TikTok offers marketers a wide range of creative options, with the app relying on visual and audio content. There's no room for boredom on the platform – your brand can leverage the advertising formats offered by TikTok ads. The most important ones include:
In-feed ads
In-feed ads appear to users in the "For You" tab and last up to 60 seconds. However, the recommended length is only 15 seconds – a TikTok user must become interested in the content they're viewing within a few seconds to stop and stop scrolling. In this TikTok Ads format, viewers can interact with the displayed ad, such as clicking, commenting, or sharing.
Spark Ads
Instead of creating an ad from scratch, you promote existing content. This could be a video published on your account or content created by a creator or client. This way, the ad looks exactly like a regular TikTok ad, with comments, likes, and all the social media buzz.
In practice, this often works better than traditional ads because it doesn't disrupt the user's scrolling rhythm. The content is more credible and less salesy, yet can still lead directly to a purchase or visit the website. This solution is particularly effective for sales campaigns and collaborations with creators.
TopView
An ad that users see immediately upon opening the app. It's hard to miss, making it ideal for larger campaigns and building reach. It's not an "everyday" format, but rather a component of larger initiatives.
TikTok Search Ads
TikTok is increasingly serving as a search engine – 49% of users use TikTok in this role. They enter specific queries, often related to product reviews or recommendations for specific models. Search Ads allow you to appear at that precise moment. It's a different type of contact than traditional feed ads. You reach someone who's already searching for something and is closer to making a decision.
In practice, this format works well as a complement to sales campaigns, especially in industries where users actively compare offers or seek recommendations.
brand takeover
The Brand Takeover format on TikTok guarantees 100% visibility for 24 hours. Ads in this format are shorter, can be static or dynamic, and are displayed full-screen. It ensures the selected ad dominates a specific location 24/7. This TikTok ad format can be implemented using photos, animations, or snapshot videos. It is primarily used for large budgets and branding campaigns.
Collection Ads
A format that seamlessly combines TikTok with e-commerce. Users see a video, and below it, products they can immediately browse. Clicking on them takes them to a special view (the so-called Instant Experience), where they can see more offers without leaving the app. This shortens the path from interest to purchase. Instead of immediately redirecting users to the store's website, they first need to engage with the offer.
Collection Ads make sense primarily where you have a larger product catalog and want to show more than one offer at a time.
Lead Generation Ads
A solution for companies that want to gather leads, but not necessarily make immediate sales. After clicking on an ad, the user sees a form directly in TikTok. There's no need to navigate to the website, enter data from scratch, or spend a lot of time thinking – some information can be filled in automatically.
This typically increases lead generation because the entire process is quick and simple. This format works well for services (e.g., consultations, quotes), B2B offers, and event or webinar registrations.
Branded Hashtag Challenge
The app is driven by trends. TikTok loves a good time, and using the Branded Hashtag Challenge format, you can effectively engage your campaign audience by engaging them in a challenge created by your brand, promoted with a specific hashtag. By inviting your ad audience to a viral challenge, you'll achieve your advertising goals by capturing the interest of your selected target group. This solution is more about reach and recognition than direct sales.
Branded effects
TikTok encourages companies to participate in the app's creation. Filters, stickers, and special effects—using unconventional formats, your brand can create its own unique online style. This format aims to engage users and shape a positive company image. Promote products or services on TikTok with unconventional content to stay in users' memories longer.