All courses Paid Advertising

Paid Social · Lesson 5 of 20

TikTok Advertising

If you are considering social media advertising, do not forget TikTok.

1 Learn the concept

If you are considering social media advertising, do not forget TikTok. Its ad options include in-feed videos that look like native content and formats that encourage participation. Ads that feel like real TikTok videos, rather than traditional commercials, tend to work best. This lesson covers the main options and how to adapt your creative.

A polished commercial style next to a native platform styleNATIVE VERSUS POLISHEDPOLISHED COMMERCIALStudio lighting, slow logo reveal,formal voiceover.NATIVE STYLEPhone-shot, fast cut, person talkingto the camera, captions on screen.Test both. Judge by cost per result.
Ads that look like regular videos on the platform usually hold attention better.

2 See it in action

  • Use vertical video made for the platform.
  • Be authentic and avoid overly polished commercial style.
  • Add captions and a clear call to action.
  • Test different hooks and compare results.

Worked example

Turning a good organic video into an ad

Pick: the organic video with the best watch time.

Keep: the opening, the voice and the captions.

Add: a clear call to action in the last seconds.

Test: run it with a small budget against a fresh variation.

Result to look for: a similar watch time to the organic version.

3 Study an example

Example scenario

A skincare brand turns an organic video that performed well into an ad. Because it already looked native to the feed, it keeps its engagement and drives sales.

4 Apply it and download

  1. Choose an organic video to promote.
  2. Write a call to action.
  3. Plan a small test.

Worksheet Ad budget templateOpen, print or save as PDF

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