How To Run Ads On TikTok Without Any Experience At All

What are TikTok ads

TikTok ads are paid video promotions that appear in users' feeds or on special sections of the app. They help brands reach a large audience through short, engaging clips that match TikTok's creative style. Businesses use them to increase awareness, drive traffic, or boost sales. Different formats like In-Feed Ads, TopView, and Branded Hashtags make it easy to choose the best way to promote content.

Types of TikTok ads you should know

TikTok offers different ad types to match various business goals and creative styles. Each format helps you connect with audiences in unique ways, whether it's through storytelling, brand interaction, or direct product promotion. Here are the main types of TikTok ads you should know:

• In-feed

These ads appear naturally in users' "For You" feed as they scroll through videos. They look like regular TikToks but are marked as sponsored. Businesses can add links or calls-to-action, making them ideal for driving website traffic or app downloads.

• TopView

TopView ads appear right when users open the TikTok app, giving your brand maximum visibility. They are full-screen videos that last up to 60 seconds and play automatically with sound. This format is perfect for strong brand awareness campaigns.

• Branded hashtag challenge

This type of ad inspires users to engage in lighthearted contests that revolve around a branded hashtag. It encourages user participation and audience-generated content, which boosts engagement and exposure. Brands frequently use it as a means of starting viral trends that are associated with their products.

• Branded effects

Branded effects let companies design custom stickers, filters, or AR effects that users can apply to their own videos. It's a creative way to promote a brand while letting users express themselves. These ads boost brand visibility through user participation.

• Spark

Spark ads promote existing organic TikTok videos, either from your own account or from creators. They help brands gain credibility since the content feels more authentic and engaging. This type of ad blends naturally into users' feeds and supports long-term community building.

• Ecommerce

E-commerce ads are designed to promote products directly through TikTok Shop or linked online stores. They include product tags and "Shop Now" buttons that make purchasing simple. These ads help brands increase sales by turning viewers into customers quickly.

How to run TikTok Ads in 2025

Running TikTok ads in 2025 is easier and more effective due to improved targeting tools and ad formats. The platform helps businesses of all sizes reach their ideal audience through creative and data-driven campaigns. Understanding how to run ads on TikTok for free involves setting up your account, creating engaging content, and tracking performance. Here's a simple step-by-step method to get started:

STEP 1
1. Set up your TikTok Ads Manager account

Go to TikTok Ads Manager and create an account using your business details. This is where you'll manage campaigns, set budgets, and track performance.

STEP 2
1. Set up the TikTok Pixel

Install the TikTok Pixel on your website to track user behavior. In Ads Manager, go to "Assets" > "Events" > "Set Up Web Events". Choose "TikTok Pixel", name it, and select the actions you want to track. Add the code to your website's header, or use integrations like Shopify or Google Tag Manager for easy setup.

STEP 3
1. Create a campaign

Click "Campaigns" > "Create", then choose "Basic" or "Advanced Mode". Set your campaign goal (e.g., traffic, conversions), audience, and budget.

STEP 4
1. Build an ad group

Define where your ad leads (Website or App), choose "Automatic Placement" for best reach, and set targeting options like demographics, interests, and devices. Adjust your schedule, budget, and bidding strategy based on clicks or views.

STEP 5
1. Create your ad

Upload your video or image, add text, CTA, and choose your ad identity. Enable "Smart Creative" to let TikTok optimize your ad performance automatically. Preview your ad, fine-tune details, and add tracking if needed.

STEP 6
1. Monitor results

After launch, use TikTok's analytics to track impressions, clicks, and conversions. Test different creatives and audiences to see what performs best and refine your strategy over time.

How much do TikTok Ads cost

TikTok ads usually start at around $10 per 1,000 impressions, with a minimum daily budget of about $50 for campaigns. The actual cost depends on factors like audience targeting, ad format, and competition in your niche. Larger formats, such as TopView or Branded Hashtag Challenges, often cost more because of their high visibility. Careful budgeting and testing help brands get better results without overspending.

How to run ads in TikTok: 7 best practices

Creativity, timing, and a well-thought-through strategy are what it takes to successfully run ads on TikTok. These below listed tips and best practices can help you learn how to run ads on TikTok, both for free and via paid advertising, with stronger engagement and better results:

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1. Think TikTok-first

Design your ad content specifically for TikTok rather than reusing videos from other platforms. The app's users prefer authentic, vertical videos that match its energetic tone. This approach helps your brand look more natural and effective when learning how to run a TikTok Ad.

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1. Refresh creatives

Regularly update your visuals, captions, and music to keep your ads engaging. TikTok trends change fast, so refreshing your creative content prevents viewer fatigue. New versions of your ads help test what performs best for your audience and maintain consistent growth across different campaign goals.

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1. Focus on the hook

Start your ad with an attention-grabbing moment within the first few seconds. A strong hook encourages users to stop scrolling and watch longer. This technique is vital for anyone learning how to run ads on TikTok because organic engagement depends on quick impact.

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1. Promote at the right time

Post or promote your ads when your audience is most active, often in the evening or during weekends. TikTok's analytics can help you find the best posting times easily. Choosing the right timing can improve reach, engagement, and reduce overall ad costs effectively.

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1. Use sound, text, and editing

Sound is a major part of TikTok culture, so use trending audio, subtitles, and clean transitions. Combining these elements makes your video more interactive. This improves your campaign results and supports your goal of mastering how to run paid ads on TikTok.

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1. Add hashtags

Use a mix of trending, niche, and branded hashtags to boost visibility. Hashtags help TikTok's algorithm categorize your ad and show it to interested users. They're essential for growing your reach organically and making your content discoverable.

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1. Partner with influencers

Collaborate with creators who already have an engaged audience in your niche. Their authentic style builds trust and encourages users to interact with your brand. Influencer partnerships are one of the smartest ways to learn how to run a TikTok ad effectively.

Bonus tip: Make effective branded ads for TikTok with AI tools in CapCut

The CapCut desktop video editor helps brands design vibrant and creative ad videos that match TikTok's fast-paced style. It supports advanced editing with templates, AI effects, and auto-enhancement tools to refine visuals quickly. Marketers can use it to turn regular clips into eye-catching branded content ready for TikTok campaigns.

Key features

Here are some key features of the CapCut desktop video editor that make creating branded TikTok ads faster and more professional:

• Custom TikTok templates

Ready-made templates designed for TikTok help brands create trendy, platform-optimized ads within minutes, saving time and ensuring consistency across all marketing campaigns.

• Convert long videos into shorts

Instantly transform long videos to short, engaging clips ideal for TikTok's fast feed, helping brands repurpose existing content effectively for better audience engagement.

• Realistic AI avatar

Use a free avatar creator to present messages or showcase products in a natural, human-like style, perfect for personalized storytelling or product demonstrations that attract attention.

• Add auto-subtitles with a click

Generate accurate auto captions to make your ads accessible and engaging for every viewer, ensuring your message is clear even when sound is turned off.

• Smart color correction

Enhance visuals instantly with intelligent color balancing to keep your videos sharp and eye-catching, maintaining a professional look that aligns with your brand identity.

• AI-assisted motion tracking

Attach text or effects to moving objects smoothly, keeping your visuals dynamic and professional while highlighting key products or actions within your TikTok ads.

• Remove video flickers

Fix lighting issues in seconds to ensure your TikTok ads look stable, clear, and engaging, creating a smooth viewing experience that boosts audience trust and engagement.

How to make TikTok ads with CapCut

Download the CapCut desktop video editor from the official CapCut website and install it on your computer. Open the editor and sign in using your TikTok or email account. Once logged in, you can start creating and editing TikTok ads right away.

STEP 1
1. Import the video

Open CapCut and click "Create project" to enter the editing interface. Next, navigate to "Media" > "Import" and upload your video by clicking the + icon or by dragging and dropping it into the editor.

STEP 2
1. Edit the product video

Start by going to the "Text" tab, adding your ad script, and adjusting its font, size, and position to highlight the product details. You can also use pre-designed text templates to save time and make your text stand out. To eliminate any shakiness in the video, enable the "Stabilize" feature, and enhance the visuals to ultra HD quality by turning on "Enhance quality."

STEP 3
1. Export and share

Once your video is ready, press "Export" at the top-right. In the new window, pick a resolution (up to 8K), set the desired format, and click "Export" to save. For direct sharing, select TikTok and tap "Share."

Conclusion

Learning how to run ads on TikTok helps brands reach the right audience through creative and engaging videos. By understanding ad types, setting clear goals, and following best practices, businesses can grow faster and build stronger connections with users. Consistent updates and authentic content make campaigns more successful over time. For smooth video creation and editing, the CapCut desktop video editor is a great tool for designing professional TikTok ads easily.

FAQs

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1. Do ads on TikTok perform better than Instagram ads?

TikTok ads often perform better for engagement because the platform focuses on short, creative videos that capture attention quickly. Its algorithm also helps brands reach active and interested users more effectively. Many businesses see higher interaction rates on TikTok than on Instagram. The CapCut desktop video editor helps you design these engaging TikTok ads with ease and professional quality.

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1. How to run sponsored ads on TikTok with small budgets?

Begin with In-Feed ads and use them to laser-focus on an audience so that you can maximize your budget. Test short campaigns and scale up using TikTok's Ads Manager. Creative, genuine videos are often effective on smaller spends. CapCut, the video-editing tool you can use on your desktop, is a great way to produce high-impact branded videos without using expensive production equipment.

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1. Are video ads on TikTok more engaging than images?

Yes, TikTok users respond more to videos because they're dynamic and entertaining compared to static images. Video ads allow better storytelling and emotional connection with the audience. Brands using motion, sound, and trends usually gain more traction. The CapCut desktop video editor is perfect for creating these high-quality, engaging TikTok video ads easily.