TikTok launched in 2017, designed for both iOS and Android devices. In 2019, it rapidly rose to the top of the charts and became the go-to social app for trending video content.

With over 1.5 billion downloads in 2020, the video streaming app has been a huge hit for audiences across the globe – and this has not gone unnoticed by businesses. TikTok is a powerful, uncharted marketing tool for companies looking to grow their customer base, and it has the potential to help brands go viral – fast.

With the following 5 strategies for advertising on TikTok, you have the opportunity to turn your brand into a trending hashtag and your viewers into buyers.

1. Create your own TikTok channel and upload content

Before you begin advertising on TikTok, it is best to build up your brand’s presence organically first.

Sign your business up for TikTok (for free!) in seconds. Then, don’t hesitate – start getting creative with video content! Keep in mind that no one video can be longer than 15 seconds, but you can combine up to four 15 second videos to create one 60 second video. Check out our TikTok Video Length & Video Formatting Guide for full details. You can also use TikTok video maker apps such as Boosted for additional options for filters, text, and effects.

You may only have between 15-60 seconds to show your audience who you are and what you’re offering, but there are many different types of content you can create within that time frame. Some examples include:

• Hashtag challenges – TikTokers love a good challenge! Hashtag challenges have a ton of viral potential. They encourage users to create videos of a certain theme, using a popular or branded hashtag. Spend time thinking of a unique hashtag for your brand and then turn it into a challenge for your followers! Scroll through TikTok’s Discover page to get inspired by the current trending hashtag challenges. You can even offer prizes to your audience as an incentive to join.

For even more exposure, your brand can sponsor a hashtag challenge and get featured on TikTok’s discovery page.

• Product reveals – Make your product introduction a visual experience for your viewers! Get creative with how you showcase your brand’s new product or service on TikTok.
• Duet videos – Stream two videos side by side and let your imagination run wild. Here’s a guide on how to create a TikTok Duet.

2. In-feed video ads

TikTok has recently introduced paid advertising to the platform. This is great news for businesses trying to reach their audiences on TikTok. The 4 different ad formats include: Hashtag challenges (mentioned above), in-feed video ads, brand takeovers and branded lenses.

Firstly, let’s focus on in-feed video ads. If you’re seeking a more cost-effective way to advertise on TikTok, then this avenue may be a good fit for your brand. In-feed video ads are similar to those you see on Instagram or Facebook, which appear in users’ feeds and allows them to click through to websites or to download apps. These video ads can be placed between a video queue or at the bottom of the current TikTok video that the user is watching. With the rise of adverts on TikTok, the app has been updated and allows the viewer to go to your website in the form of two buttons: “Go to Website” and “Learn More.”

Note: Unlike your other content, these videos will be labeled as sponsored.

3. Brand takeovers

This is a full-screen ad that pops up when users first open TikTok. It’s called a “takeover” because only one brand in each category can use this type of ad each day. Brand takeovers can either be a 3-5 second GIF or a 3 second image or video. Brand takeovers are generally one of the most costly ad-purchasing options, but keep in mind that they provide maximum reach and exposure for your brand for 24 hours.

4. Branded lenses

TikTok’s branded lens is an ad format that utilizes AR to bring 3D objects, face filters and more similar effects to users. Branded lenses work similarly to Snapchat lenses for faces and photos. Creating a branded lens for your brand will make your biz more recognizable to the masses. People love filters, and if you create a quality, standout lens, then you are showcasing your brand every time someone uses it.

5. Work with influencers

If you’re already creating your own content, but want to expand your reach and grow your following even further, then now’s the time to start working with influencers. Search TikTok for influencers whose audience and interests align with your brand’s. Some influencers have large audiences with millions of followers, but many have thousands of followers and are still establishing and growing their TikTok presences. Consider what scale of influencer you’d like to collaborate with (keep your budget in mind when deciding!). Here’s a helpful guide to finding TikTok influencers for your brand.

Check out our other guide – How to Use TikTok for Business – for further insights on how to make TikTok work for your brand!Facebook