Strike Overview
- Choosing between TikTok Spark ads and Non-Spark ads can be challenging since each format offers unique advantages, whether you’re using your own creative or utilizing influencer-generated content.
- With U.S. users spending an average of 58 minutes daily on TikTok, advertisers have ample opportunity to capture attention, regardless of the ad format.
- Understand the differences and benefits of each format to decide which will drive better results for your campaigns: TikTok Spark ads or Non-Spark ads.
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This post was updated in August 2024 to provide you with the latest information.
TikTok Spark Ads vs. Non-Spark Ads: What Marketers Should know
In a snap of a finger, advertisers have turned their curiosity into a necessity when talking about TikTok ads. Research shows that more brands are opting to move their ad money as TikTok advertising revenue continues to grow 18% year-on-year, amounting to $23.1 billion, despite ongoing discussions about a potential TikTok ban.
Similarly, Strike Social saw a massive boost in TikTok ad spending. However, with TikTok’s rapid growth, marketers need to determine and understand the usability of the available ad formats, particularly the similarities and differences between TikTok Spark Ads vs. Non-Spark Ads.
TikTok Spark Ads vs. Non-Spark Ads: Which is Best?
As much as you want to know the answer, it should begin with understanding the definition of these TikTok ad formats, learning the availability of objectives per ad unit, and knowing ad specs limitations.
What is a TikTok Spark Ad?
Marketers use this ad format to scale UGC (User-Generated Content) and own organic content. TikTok Spark Ads help drive more eyes and engagement during brand discovery. For a quick reference, this is similar to boosting posts on Facebook and Instagram, but it also has the ability to use influencer feed posts.
On the other hand, TikTok Non-Spark ads are delivered in a standard format to the ‘For You’ page. Video ad placement is seamless, creating a more native content approach with a call-to-action for TikTok app users.
Campaign Setup Differences of Spark Ads vs. Non-Spark Ads
Each TikTok ad campaign is unique. Every detail in media buying directly affects ad outcomes. For example, when advertising your TikTok shop, using TikTok Shop ads can effectively drive sales. Additionally, promoting with TikTok Spark ads can enhance brand authenticity and product promotion, further supporting your overall campaign strategy.
Before switching to your TikTok Ad Manager account, you can run through the table below for a quick comparison when setting up TikTok Spark ads and non-Spark ads.
Ad Campaign Metrics Comparison
Further Reading
Keep Your Ads Visible with The TikTok Ad Specs Guide
Explore the different TikTok ad formats, along with their creative requirements and dimensions, to effectively plan your next advertising campaign.
Well-curated media plans are the primary tool for successful TikTok advertisements. By creating a more well-defined measure of success for TikTok ads, brands can efficiently take the next step in the sales funnel.
Spark Ads campaign metrics can measure a variety of TikTok ad interactions. TikTok views, profile visit KPIs, follower growth from paid ads, and music link engagement are some indicators that help marketers understand how their target audiences respond to their ads.
Post Type and User Ad Engagement Comparison
In the battle of paid social, platforms that can deliver more native and interactive ad units win consumers. TikTok app users can easily define an ad from native content, but TikTok Spark Ads can further leverage highly engaging organic posts increasing reach and brand discovery without changing the advertising experience.
For digital advertising, users are more receptive to brand messaging when using more instinctive content. Based on TikTok for Business findings, 84% have considered purchasing a product or service after seeing branded TikTok video content.
Further Reading
Elevate Your Brand’s Organic Growth with TikTok Spark Ads
Spark Ads allows you to amplify existing video posts or organic content from other creators. You can effectively increase followers, drive genuine engagement, and boost sales by leveraging authentic advertising.
Similar to the importance of understanding campaign metrics, focusing on ad details leads to high user ad engagement beyond simply increasing TikTok views. TikTok Ad Manager adds a few ad structures for different objectives: optimize to more landing pages, app installation, page visits, and boost followings. One recognizable detail is the Add icon, placed under the brand’s profile photo—allowing users to follow the account without leaving the ad.
While scrolling through your TikTok app, you might spot the follow button here:
Tips for using TikTok Spark Ads
Unlike Spark Ads, video creatives for Non-Spark ad units are uploaded through the TikTok Business Center. TikTok app users will see the video first as soon as the ad is displayed. Because of that, it will take some time for the TikTok Business Manager to learn about potentially interested consumers.
The existing post presents a different scenario. These TikTok video clips would have gathered audience data through organic engagement or appeared on the For You page, giving them a head start.
Further Reading
Marketers’ Guide to Understanding TikTok Ads Targeting
Spark Ads allows you to amplify existing video posts or organic content from other creators. You can effectively increase followers, drive genuine engagement, and boost sales by leveraging authentic advertising.
Take a look at this guide to know when TikTok advertisers should choose their organic posts versus creators’ content when setting up TikTok Spark Ads:
When choosing a brand’s organic posts as Spark ads:
- Grow social presence and build the following
- Build the bottom-funnel audience for retargeting
- Ideal to compliment with an Always-On Campaign
When using the creator’s organic posts as Spark ads:
- Boost your campaign with the help of the creators’ content influence
- To develop a more authentic and native feel to your ad.
Staying Above the TikTok Advertising Curve
TikTok has not only captured the attention of most marketers but also convinced them to dedicate a higher share of the budget to their advertising platform. The short-form video app is famous for its creative and authentic content, which provides the same experience as viewing ads.
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TikTok Sparks Ads is a new and unique advertising solution for marketers to drive brand awareness and engagement. Its native and relevant video content directly speaks to the community.
Start boosting and discover the advertising efficiency and adaptability of TikTok Spark Ads.
Interested to know more about Spark Ads and other TikTok advertising units? Contact us here.
