TikTok Sponsored Ads: Spark, In-Feed, Brand Takeover Ads

TikTok-sponsored ads help brands and creators reach more people quickly. With options like Spark TopView, in-feed, and brand takeover ads, it's easy to target the right audience.

Why use them? Sponsored content increases your visibility, attracts new followers, and drives more clicks, views, and sales.

In this article, you'll learn how to:‍

• Choose the right ad type.

• Set up campaigns step-by-step.
  

• Maximize results and avoid mistakes.
  

• Learn from real examples.
  
  

Let's get started!

What Are TikTok Sponsored Ads?

Sponsored ads on TikTok are paid promotions that help you reach your audience while achieving specific goals like more clicks, views, or sales. How much does it cost?‍

The average cost for TikTok ads is around $1 per click or $10 for every thousand views (CPM). For effective campaigns, TikTok advises a minimum budget of $50 or a daily budget of $20 for each ad group. 

And how long does it last? Ads run for a set duration based on your campaign preferences, but running them for at least 3-7 days is recommended to see noticeable results.

Who needs sponsored ads? Well, anyone who wants to grow their business is next to 955.3 million TikTok users, whether you're a brand, creator, or small business. 

Don't have a huge budget? No worries. Use sponsored content strategically to have a good return on advertising spending (ROAS). We'll help you with that!

Types of Sponsored Ads

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Not all campaigns have the same goals, so selecting the right ad type is key. Here are some quick reviews and tips:

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• Spark Promotions: Choose these for authenticity and trust-building.

• In-Feed Ads: Great for driving conversions and website traffic.

• TopView Ads: Ideal for high-impact brand awareness.

• Branded Hashtag Challenges: Perfect for viral campaigns and UGC.

• Branded Effects: Best for creative engagement and enhancing visual identity.

However, each format has distinct features, strengths, and use cases. Thus, it's best to go in for more details and choose one that fits your brand voice. 

1. Spark Ads

Spark Ads lets brands promote organic content, making it feel like a regular post. Users can interact with the post, visit the brand's profile, or check out a product link without feeling like they're watching a typical ad.‍

For example, Isle of Paradise used Spark Ads to feature creator testimonials for their Glow Drops, achieving 45 million views, a 500% ROI, and a 68% weekly revenue increase.

Also, spark ads allow interactive features like Duets, Stitches, and profile linking, so this type of sponsored ad is ideal for leveraging user-generated content or influencer collaborations.

2. In-Feed Ads

These short video ads appear directly in a user's For You Page (FYP), mimicking regular TikTok videos. They often include clickable CTAs like "Learn More" or "Shop Now." and price between $6 and $10 cost per thousand impressions (CPM).

Key features:

• Play content as users scroll.‍

• Includes options for sound-on video, improving the ad's impact.‍

• Direct links to websites, product pages, or app downloads.‍

Therefore, it's best for campaigns targeting immediate actions like clicks, purchases, or app installs for conversions or high-volume traffic.

3. TopView Ads

TopView Ads are the first thing users see when they open the app. They offer full-screen, high-impact placements designed to grab attention and are one of the most budget-friendly options, costing between $0.10 and $0.30 per click. 

• Guaranteed visibility with 100% share of voice.‍

• Longer duration than other formats, allowing up to 60 seconds of content.‍

• Best suited for high-budget campaigns.

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4. Brand Takeovers Ads

Brand Takeover Ads appear as a full-screen display the moment a user opens the app, much like watching a movie trailer the instant TikTok launches. 

Their exclusive placement sets them apart—no other ads compete with them during the campaign day, giving your brand 100% of the spotlight. However, this exclusivity comes at a premium, as they are the most expensive TikTok sponsored ad format, costing around $100,000 per day on average, depending on reach and bid factors.

Spark Ads vs. Regular Ads

The main differences are their approach and audience connection. Regular Ads—such as In-Feed Ads, TopView Ads, and Brand Takeovers—are standalone promotional formats designed specifically for short-term goals like driving clicks, app installs, or purchases. 

These ads often appear in users' feeds or as full-screen takeovers when they open TikTok, focusing strongly on immediate calls to action.

Spark Ads, however, are more suitable for long-term engagement campaigns, like building trust or amplifying creator collaborations.

The bottom line is that if your TikTok-sponsored content needs a direct push for traffic or conversions, formats like In-Feed Ads or TopView Ads might be better. But, for a more relatable approach, Spark Ads excels in combo paid promotion with organic interaction.

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How to Create Spark Ads

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To create Spark Ads, you'll need a few essentials: access to TikTok Ads Manager, a clear campaign objective, and engaging content to promote. And whether it's a popular video from your own profile or a creator's testimonial, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Video

To run Spark Ads, you'll need to select the content you want to promote. There are 3 main options:

• Use Creator-Generated Content: If you're partnering with a creator, they must authorize their post for use as a Spark Ad. The creator generates a video code from the TikTok app, which they share with you to access the content for promotion.
  

• Find creators directly through TikTok's Creator Marketplace: Syncing their posts with TikTok Ads Manager eliminates needing a separate video code if you use this platform.

• Promote Your Brand's Organic Post: Select a high-performing video from your profile and use it for your Spark Ad campaign.
  
  

Step 2: Turn the Video into an Ad

Once you've prepared the video, follow these steps to convert it into a Spark Ad:

1. Log in to TikTok Ads Manager: Log in > Access your dashboard.

2. Create a Campaign: Click "Create Campaign"> Define your objectives.

3. Set Up an Ad Group: Choose your targeting > Set your budget and schedule.

4. Choose the Spark Ads Format: Select "Spark Ads" on the ad creation page.

5. Upload the Content: Click "Upload Creatives"> Select "Posts from Library"> Choose an approved post or use a creator's video code.

6. Add Enhancements: Attach a Call-to-Action (CTA) button (e.g., "Shop Now," "Learn More") > Link to a landing page.

7. Submit the Ad: Review all settings > Click "Submit" for TikTok's approval.

6 Common Mistakes In TikTok Sponsorship

Each mistake can negatively impact your campaign's performance, budget efficiency, and overall audience engagement. Here's what to watch out for:

1. Overlooking Audience Targeting

Failing to define your target audience can lead to your reaching people who aren't interested in your brand, wasting both budget and effort. Therefore, to ensure the ad reaches the right people, use TikTok Ads Manager's audience filters to refine your campaign by age, interests, location, and behaviors.

2. Using Low-Quality Content

Promoting poorly lit, uncreative, or irrelevant videos can hurt your campaign's performance. Instead, select high-performing posts or collaborate with creators who produce engaging content.

3. Skipping A/B Testing

TikTok A/B testing (split testing) allows you to compare performance across multiple variations, helping you identify what resonates best with your audience. For instance, test different CTAs or visuals to see which drives more clicks or conversions.

4. Weak Call-to-Action (CTA)

A vague line like "Check it out" won't inspire action. Instead, use direct and specific CTAs, such as "Shop Now," "Learn More," or "Download the App," to guide viewers toward your desired outcome.

5. Ignoring Performance Metrics

Metrics like click-through rates (CTR), impressions, and conversions provide valuable insights for refining your strategy. Regularly review these metrics to tweak targeting, content, or budget allocation for better results.

6. Inconsistent Branding

Promoting content that doesn't align with your brand identity can confuse your audience and weaken trust. For example, a video with a tone that clashes with your usual messaging can send mixed signals. Always ensure your Ads reflect your brand's voice, visuals, and values!

Ready to Upgrade Your TikTok Ads Campaign?

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We've covered everything from the basics to advanced strategies for creating and optimizing Ads on TikTok. However, we recommend partnering with a creative agency like UGC Factory for a premium approach.

With over 50,000+ UGC ads created and $100+ million in sales generated, we specialize in helping DTC brands craft high-performing campaigns. Let's take your TikTok ads to the next level—contact us today!