TikTok isn’t just a content platform anymore. In 2025 it’s become one of the fastest-growing social commerce destinations in the world — blending entertainment, discovery, and direct shopping in ways traditional ecommerce never has. Social shopping now plays a major role in how consumers find and buy products, and TikTok Shop alone is forecast to handle nearly 20% of social commerce sales this year in the U.S. with rapid growth expected through 2029.
The bottom line: if your brand isn’t leveraging TikTok ads strategically, you’re leaving revenue on the table.
Why are TikTok ads important?
With so many social media platforms vying for the attention of your audience, it can be hard to pick one to focus on. But focusing on everything at the same time? Alongside running an ecommerce business? Well, that is a recipe for burnout.
If that is true, then why are we urging you to focus on TikTok? How is it any different from Instagram or Facebook?
TikTok has evolved into a full-fledged commerce ecosystem. Users actively discover products through creators, trends, and short-form storytelling. Many purchase decisions now happen without ever leaving the app, reducing friction and increasing impulse buys.
Three things make TikTok especially powerful for eCommerce today:
- Product discovery feels organic, not forced
- The algorithm finds buyers based on behavior, not assumptions
- Short-form video builds trust faster than static ads
What this really means is simple: if your product solves a visible problem or delivers a clear outcome, TikTok can scale it fast.
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How TikTok Ads Are Different From Other Platforms?
TikTok does not reward perfection. It rewards attention.
Unlike platforms where users expect ads, TikTok blends paid content into the feed. Ads that look like ads get skipped. Ads that look like normal videos get watched, shared, and saved.
Key differences to keep in mind:
- Creative matters more than targeting
- Watch time influences delivery more than clicks
- Broad targeting often outperforms narrow interest stacks
Instead of asking “who should I target,” TikTok advertisers in 2025 ask “what video would my customer actually watch?”
Types of TikTok Ads:
Imagine having an active TikTok profile, where you churn out some amazing, authentic content and create TikTok ads that feel relevant. But, for some reason, the metrics are growing but not at a pace you like. This can be frustrating, which is where TikTok ads could be of major service to you.
TikTok ads are fun, playful, and authentic, and they come in different shapes and sizes that fit every end intent. So what are these types? Let’s find out!
1. In-feed ad
These ads are the most natural type of ads offered by TikTok. They are placed within the For You page and do not stand out. They are the only piece of content that is present on your user’s device, so you have their undivided attention.
You can create up to 60 seconds worth of videos (but try to keep them short), which provides ample space for creativity. You can also format your content in such a way that you could add multiple CTAs, like asking them to follow and interact with your ad.
Since these ads blend flawlessly with the user experience, they are a great way of bringing more engagement, driving website visits, and improving conversions.
2. Brand Takeover
Want to get in the faces of your audience? You can! You literally can with a Brand Takeover ad (If you are willing to part with the big bucks!)
In brand takeover kind of ads, the user will see your ad as soon as they open the app. This ad lasts for 3 – 5 seconds, so you need to have a solid strategy to make it work.
Bold visuals, imagery, and colors need to be added to keep the attention of your audience from wavering. And since you have a minimal duration, it is best to stick with easy messages dished out in a couple of words.
3. Top View Ads
Top-view ads are also ads that are displayed when a user opens the TikTok app.
Then, how is it different from a Brand Takeover ad?
There is a minute difference between them. Where brand takeovers occupy the screen immediately after opening the app, Top view ads only occupy the first in-feed ad that comes up.
To simplify it, brand takeover ads happen immediately, whereas top-view ads have a 3-second lag period.
These ads can be up to 1 minute in duration. We advise you to start with visuals that pique interest and seamlessly work them towards the CTA button.
These kinds of ads take up valuable user time, so make the most of it by providing high-quality assets, videos, and content.
4. Ecommerce ads
Improving sales is one of the major objectives of any E-commerce owner, and if it is yours too, then these ads are for you.
What these ads do is, they take into account the interests of a user and show a product from your inventory that best suits their likes.
And the best part is that the users can complete the purchase within the app itself.
These ads can be anything from Video ads to Live ads, where you can interact with your audience, answer questions, and sell your products.
5. Spark ads
Spark ads are the type of ads where you can boost a post that already exists on your page. This way, Spark ads have the unique advantage that you can check beforehand if the content has the potential to become viral.
Your choice of content can be anything from content you created or that was user-generated (UGC). UGC type of content is more preferred by marketers since it provides social proof to your brand and improves the trust factor.
But if you are going to be using content created by your users, then make sure to acquire the appropriate permission from them.
6. Hashtag Challenge
Viral challenges bring with them brand exposure and recall. But why wait for trends, when you can create your own?
This is the whole purpose of a hashtag challenge. Basically, a brand starts creating a trend where users can create similar content under a branded hashtag. Then the brand collaborates with content creators to get the message across.
When more people see creators having fun making content for this trend, they are more likely to try it too. This way, more people become familiar with your brand.
And the fact that your audience and you are bonding over a common interest is an added advantage as well.
7. Branded filters
People love creativity and love experimenting. Which is where AR/VR filters that distort images (in a fun way!) in real-time.
Creating filters such as this allows people to experiment and share their unique take on their profiles. And when they share their output, they unconsciously propagate your brand’s message as well. As a result, you are exposed to a wide variety of audience without actively marketing to them.
And this type of UGC content is simple to create, thus making more people prone to wanting to try it.
How To Create TikTok Ads?
Creating TikTok ads for E-commerce is fairly simple with only a couple of requirements: you need a business TikTok account and TikTok ads manager. And you are set. Let us walk through the steps of creating your ad:
- Check if your TikTok account is a personal or business one. If it is set to a personal account, then switch it to a business account. With this, you will unlock many analytics options that will let you know vital audience insights.
- If you have a Shopify account, then connect it with your TikTok account. This will help you measure events up to checkout, offering you in-depth insights into your customer journey.
- Log in to your TikTok ads manager and select the Simplified mode to start creating your ad.
- Just like Facebook ads manager, here too you can select the intent behind your ad, such as increasing traffic, website conversion, lead generation, and so on.
- The next course of action is to select the audience of your choice. You can also go through the custom route to curate an audience of your own.
- Once your budget has been finalized. You can upload your ad creatives, CTA, and captions. After which your ad will be under review. If your ad isn’t flagged, by the end of the process, the ad will be made live.
5 Tips on Creating Ads on TikTok
TikTok ads have the amazing potential of driving sales, improving brand recognition, and creating authentic conversations with your audience. But to do that, you need to be able to make the most of your ads. And here is how you can do that:
1. Automate your ad creation process
Running an e-commerce brand is hectic on its own. Add in planning, making, scheduling, and posting content, and Whew! That is a whole lot of tasks. And when you have more on your plate, quality takes a back seat.
This is where automation and Predis AI come in handy. With Predis AI, you can get AI to generate your ad or edit your own content. You can collaborate and work with your team, schedule it, and monitor its performance. And with the added power of the TikTok Shop Tool, you can seamlessly integrate your product listings with your social media posts. All-in-all, Predis AI serves as a holistic platform that offers all the solutions you need to manage your socials.
2. Be Relevant
Keeping track of viral content and trends on the platform. This is the fastest way to grow your engagement and to exhibit your brand relevance.
Be mindful of the kind of trends you follow. If it does not reflect your brand personality, then it is okay to sit one out.
3. Opt for UGC
TikTok thrives on authenticity and genuine connection. So, if you think people are going to be lured in by a TV-themed commercial, then newsflash, they are not!
Instead, use user-generated content, where people can see how actual people interact and feel about your product. There is nothing better than a customer testimonial, right?
Use branded hashtags to encourage users to create content about your brand. Curate them and use them in your ad campaigns to have the best impact.
4. Encourage interaction with CTA
With TikTok, we are dealing with young people who are more constrained financially. So, if they don’t feel like they are getting a good deal, then they bounce. Which is not what we want.
To avoid this, offer a real incentive for interacting with your CTA. If your CTA is to complete a purchase, then offer limited-time offers that create a sense of urgency. If the CTA is to get people to sign up, then give them a coupon for filling up the form.
5. Have a starting hook
If you can’t garner your audience’s attention within 3 seconds of your video, then you lose them.
This means you have to have a strong hook in the beginning that piques their curiosity and makes them stay. This way you can convey the message you set out to deliver.
Building a Funnel That Actually Converts
Running TikTok ads without a funnel is one of the biggest mistakes eCommerce brands make. Not every viewer is ready to buy immediately, and TikTok gives you the tools to nurture interest.
Top of Funnel: Discovery
The goal here is simple: stop the scroll.
- Use broad targeting
- Focus on strong hooks in the first 2 to 3 seconds
- Highlight a problem, desire, or moment of curiosity
Think less about selling and more about storytelling.
Middle of Funnel: Consideration
Now you’re talking to people who’ve watched, liked, or engaged.
- Show how the product works
- Address objections
- Use testimonials or creator explanations
This is where trust is built.
Bottom of Funnel: Conversion
This is where clarity and urgency matter.
- Retarget viewers, add‑to‑cart users, and site visitors
- Highlight offers, bundles, or guarantees
- Keep CTAs clear and direct
A strong funnel doesn’t push. It guides.
What High‑Converting TikTok Creatives Look Like
In 2025, TikTok creative is less about aesthetics and more about connection.
High‑performing ads usually share these traits:
- A clear hook in the first few seconds
- Natural, conversational voiceovers
- Real people using the product
- Visible results or transformations
- Minimal text that supports the video
User‑generated content continues to outperform studio‑shot ads because it feels honest. Viewers trust people more than brands.
Conclusion
Creating TikTok ads for E-commerce can feel tough. But with the right tools, this process can be made easier than you can imagine.
One such tool is Predis AI. Predis AI allows you to create TikTok ads for e-commerce either through manual or AI-generative methods. You can upload, measure, and automate your ad strategy with Predis AI, all while saving time and effort.
Don’t believe us? Well, you are welcome to sign up for a free account and find out the benefits for yourself!
