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How much does Tiktok advertising cost?

How Much Does TikTok Advertising Cost? A Comprehensive Guide for Digital Marketing Agencies

In recent years, TikTok has emerged as one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world. With more than 1 billion active users, it’s no surprise that businesses are looking to tap into this vast audience through TikTok advertising. But how much does it cost to advertise on TikTok? In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the costs, pros and cons, and compare them to other platforms so that digital marketing agencies can make informed decisions.

TikTok offers several advertising options for businesses. The most popular types of ads are In-Feed Ads, Brand Takeovers, Hashtag Challenges, and Branded Effects. In-Feed Ads appear in the For You feed and look like regular TikTok videos, while Brand Takeovers are full-screen ads that appear when someone opens the app. Hashtag Challenges encourage users to create and share content using a specific hashtag, while Branded Effects are AR filters and lenses that users can add to their videos.

What are the benefits of TikTok Advertising?

One of the most significant advantages of TikTok advertising is the platform’s reach. With over 1 billion active users worldwide, businesses can potentially reach a massive audience. TikTok is also popular among younger audiences, making it an excellent platform for companies targeting Gen Z and millennials. Another advantage of TikTok advertising is the platform’s engaging and immersive nature. TikTok’s short-form video format and AR effects make it an exciting platform for users, and businesses can leverage this to create engaging ads that capture users’ attention.

So what are the cons of TikTok Advertising?

One of the main drawbacks of TikTok advertising is the platform’s cost. Compared to other social media platforms, TikTok advertising can be relatively expensive, especially for small businesses. Another challenge with TikTok advertising is the platform’s limited targeting options. Unlike Facebook or Google, TikTok does not offer as much granular targeting, which can make it difficult for businesses to reach specific audiences. Finally, TikTok’s content policies and guidelines can be strict, making it challenging to create ads that meet the platform’s standards.

How much does Tiktok advertising cost?

The cost of TikTok advertising varies depending on the ad format, target audience, and campaign objectives. According to TikTok, the minimum budget for In-Feed Ads is $50 per day, while Brand Takeovers start at $50,000 per day. Hashtag Challenges and Branded Effects start at $150,000 and $100,000, respectively. These costs can be significant for small businesses, but larger companies with bigger budgets may find TikTok advertising worthwhile.

In comparison to other social media platforms, TikTok advertising can be more expensive than Facebook and Instagram ads. For example, the cost per click (CPC) for a Facebook ad is around $0.97, while the CPC for a TikTok In-Feed Ad is around $4.00. However, TikTok’s cost per thousand impressions (CPM) is around $10, which is cheaper than Instagram’s average CPM of $20.

TikTok advertising can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to reach a younger audience and create engaging ads. However, the platform’s costs and limited targeting options can be a challenge for some companies. Digital marketing agencies should carefully consider their clients’ budgets and objectives before deciding whether TikTok advertising is the right option. While TikTok may be more expensive than other social media platforms, its unique features and massive audience may make it worth the investment.

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How are brands using tiktok advertising?

  1. Creating Authentic Content

One of the main reasons why TikTok is so popular among Gen Z is its emphasis on authenticity. Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok is all about real people creating real content. Brands that want to succeed on TikTok need to embrace this authenticity and create content that feels organic and relatable.

For example, e.l.f. Cosmetics, a beauty brand that targets younger audiences, used TikTok to launch its #eyeslipsface challenge. The challenge encouraged users to create videos featuring the brand’s products and use the hashtag #eyeslipsface. The campaign generated over 5 billion views, with users sharing videos of themselves using e.l.f. products in creative ways.

  1. Embracing Trends

TikTok is famous for its viral trends and challenges, which often involve users lip-syncing to popular songs or creating videos based on a specific theme. Brands that want to succeed on TikTok need to embrace these trends and find creative ways to incorporate them into their campaigns.

For example, the NBA used TikTok to promote its All-Star game by launching the #NBAAllStarChallenge. The challenge encouraged users to create videos showcasing their basketball skills, with the best videos being featured on the NBA’s official TikTok account.

  1. Leveraging Influencers

Influencer marketing has become an essential part of many brands’ social media strategies, and TikTok is no exception. Brands that partner with popular TikTok influencers can tap into their massive followings and reach a wider audience.

For example, Chipotle, a popular fast-food chain, partnered with several TikTok influencers to launch its #GuacDance challenge. The challenge encouraged users to create videos of themselves dancing to a specific song while holding a container of guacamole from Chipotle. The campaign generated over 250,000 video submissions and helped Chipotle reach a younger, more engaged audience.

  1. Using Hashtag Challenges

Hashtag challenges are one of the most popular types of TikTok advertising campaigns. Brands can create a specific hashtag and encourage users to create content using that hashtag. This approach can help brands generate buzz and engage with their audience in a fun and creative way.

For example, McDonald’s used TikTok to launch its #BigMacTikTok challenge. The challenge encouraged users to create videos showcasing their love for the Big Mac, with the best videos being featured on McDonald’s official TikTok account. The campaign generated over 500 million views and helped McDonald’s connect with a younger, more engaged audience.

TikTok advertising offers a unique opportunity for brands to reach a younger, more engaged audience. Brands that want to succeed on TikTok need to embrace the platform’s authenticity and create content that feels organic and relatable. By leveraging trends, partnering with influencers, and launching hashtag challenges, brands can generate buzz and engage with their audience in a fun and creative way. With the platform’s growing popularity, TikTok advertising is a trend that’s here to stay, and brands that can master it will be well-positioned to connect with Gen Z for years to come.

If you are looking to find out more about social media promotion or asking yourself ‘How much does Tiktok advertising cost?’ then ask us for a community connection today. Our members have a vast amount of experience and can offer expert Tiktok advertising advice. 

Beth Hellowell
Founder of Women in Agencies and co-founder of Signify Digital. Mother, social media scroller and frequent pasta eater.