team at Likes & Rankings can give you a customized estimate based on your budget.
What Ad Formats Are Available on TikTok?
TikTok offers a range of ad formats and placements. Understanding these can help you choose the best type that fits your budget and campaign goals.
1. In-Feed Ads
These are short videos (9–15 seconds) that appear as users scroll through the app. They blend in naturally and can include CTAs like „Shop Now“ or „Learn More.“
2. TopView Ads
Imagine launching your brand in the first 5 seconds when a user opens the app. That’s TopView. It grabs attention fast—but costs more than in-feed ads.
3. Branded Hashtag Challenges
Encourage user participation through viral challenges. Think of it as community-driven marketing with a twist. It’s a big investment but also has massive viral potential.
4. Branded Effects
Create filters, stickers, or visual effects that users can apply to their videos. It’s a fun, immersive way to build recognition—but requires creative effort.
5. Spark Ads
Want to boost existing organic TikTok videos? Spark Ads allow you to amplify influencer or brand content directly, increasing reach and engagement.
Tip: If you’re new, we recommend starting with In-Feed or Spark Ads. They’re flexible, budget-friendly, and great for testing.
How Does TikTok’s Targeting Work?
Good targeting is what separates average ads from game-changing ones. TikTok offers a solid set of tools to help you reach the right people at the right time.
Here’s what you can target:
- Demographics (age, gender, language, location)
- Device type (OS, network type, device model)
- Interests (based on user activity)
- Behaviour (like users who recently viewed or engaged with certain content)
- Custom audiences (e.g., website visitors, app users, email lists)
TikTok’s AI also uses optimization to serve your ads to the people most likely to take action. Over time, the platform „learns“ which users are responding and adjusts accordingly.
Want us to help with audience research and setup? Try our TikTok Ad Services.
What Makes a Good TikTok Ad?
The short answer? Authenticity + creativity.
TikTok users don’t come to the app to watch polished corporate videos. They want fun, real, and relatable content. Think of your ad as part of the TikTok feed—not an interruption.
Tips for creating high-performing TikTok ads:
- Use real people and genuine voices—not just product shots
- Keep it short and punchy—attention spans are limited
- Include trending sounds or hashtags to boost reach
- Add subtitles—many users watch without sound
- End with a clear CTA (buy now, visit website, download, etc.)
Imagine your ad sitting between a viral comedy skit and a cooking tutorial. If it feels too much like a traditional commercial, users might just scroll past it. Aim for value, entertainment, or inspiration.
How Do You Track TikTok Ad Performance?
Performance tracking is essential to know what’s working—and what’s not. TikTok’s Ads Manager provides helpful insights that are easy to read and adjust.
Here’s what you can track:
- Impressions & reach (how many saw your ad)
- Clicks & CTR (how many clicked your link)
- Video view metrics (like 2s, 6s, completed views)
- Conversions (website actions, sales, sign-ups, etc.)
- Engagement (likes, shares, comments)
Don’t forget to set up the TikTok Pixel on your website. This allows you to track events like purchases and leads—and even retarget visitors later on.
Need help tracking conversions or setting up the Pixel? Our Campaign Setup Service has you covered.
Should I Work With a TikTok Marketing Agency?
Short answer? Yes, if you want results fast.
While you can run your own TikTok ads, there’s a learning curve—especially around creatives, targeting, and optimization. A professional agency can cut through the uncertainty and deliver results quicker.
Benefits of hiring the pros:
- Data-driven strategy tailored to your goals
- Creative guidance that captures user attention
- Pixel and tracking setup done right
- Ongoing optimization for better ROI
At Likes & Rankings, we specialize in helping brands dominate TikTok through smart targeting and creative excellence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with TikTok Ads
Even the savviest marketers can slip up. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Making ads too polished—it doesn’t resonate with TikTok culture
- Skipping audience testing—you need data to guide your decisions
- Ignoring analytics—you can’t fix what you don’t measure
- Forgetting to include a CTA—always guide users on what to do next
- Posting boring content—try humor, stories, or visual intrigue
Think of TikTok as a big creative lab. Your goal is to experiment, learn, and improve. Don’t worry if the first ad isn’t perfect—it’s all part of the journey.
Conclusion: Is TikTok Right for Your Next Campaign?
If you’re a marketing manager looking to reach new audiences, drive engagement, and build brand loyalty, TikTok might be your next secret weapon. Yes, it takes a little creativity and some trial and error—but the rewards can be massive.
With over a billion users and unmatched engagement levels, TikTok advertising offers a golden opportunity that businesses can’t afford to ignore.
Still have questions or want expert help? We’ve got your back.
Need Help Getting Started?
Let’s make this easier. Whether you’re launching your first ad or scaling up what’s working, we can help with:
- Custom TikTok ad strategies
- Creative ad design & video production
- Pixel installation + tracking setup
- Performance optimization and retargeting
Join dozens of brands who already trust Likes & Rankings to deliver scroll-stopping, ROI-driven TikTok ads.
Thanks for reading! If this post helped you understand TikTok advertising better, give it a share—or save it for later. And remember, on TikTok, speed, creativity, and audience insight are everything. Ready to make your next campaign a hit?
You know where to find us 😉
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