Guide 2026
Starting price: No pricing available
Free plan: No
Free trial: Yes
Paid plans:
Save BIG on
TikTok Ads
Save up to $6,000 on TikTok Ads
TikTok Ads
Used by 5024 members
$6,000 Ad Credit* for 1 month
Save up to $6,000 on TikTok Ads
Save BIG on
TikTok Ads
Secret has already helped tens of thousands of startups save millions on the best SaaS like Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace & many more. Join Secret now to buy software the smart way.
Pricing: $150,000/6-day run
Best for:
Viral marketing and user participation, driving community engagement and user-generated conten
Hashtag Challenges on TikTok are an immensely impactful marketing vehicle, encouraging users to participate by creating content around a prescribed action or theme in a very authentic way. Hashtag Challenges are structured to ask users to create videos performing an activity (often a dance or a showcasing of a talent) tied together with a designated hashtag. Brands can also take advantage of that format, through Branded Hashtag Challenges, which guarantees a spot on the TikTok Discover page on platform. Hashtag Challenges leverage TikTok's algorithm to ensure more visibility as interaction starts increasing across the user created content. Overall, Hashtag Challenges are a great way to create brand awareness, engagement, and grow your fan base. You'll notice that successful Hashtag Challenges have music, humor and stories to inspire the audience to participate. Hashtag Challenges are also a way for users to check off a status as an influencer and your brand can leverage that piece of cultural currency. Hashtag Challenges have the potential to generate large user engagement, organic visibility, and user-generated content at scale. As of 2025, Hashtag Challenges will still play an enormous factor in your TikTok marketing strategy as a brand and is a unique way to encourage users to creatively connect with your audience.
Main features
Prompt users to create and share videos performing specific actions or trends
Leverage TikTok's algorithm to increase visibility as user interaction grows
Can be paired with other ad formats for increased engagement
Pricing: $65,000/day
Best for:
Capturing users' full attention and increasing brand exposure, as they appear immediately when users open the app without competing content
TopView Ads are TikTok's most premium ad unit which show as the very first video users see when they open the application. These are full screen ads that can last from 5 to 60 seconds. Once a TopView is completed, it transitions directly into the users For You feed. The TopView Ad placement itself addresses the massive ad clutter found within other ad units like In-Feed Ads by allowing for the most complete viewing experience - no ad clutter, no competing content or the potential for scrolling away from it. All this combines to make TopView Ads primarily focused on building brand awareness, providing brands the best opportunity to leave a lasting impression. The difference between TopView Ads and other native In-Feed Ads is that this ad format is sold on a reservation basis with a flat-rate not bidding/auction pricing model, along with a guaranteed impression count. TopView Ads engage the consumer through likes, shares, and comments - they contribute to what is known by TikTok as and lend that element of interactivity. TopView Ads are undoubtedly the ad placements with the highest visibility and engagement and reportedly an astonishing 71% of users respond directly to the TopView Ads (as measured by TikTok internal metrics.). When it comes to developing an ad strategy for TikTok, TopView Ads stand out as the best option for capturing the user attention in its entirety, whilst also contributing to exposure for the brand.
Main features
Appear as the first video users see when opening the app
Full screen format lasting 5 to 60 seconds
Allow for user interactions like likes, shares, and comments
Pricing: $50,000/day
Best for:
Mass awareness and product launches, guaranteeing extremely high reach and great performance due to their exclusive full-screen placement
Brand Takeover Ads are full-screen, impactful ads that appear instantly when a user opens the app. These ads are meant for maximum exposure and brand awareness via a 3-second image or a 3-5 second video. The entire screen is clickable, eliminating any friction between the ad and the destination (internal or external landing pages). Brand Takeovers give you 100% Share of Voice for the day of the ad, so the user won't see any other Brand Takeover ads that day. Because of this exclusivity, it comes at a premium price and is best suited for larger brands desiring larger reach. For example, a Pepsi Brand Takeover in Australia had over 2.4 million TikTok users in one day with a 24% click-through-rate. Although visibility is highly effective, there is no opportunity for user interaction (likes or comments). It is 100% about impact and directing traffic.
Main features
Full screen ads that appear immediately when users open the TikTok app
Exclusive placement with only one advertiser per category per day
Short duration of 3 to 5 seconds for images or videos
Pricing: $1 per click
Best for:
Engagement, app installs, and driving traffic to external landing pages or your TikTok Business Account
TikTok In-Feed Ads are the default ad format on the platform, appearing as ads in a user's For You feeds. Since the ads auto play and can be up to 60 seconds long, we recommend keeping it around 15 seconds to encourage interaction. They imitate organic content, which allows users to like, share, comment, and engage with the In-Feed advertisement as they would with organic posts, making it easy for users to interact. In-Feed Ads can be used for any type of campaign objective, and they have features like clickable CTA buttons that can send users to external landing pages, app downloads, or TikTok Business Accounts. They can be purchased through TikTok's Ad Manager, so there are options for setting budgets and targeting. In-Feed Ads can be purchased through auction or reservation, and TikTok recently added the Search Ads Toggle, allowing In-Feed Ads to also reach TikTok's search results page. They are a low-cost way for brands to get exposure, entertain people, and drive action, making them a staple of any TikTok advertising strategy.
Main features
Seamlessly integrate into users' For You feeds, appearing like native content
Allow user interactions such as likes, comments, shares, and follows
Support various campaign objectives with clickable CTA buttons
When it comes to TikTok’s In-Feed Ads versus Brand Takeover Ads, the key difference lies in how they interact with TikTok users and serve your brand's goals.
In-Feed Ads blend seamlessly into the "For You" feed, making them feel less like a traditional ad and more like native content. These ads let users engage with them just like any other TikTok video — liking, commenting, sharing, and interacting. While In-Feed Ads can run up to 60 seconds, we’ve found that 15 seconds tends to be the sweet spot for keeping attention. With clickable CTAs, these are great for driving traffic, conversions, or app installs.
Brand Takeover Ads, however, are all about making a bold, immediate impact. They’re full-screen ads that appear the moment someone opens TikTok — no scrolling required. They’re short (3-5 seconds) but designed to grab attention fast. Also, since TikTok only features one advertiser per category each day, you’re not competing for attention—your ad gets the spotlight. If your main goal is to get your brand in front of as many eyes as possible and you have the budget to support it, this format can make a big, bold impact.
So, which one to choose? If engagement, storytelling, or a direct call-to-action is your main goal, In-Feed Ads offer more interaction and flexibility. But if making a powerful first impression is what you need, Brand Takeover Ads are unbeatable. In fact, many brands use a mix of both—starting with a Takeover Ad to grab attention, then following up with In-Feed Ads to keep the conversation going.
Hashtag Challenges are all about user participation. Brands create a theme or challenge, and users make their own videos around it. It thrives on TikTok’s interactive nature, turning your audience into creators. If executed well, challenges can spread organically, creating massive reach and strong brand loyalty. It’s ideal for brands wanting to embed themselves into TikTok’s cultural conversations rather than just pushing ads at people.
TopView Ads, on the other hand, are designed for instant attention. These full-screen video ads pop up as soon as someone opens the app, ensuring they get seen without any distractions. Ranging from 5 to 60 seconds, they give brands the time to tell their story and make an immediate impact. Perfect for product launches or big announcements when reach and visibility are crucial.
Both formats have their strengths. Hashtag Challenges are excellent for engagement, virality, and generating buzz around your brand. TopView Ads, however, help you deliver your message instantly and maximize reach. For the best results, brands often use both—kick off visibility with a TopView Ad, then build momentum with a Hashtag Challenge.
Choosing the ideal TikTok ad format for your business should be aligned to your goals, budget, and how you want to connect with your audience. There’s no universal answer—different ad types serve different purposes, so let’s break it down. When deciding on the best TikTok ad format for your brand, it depends on your goals, budget, and how you want to connect with your audience. Here’s a simple breakdown:
In-Feed Ads: If your focus is engagement and you want ads that feel like a natural part of the TikTok experience, In-Feed Ads are a great choice. They’re easy to work with, cost-effective, and fit right into users’ "For You" feed, making them feel like organic content. It’s also a great option for businesses that want to test the waters before scaling their efforts.
Brand Takeover and TopView Ads: If your goal is instant visibility, these formats provide powerful exposure. Full-screen and impossible to miss, they’re perfect for big product launches or key announcements. While they come with a higher price tag, the reach they offer is unmatched.
Hashtag Challenges: If you’re after participation and want your brand to go viral, Hashtag Challenges are your best bet. By getting users to create content around your brand, you can amplify your reach and generate buzz, making this format ideal for building community-driven momentum.
Switch things up to what works best for you. A lot of brands kick things off with In-Feed Ads to test their messaging, then launch a Hashtag Challenge to spark user participation, and finally level up with TopView Ads for maximum exposure. Mixing ad formats like this can be a smart way to hit your goals.
TikTok Ads have definitely made their mark, but there are plenty of other platforms with solid advertising options, each bringing something unique to the table. Meta Ads (on Facebook and Instagram) and Google Ads still lead the pack, thanks to their powerful targeting and massive reach. At the same time, platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even newer ones like Lemon8 are creating opportunities for brands to tap into the growing demand for short-form, visually engaging content.
That said, calling any of these "better" than TikTok Ads depends entirely on what you're trying to achieve. If you’re after professionals and B2B audiences, LinkedIn Ads might be the smarter bet. If visually appealing, high-conversion content is your focus, Instagram Reels or Pinterest Ads could outperform. We’ve seen brands thrive with Meta Ads due to their cross-platform reach, while Google Ads remain unmatched for intent-based marketing (think search and shopping ads).
In our view, it’s not about picking one "best" tool but rather stacking multiple platforms together strategically. Smart marketers know the value of being everywhere—so they run TikTok Ads alongside Google and Meta campaigns to hit users at different points. Some even try Reddit Ads to connect with niche communities or Snapchat Ads to reach Gen Z.
Reddit Ads
Used by 267 members
Your brand belongs in the discussion
Spend $1000, get $1000 FREE ad credit
Save up to $1,000
Snapchat Ads
Used by 402 members
Snap your way to success with engaging ads
Spend $350, get $375 FREE ad credit
Save up to $375
No, TikTok Ads does not currently offer an inherently free plan, but TikTok does allow some flexibility in how advertisers spend their budgets. TikTok does not allow the paid campaign process without spending money, however the pricing system is generally structured to give brands a decent chance at achieving meaningful results. To be able to launch a campaign, brands require a minimum budget of $500 and have a minimum budget requirement of +$50 a day at the campaign level and +$20 a day at the ad group level.
It is also worth noting that TikTok is testing out an ad-free subscription in one English speaking country outside of the U.S. While this won't impact advertisers directly, it indicates that TikTok is testing and trying new ways of monetization that could indicate future ways of serving ads.
The lack of a free plan is not all bad. If we're being truthful, the way TikTok Ads are made kind of forces you to bring your A game. You have the budget in front of you and it makes you think it through to focus on the content that actually connects - and it shows in the results. They have an engaged audience and when done correctly they don't feel so much like ads and more entertaining content - which is why brands have such great engagement. For brands looking to reach young, trend savvy consumers, a strong case could be made for whether the investment for platform potential is worth it.
Get seen, get heard
$6,000 Ad Credit* for 1 month
Save up to $6,000
Reddit Ads
Used by 267 members
Your brand belongs in the discussion
Spend $1000, get $1000 FREE ad credit
Save up to $1,000
Snapchat Ads
Used by 402 members
Snap your way to success with engaging ads
Spend $350, get $375 FREE ad credit
Save up to $375
Used by 1317 members
Connect, network, and elevate your career with LinkedIn
Spend $250, get $250 FREE ad credit
Save up to $250
Royce Ross
“We were initially worried about TikTok’s ad costs, but it turned out to be one of the most cost-effective platforms we’ve used. Compared to Meta, we’re getting better engagement at a lower CPM, and the creative freedom is unmatched. Even with a modest budget, we’ve seen strong ROI, especially for brand awareness. TikTok’s pricing made it easy for us to start small and scale fast. For the cost, the reach was incredible—especially with younger audiences. Definitely one of the smartest ad spends we've made.”
Anaihita Nigam
“We started with a $500 budget on TikTok just to test the waters. What stood out right away was how flexible and affordable the pricing was. Within weeks, we saw strong returns without overspending—and now TikTok Ads are a core part of how we grow.”
Judy Grant
“I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical about TikTok Ads at first, thinking they were only for big-budget brands. After trying out a few campaigns, I’ve gotta say—TikTok’s pricing felt super fair and flexible. We kicked things off with just $500, and by the end of the month, we’d made back more than double that. The ability to control our budget is another big plus—we’ve been able to set daily ad group budgets as low as $20, which lets us test things before committing more.”
How much should I expect to spend on TikTok Ads each month?
When you're setting up your TikTok Ads budget, you’ll want to start with at least $500. The platform has a minimum daily spend of $50 for the campaign and $20 for each ad group, but your total monthly cost will depend on things like your goals, audience, and the type of ads you choose.
From what we’ve seen, small to mid-sized businesses typically spend between $1,000 to $10, game-charmacy was changed to game-charmacy, but I assume you meant game-changer.
One thing to keep in mind is that TikTok’s ad costs are still lower than Facebook’s, with CPM rates averaging $2.62 as of February 2025. However, these costs are rising quickly—12.28% year-over-year—as more advertisers flood the platform.
In our opinion, budget alone doesn’t determine success. The brands that win on TikTok aren’t necessarily the ones with the deepest pockets, but the ones that understand the platform’s culture. We've seen companies achieve huge results on modest budgets simply by focusing on content that feels authentic, entertaining, and in tune with TikTok’s style. Think beyond traditional ads—create content that your audience actually wants to engage with.
Why should businesses consider advertising on TikTok?
Businesses looking to tap into a massive, engaged audience should seriously consider TikTok as their next advertising frontier. With over 1.8 billion monthly active users and the highest engagement rate of any social media platform at 2.65%, it offers brands an unmatched opportunity to connect—especially with younger demographics.
Unlike traditional ad spaces, TikTok's main arena of focus is creativity and authenticity, allowing businesses to showcase their products in ways that feel less like ads and more like entertainment.
One of the biggest trump cards TikTok owns is that it's cost-effective. With CPMs averaging between $3.20 to $10 and CPCs ranging from $0.25 to $4, TikTok Ads are generally more affordable than Meta’s ad network. This means that businesses of all sizes, from startups to global brands, can find a way to leverage TikTok’s reach without breaking the bank.
While TikTok’s engagement is through the roof, turning that into website traffic or sales can take a bit more work compared to platforms like Google Ads, where people are already searching with intent. But if you’re looking to boost brand awareness, reach Gen Z and Millennials, and create content people actually enjoy, TikTok Ads are definitely worth considering.
What types of businesses gain the most from TikTok Ads?
If your brand leans on visuals, creativity, and vibes that click with Gen Z or young millennials, TikTok Ads are a no-brainer. We've seen more traction here than any other platform—by far. E-commerce brands—especially those in fashion, beauty, and accessories—have turned TikTok into a goldmine for organic reach and conversions.
Brands like Gymshark have built a strong presence on TikTok by tapping into fitness trends and encouraging everyday users to share their own workout videos. It’s helped them create an authentic, community-focused image. It’s gone beyond just selling clothes—it's built a lifestyle around community, motivation, and feeling good in what you wear.
It’s not just retail—tech companies and even educational brands have been doing really well on TikTok too. QuickBooks, for example, has simplified complex financial topics using TikTok’s short, digestible video format to reach a wider audience. Even long-standing retailers like eBay are making the most of TikTok—highlighting rare or interesting finds and partnering with influencers to reach a younger, more engaged audience in a fresh, relatable way.
What’s really interesting is that it’s not just consumer brands making waves anymore. More B2B companies and professional services are testing TikTok Ads and seeing real engagement. It just proves that with the right strategy, almost any business can make TikTok work—it’s all about adapting your messaging and leaning into what makes TikTok so engaging in the first place.
Do TikTok Ads provide a strong return on investment (ROI)?
TikTok has quickly earned a reputation as a strong performer when it comes to return on investment. In fact, about three out of four advertisers say they’ve seen their best ROI on the platform—often beating results from more traditional ad channels. The platform’s average short-term ROI sits at 11.8, with the impact of ads lingering for weeks after the initial exposure—a huge win for brands looking to make a lasting impression.
One of the biggest draws of TikTok Ads is how budget-friendly they can be—especially when compared to other platforms. With CPMs averaging between $3.20 to $10 and CPCs ranging from $0.25 to $4, TikTok Ads are often more affordable than Meta’s ad network. This means businesses—big and small—can reach an incredibly engaged audience without blowing their marketing budget.
That said, turning all that TikTok engagement into actual sales or clicks off the platform can take a bit more work—especially when compared to something like Google Ads, where people are already searching with a purpose. However, for brands focused on awareness, audience connection, and long-term brand loyalty, TikTok’s ROI potential is undeniable.
So what sets it apart? Creating content that feels native to TikTok—ads that entertain, educate, or inspire tend to see the best results.
Which TikTok Ad format is the most commonly used?
In-Feed Ads take the crown as the most widely used TikTok Ad format, and it’s easy to see why. These sponsored videos seamlessly blend into users’ “For You” feeds, making them feel like native content rather than intrusive ads. Their popularity stems from their versatility and accessibility—they can run up to 60 seconds, include clickable call-to-action buttons, and allow for likes, comments, and shares, making them a highly interactive option.
In our view, their dominance isn’t just because they’re more affordable than premium formats like TopView or Brand Takeover Ads—it’s because they align perfectly with how people consume content on TikTok. When done right, an In-Feed Ad doesn’t interrupt the experience — it blends in and actually feels like a natural part of the platform, making it much easier to engage users.
We’ve seen e-commerce brands, app developers, and even small local businesses achieve impressive results with this format. In-feed ads are a sweet spot—they’re affordable, get good reach, and people actually engage with them. They’re great if you’re trying to get more traffic, app downloads, or sales.
How can advertisers lower their TikTok Ad costs?
Lowering TikTok Ads costs isn’t just about spending less—it’s about spending smarter. With the right approach, you can stretch your budget further while still making a real impact. Here’s how to get the most value out of your TikTok campaigns without overspending:
Keep testing, keep tweaking, and you’ll find the right mix that keeps costs down while keeping engagement high.
Do you have to spend $500 on TikTok ads?
There’s a lot of talk about a $500 minimum spend on TikTok Ads, but the reality is a bit more flexible than that. Here’s how the budget requirements actually break down:
There are some minimums, sure, but TikTok’s ad setup gives you room to stay flexible—you don’t need to drop $500 right out of the gate.