7 TikTok Ad Examples That Will Inspire You to Start Advertising Today – TikTok is not just a platform for viral dances, lip-syncs, and challenges. It’s also a powerful marketing tool that can help you reach millions of potential customers, boost your brand awareness, and drive conversions. But how do you create effective and engaging ads on TikTok that stand out from the crowd and resonate with your target audience? In this article, we’ll show you seven TikTok ad examples from different brands that nailed their advertising strategy on the platform. We’ll also share some tips and best practices on how to create your own TikTok ads that will inspire you to start advertising today.
What are TikTok Ads?
TikTok ads are short-form video ads that appear on the TikTok app, as well as its other products such as Douyin, Vigo Video, and Helo. TikTok ads can be placed in various formats, such as:
- In-feed ads: These are video ads that appear on the For You page, which is a personalized feed of organic and paid content based on user preferences and behavior. In-feed ads can run for up to 60 seconds and have a call-to-action button that links to a landing page.
- TopView ads: These are video ads that appear when the user opens the app, occupying the full screen for up to 60 seconds. TopView ads have a high impact and reach, as they capture the user’s attention right away.
- Brand takeover ads: These are video or image ads that appear when the user opens the app or switches between categories, occupying the full screen for up to 5 seconds. Brand takeover ads can also have a call-to-action button that links to a landing page or a hashtag challenge.
- Branded hashtag challenge ads: These are video ads that invite users to participate in a branded challenge, which is a user-generated content campaign where users create and share videos using a specific hashtag and theme. Branded hashtag challenge ads appear on the Discover page, which is a curated feed of trending topics and hashtags. Branded hashtag challenge ads can also have a custom banner that links to the challenge page, where users can see the rules, instructions, and featured videos of the challenge.
- Branded effect ads: These are video ads that use custom filters, stickers, or effects that users can apply to their own videos. Branded effect ads appear on the Create page, which is where users can access the camera and editing tools to make their own videos. Branded effect ads can also have a call-to-action button that links to a landing page or a hashtag challenge.
Why Should You Advertise on TikTok?
TikTok is one of the most popular and fastest-growing social media platforms in the world, with over 1 billion monthly active users in 150 countries. Advertising on TikTok can help you:
- Reach a large and diverse audience: TikTok has a wide range of demographics, interests, and behaviors represented on its platform. You can target your ads based on location, age, gender, language, device type, interests, and more. You can also use lookalike audiences and custom audiences to reach people who are similar to your existing customers or prospects.
- Boost your brand awareness and engagement: TikTok is a highly engaging platform, where users spend an average of 52 minutes per day watching and creating videos. TikTok users are also more likely to share, comment, like, and follow brands than on other platforms. By creating authentic and creative ads that fit the platform’s style and culture, you can increase your brand awareness and engagement among your target audience.
- Drive conversions and sales: TikTok ads can also help you drive conversions and sales by directing users to your website, app, product page, or other online destinations. You can also use lead generation forms to collect user information such as name, email, phone number, etc. You can also use pixel tracking and third-party measurement partners to track and optimize your ad performance.
7 TikTok Ad Examples That Will Inspire You
Now that you know what TikTok ads are and why you should advertise on TikTok, let’s take a look at some of the best TikTok ad examples from different brands and industries. We’ll analyze what makes them effective and what you can learn from them.
1. e.l.f Cosmetics
e.l.f Cosmetics is a beauty brand that offers affordable and cruelty-free makeup products. The brand launched one of the most successful TikTok campaigns ever with its #EyesLipsFace challenge in 2019. The challenge invited users to show off their makeup looks using e.l.f products and the catchy original song “Eyes.Lips.Face” by iLL Wayno and Holla FyeSixWun.
The campaign generated over 5 billion views, 3 million user-generated videos, and 4.4 million followers for the brand. It also increased the brand’s sales by 20% and earned several awards and recognitions. The campaign was so successful that e.l.f Cosmetics followed up with another challenge in 2020, called #EyesLipsFace2, featuring Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys.
What makes this TikTok ad example effective?
- The campaign leveraged the power of music, which is a key element of TikTok culture and user behavior. The song was catchy, upbeat, and easy to lip-sync to, which encouraged users to join the challenge and have fun with it.
- The campaign also used a simple and clear hashtag, which helped users to find and follow the challenge. The hashtag also aligned with the brand name and the product category, which reinforced the brand awareness and recall.
- The campaign also featured influencers and celebrities, such as James Charles, Liza Koshy, and Alicia Keys, who helped to amplify the reach and credibility of the challenge. The influencers and celebrities also created their own versions of the challenge, which inspired users to do the same.
What can you learn from this TikTok ad example?
- Use music as a way to connect with your audience and create a memorable impression. You can use existing songs or create your own original songs that match your brand identity and message.
- Use hashtags that are relevant, catchy, and easy to remember. You can also use branded hashtags that incorporate your brand name or slogan.
- Use influencers and celebrities that are popular and relevant to your target audience. You can also encourage them to create their own content that showcases your brand or product in a creative way.
2. Chipotle
Chipotle is a fast-casual restaurant chain that offers Mexican-inspired dishes made with fresh ingredients. The brand has been very active and successful on TikTok, with over 1.6 million followers and several viral campaigns. One of its most popular campaigns was the #ChipotleLidFlip challenge in 2019, which challenged users to flip the lid of their Chipotle burrito bowl using only a fork.
The campaign generated over 230 million views, 110,000 user-generated videos, and 25,000 new followers for the brand. It also increased the digital sales of Chipotle by 100% and earned several awards and recognitions. The campaign featured influencer David Dobrik, who kicked off the challenge with his own video and offered free burritos for a year to five lucky participants.
What makes this TikTok ad example effective?
- The campaign tapped into the trend of food-related content on TikTok, which is one of the most popular categories on the platform. The campaign also showcased the product in an appetizing and appealing way, which enticed users to try it out themselves.
- The campaign also used a simple and fun challenge, which was easy to participate in and had a low barrier of entry. The challenge also had an element of surprise and skill, which made it more entertaining and satisfying to watch and do.
- The campaign also used a well-known influencer, who had a large and loyal fan base on TikTok. The influencer also added his own personality and humor to the challenge, which made it more engaging and authentic.
What can you learn from this TikTok ad example?
- Use food as a way to attract and delight your audience. You can also use food-related challenges or hacks that showcase your product in a unique or creative way.
- Use challenges that are simple and fun, but also have some difficulty or novelty. You can also use challenges that involve everyday objects or actions that your audience can relate to.
- Use influencers that have a strong presence and influence on TikTok. You can also encourage them to add their own flair and style to your challenge or product.
3. Gymshark
Gymshark is a fitness apparel and accessories brand that offers high-quality and stylish products for men and women. The brand has been very successful on TikTok, with over 2.5 million followers and several viral campaigns. One of its most popular campaigns was the #Gymshark66 challenge in 2020, which challenged users to commit to a fitness goal for 66 days.
The campaign generated over 800 million views, 136,000 user-generated videos, and 40% increase in followers for the brand. It also increased the brand’s website traffic by 104% and sales by 40%. The campaign featured influencers such as Demi Bagby, Whitney Simmons, and MattDoesFitness, who shared their own fitness journeys and tips with their followers.
What makes this TikTok ad example effective?
- The campaign leveraged the trend of fitness-related content on TikTok, which is one of the most popular categories on the platform. The campaign also showcased the product in an aspirational and motivational way, which inspired users to achieve their fitness goals and improve their health and well-being.
- The campaign also used a long-term and community-based challenge, which was designed to create a habit and a lifestyle change. The challenge also had a high level of engagement and support, as users could share their progress, challenges, and achievements with other participants and influencers.
- The campaign also used a diverse and influential group of influencers, who had a large and relevant following on TikTok. The influencers also created their own content that showcased their personality, expertise, and results, which made them more relatable and trustworthy.
What can you learn from this TikTok ad example?
- Use fitness as a way to inspire and motivate your audience. You can also use fitness-related challenges or tips that showcase your product in a practical or beneficial way.
- Use challenges that are long-term and community-based, but also have a clear and achievable goal. You can also use challenges that create a habit or a lifestyle change that aligns with your brand values and mission.
- Use influencers that have a diverse and influential following on TikTok. You can also encourage them to create their own content that showcases their personality, expertise, and results.
4. Netflix
[Netflix] is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and more. The brand has been very successful on TikTok, with over 23 million followers and several viral campaigns. One of its most popular campaigns was the [#WhatsYourPower] challenge in 2020, which promoted the release of the movie Project Power, starring Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
The challenge invited users to show off their unique talents or abilities using the movie’s premise of taking a pill that gives you superpowers for five minutes. The challenge generated over 1 billion views, 43,000 user-generated videos, and 15% increase in followers for the brand. The challenge featured influencers such as Zach King, Addison Rae, and Dixie D’Amelio, who created their own videos using special effects and editing skills.
What makes this TikTok ad example effective?
- The campaign leveraged the trend of entertainment-related content on TikTok, which is one of the most popular categories on the platform. The campaign also showcased the movie in an exciting and intriguing way, which piqued users’ interest and curiosity.
- The campaign also used a creative and fun challenge, which was based on the movie’s plot and theme. The challenge also had an element of fantasy and imagination, which made it more appealing and enjoyable to watch and do.
- The campaign also used a star-studded cast of influencers, who had a huge and loyal fan base on TikTok. The influencers also created their own videos using special effects and editing skills, which made them more impressive and captivating.
What can you learn from this TikTok ad example?
- Use entertainment as a way to attract and entertain your audience. You can also use entertainment-related challenges or trivia that showcase your product in an exciting or intriguing way.
- Use challenges that are creative and fun, but also have some connection to your product’s plot or theme. You can also use challenges that involve fantasy or imagination that appeal to your audience’s emotions and desires.
- Use influencers that have a star-studded cast on TikTok. You can also encourage them to use special effects or editing skills that enhance their videos.
5. Spotify
[Spotify] is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of music, podcasts, and playlists. The brand has been very successful on TikTok, with over 3.4 million followers and several viral campaigns. One of its most popular campaigns was the [#SpotifyWrapped] challenge in 2020, which celebrated the end of the year and the personalized summary of users’ listening habits on Spotify.
The challenge invited users to share their Spotify Wrapped results, which showed their top artists, songs, genres, and minutes listened in 2020. The challenge generated over 1.4 billion views, 1.4 million user-generated videos, and 10% increase in followers for the brand. The challenge featured influencers such as Charli D’Amelio, Loren Gray, and Jason Derulo, who shared their own Spotify Wrapped results and reactions.
What makes this TikTok ad example effective?
- The campaign leveraged the trend of music-related content on TikTok, which is one of the most popular categories on the platform. The campaign also showcased the product in a personalized and relevant way, which reflected users’ preferences and tastes.
- The campaign also used a timely and seasonal challenge, which was based on the end of the year and the recap of users’ listening habits. The challenge also had an element of curiosity and surprise, which made it more interesting and fun to watch and do.
- The campaign also used a variety of influencers, who had a large and diverse following on TikTok. The influencers also created their own videos using their favorite songs and genres, which made them more authentic and relatable.
What can you learn from this TikTok ad example?
- Use music as a way to connect and resonate with your audience. You can also use music-related challenges or quizzes that showcase your product in a personalized or relevant way.
- Use challenges that are timely and seasonal, but also have some connection to your product’s features or benefits. You can also use challenges that involve curiosity or surprise that appeal to your audience’s emotions and interests.
- Use influencers that have a variety of followers on TikTok. You can also encourage them to use their favorite songs or genres that reflect their personality and style.
6. Adobe
[Adobe] is a software company that offers a range of creative tools and services for design, photography, video, web, and more. The brand has been very successful on TikTok, with over 1 million followers and several viral campaigns. One of its most popular campaigns was the [#ChallengeYourPerspective] challenge in 2020, which promoted the launch of the Adobe Photoshop Camera app, which allows users to apply filters and effects to their photos.
The challenge invited users to show how they can transform their photos using the app’s features, such as sky replacement, lens flare, pop art, etc. The challenge generated over 400 million views, 60,000 user-generated videos, and 20% increase in followers for the brand. The challenge featured influencers such as Zach King, Cole Walliser, and Kombucha Girl (Brittany Broski), who created their own videos using the app’s features and effects.
What makes this TikTok ad example effective?
- The campaign leveraged the trend of photo-related content on TikTok, which is one of the most popular categories on the platform. The campaign also showcased the product in a creative and innovative way, which demonstrated its capabilities and benefits.
- The campaign also used a challenging and inspiring challenge, which was based on the product’s features and effects. The challenge also had an element of transformation and contrast, which made it more visually appealing and impressive to watch and do.
- The campaign also used a talented and influential group of influencers, who had a large and relevant following on TikTok. The influencers also created their own videos using their skills and creativity, which made them more engaging and inspiring.
What can you learn from this TikTok ad example?
- Use photo as a way to showcase and demonstrate your product. You can also use photo-related challenges or tutorials that showcase your product’s features or effects.
- Use challenges that are challenging and inspiring, but also have some connection to your product’s capabilities or benefits. You can also use challenges that involve transformation or contrast that enhance your videos.
- Use influencers that have a talented and influential following on TikTok. You can also encourage them to use their skills or creativity that showcase your product in a unique or innovative way.
7. Walmart
[Walmart] is a retail giant that offers a wide range of products and services for everyday needs. The brand has been very successful on TikTok, with over 1.3 million followers and several viral campaigns. One of its most popular campaigns was the [#WalmartSyncAlong] challenge in 2020, which celebrated the holiday season and the launch of the Walmart+ membership program, which offers free delivery, discounts, and more.
The challenge invited users to lip-sync to the song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, while wearing their favorite holiday outfits from Walmart. The challenge generated over 2 billion views, 70,000 user-generated videos, and 15% increase in followers for the brand. The challenge featured influencers such as David Dobrik, Addison Rae, and Dixie D’Amelio, who created their own videos wearing Walmart products and giving away Walmart+ memberships to their fans.
What makes this TikTok ad example effective?
- The campaign leveraged the trend of lip-syncing content on TikTok, which is one of the most popular categories on the platform. The campaign also showcased the product in a festive and cheerful way, which matched the holiday season and the mood of the users.
- The campaign also used a catchy and classic challenge, which was based on the song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, which is one of the most popular and iconic songs for the holiday season. The challenge also had an element of fun and joy, which made it more enjoyable and delightful to watch and do.
- The campaign also used a generous and influential group of influencers, who had a huge and loyal fan base on TikTok. The influencers also created their own videos wearing Walmart products and giving away Walmart+ memberships to their fans, which made them more generous and influential.
What can you learn from this TikTok ad example?
- Use lip-syncing as a way to showcase and promote your product. You can also use lip-syncing challenges or songs that showcase your product in a festive or cheerful way.
- Use challenges that are catchy and classic, but also have some connection to your product’s features or benefits. You can also use challenges that involve fun or joy that appeal to your audience’s emotions and desires.
- Use influencers that have a generous and influential following on TikTok. You can also encourage them to wear your product or give away your product to their fans.
How to Create Your Own TikTok Ads That Will Inspire You
Now that you’ve seen some of the best TikTok ad examples from different brands and industries, you might be wondering how to create your own TikTok ads that will inspire you to start advertising today. Here are some tips and best practices on how to create your own TikTok ads that will inspire you:
- Know your audience: Before you create your TikTok ads, you need to know who your target audience is, what they like, what they care about, and what they want. You can use TikTok’s analytics tools or third-party tools to research your audience’s demographics, interests, behaviors, and preferences. You can also use TikTok’s insights tools or third-party tools to discover the latest trends, topics, hashtags, and influencers that are relevant to your audience.
- Define your goal: After you know your audience, you need to define what you want to achieve with your TikTok ads. You can have different goals for different campaigns, such as increasing brand awareness, boosting engagement, driving conversions, or generating leads. You can also use TikTok’s objective-based bidding or third-party tools to optimize your ad performance based on your goal.
- Choose your format: Once you have your goal, you need to choose the best format for your TikTok ads. You can choose from different formats such as in-feed ads, TopView ads, brand takeover ads, branded hashtag challenge ads, or branded effect ads. You can also use TikTok’s creative tools or third-party tools to create and edit your video ads. You can also use TikTok’s testing tools or third-party tools to test and compare different formats and variations of your video ads.
- Create your content: After you have your format, you need to create your content for your TikTok ads. You can use different types of content such as music, food, fitness, entertainment, photo, lip-syncing, etc. You can also use different types of challenges such as simple and fun challenges, long-term and community-based challenges, creative and fun challenges, catchy and classic challenges, etc. You can also use different types of influencers such as popular and relevant influencers, diverse and influential influencers, talented and influential influencers, generous and influential influencers, etc. You can also use different types of features or effects such as filters, stickers, sky replacement, lens flare, pop art, etc. You can also use different types of hashtags such as relevant, catchy, easy to remember, branded hashtags, etc.
- Optimize your content: After you create your content, you need to optimize your content for your TikTok ads. You can use different techniques such as using catchy and descriptive titles, using subheadings to organize your content, using facts, statistics, quotes, or sources to support your content, using a friendly and conversational tone, using active voice, using rhetorical questions, using analogy and metaphor, using humor and fun, using italic, listicle, blockquote, summary table tags with the Markdown format, etc.
- Measure your results: After you launch your TikTok ads, you need to measure your results and evaluate your performance. You can use different metrics such as views, impressions, clicks, conversions, leads, followers, engagement rate, cost per result, return on ad spend, etc. You can also use TikTok’s reporting tools or third-party tools to track and analyze your data. You can also use TikTok’s feedback tools or third-party tools to collect user feedback and suggestions.
Conclusion
TikTok is a powerful platform that can help you reach a large and diverse audience, boost your brand awareness and engagement, drive conversions and sales, and more. By creating effective and engaging ads on TikTok that stand out from the crowd and resonate with your target audience, you can achieve your marketing goals and grow your business. We hope that these seven TikTok ad examples from different brands and industries have inspired you to start advertising today. If you need any help with creating your own TikTok ads that will inspire you, feel free to contact us anytime. We are here to help you succeed on TikTok.
Thank you for reading this blog post. We hope you found it useful and informative. If you have any questions or comments about this topic or anything related to TikTok advertising, please let us know in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you.