What Are TikTok Spark Ads?

How TikTok Spark Ads work

A normal TikTok in-feed ad is uploaded in Ads Manager and shown under the brand's identity. A Spark Ad starts from a post that already exists on TikTok. You boost that post with a budget and targeting, and viewers see it with the original account's profile, caption and sound.

Because it is the same post, everything it earns while running as an ad, such as views, likes, comments, shares and follows, is added to the organic post. Clicking the profile leads to the creator's or brand's real account.

How to get a Spark Ads authorization code

The creator who owns the video does this in the TikTok app. Menu names change from time to time, but the flow is:

1. Open TikTok and go to Settings and privacy, then Business suite or Creator tools, then Ad settings, and turn on ad authorization.
2. Open the video, tap the three dots or More, then Ad settings.
3. Allow the video to be used in ads, choose how long the brand may use it, and tap Generate code.
4. Copy the code and send it to the brand.

Adding the code in TikTok Ads Manager

When the authorization period ends, the ad stops being able to use the post, so put a reminder in your calendar a week before.

1. In TikTok Ads Manager, open Tools or Assets, then Creative, then Spark Ads posts.
2. Choose Apply for authorization, paste the code and confirm the preview.
3. In a new ad, switch on the option to use a TikTok account to deliver Spark Ads, and pick the authorized post.
4. Add the call to action and destination, then publish.

Spark Ads vs standard TikTok ads

Getting the most from Spark Ads

• Agree the authorization period and usage fee with the creator in writing before they post.
• Ask the creator to keep the post public and not edit the caption while it runs.
• Moderate comments, because they now sit under paid traffic.
• Test several hooks as separate posts, then spend behind the post that performs.
• Keep captions and key visuals inside the safe zone so the TikTok interface doesn't cover them.