---
name: tiktok-ads
description: When the user wants to set up, optimize, or manage TikTok Ads. Also use when the user mentions "TikTok Ads," "TikTok for Business," "TikTok Pixel," "Events API," "TikTok Spark Ads," or "TikTok video ads." For organic TikTok, use tiktok-captions.
metadata:
  version: 1.0.1
---

# Paid Ads: TikTok Ads

Guides TikTok Ads setup, creative strategy, and optimization. TikTok excels at younger demographics (18–34) and viral-style video; use when your audience skews young and you have video creative capacity.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Why TikTok

- **Demographics**: 18–34; Gen Z and younger millennials
- **Creative velocity**: Short-form; native feel; UGC-style performs well
- **Cost**: Often lower CPM than Meta for reach
- **Engagement**: High watch time; sound-on culture

## Ad Formats

| Format | Use |
|--------|-----|
| **In-Feed** | Native video; 9–15s or longer; primary format |
| **TopView** | First impression; premium; awareness |
| **Spark Ads** | Boost organic posts; native; creator partnership |
| **Collection** | Product catalog; e-commerce |

## Creative Best Practices

- **Hook (0–3s)**: Pattern interrupt; question; bold statement
- **Vertical**: 9:16 for feed; native to platform
- **Sound**: Music and captions matter; many watch with sound
- **UGC-style**: Authentic; less polished often outperforms
- **First 3 seconds**: Determine if they watch

## Targeting

| Type | Use |
|------|-----|
| **Interest** | Broad; algorithm-driven |
| **Demographics** | Age; gender; location |
| **Lookalike** | Based on converters or engagers |
| **Retargeting** | Website visitors; video viewers |

## Tracking

- **TikTok Pixel** + **Events API**: Server-side for better attribution
- **UTM**: Consistent parameters for cross-platform comparison

## Budget & Bidding

- **Minimum**: Varies by objective
- **Bidding**: Start manual; switch to automated with conversion volume
- **Creative volume**: Plan for high refresh cadence; creative is main lever

## Pre-Launch Checklist

- [ ] Pixel installed; Events API configured
- [ ] Vertical video creative (9:16)
- [ ] Hook in first 3 seconds
- [ ] Captions included
- [ ] Conversion events defined

## Related Skills

- **tiktok-captions**: Organic TikTok content; Spark Ads boost organic posts; video specs (9:16, captions) align
- **paid-ads-strategy**: Channel selection; creative frameworks; budget allocation
- **landing-page-generator**: LP for paid traffic
- **analytics-tracking**: Conversion tracking; ROAS