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Creating Spark Ads on TikTok Ads Manager

Kylie Decipeda avatar
Written by Kylie Decipeda
Updated over 4 weeks ago

Archive's guide to leveraging TikTok's Spark Ads feature for your marketing campaigns. Spark Ads enable you to transform organic TikTok content into powerful advertisements. Each TikTok Ads Manager account can utilize up to 10,000 Spark Ads. Let's explore how to set them up effectively.

Understanding Identity Options

When creating Spark Ads, you'll work with one of two identity approaches:

  1. Identity Type 1: Utilize your own connected TikTok Business Account

  2. Identity Type 2: Work with authorized creator accounts (via Business Center) or individual posts (using video authorization codes)

Before You Begin

Not sure which identity option fits your needs? Here's a simple breakdown:

  • Go with Identity Type 1 when you've connected your TikTok Business account to Ads Manager and want to promote your own content or push new videos through your business profile.

  • Choose Identity Type 2 when collaborating with creators or using content authorized through video codes.

Key Points to Remember

Keep these important details in mind before launching your Spark Ads:

  • Caption editing isn't possible after authorization, so finalize your captions before creating ads

  • Private videos will become publicly visible during campaigns (though you can enable TikTok Ads Only Mode)

  • Video authorization codes remain active until all associated ads are removed from TikTok Ads Manager

Setting Up Spark Ads with Your Business Account

Follow these steps to create Spark Ads using your linked TikTok Business Account:

  1. Choose your advertising goal from the objectives menu

  2. Set up your campaign parameters and ad group details

  3. Activate the "Use TikTok account to deliver Spark Ads" option

  4. Choose your content approach:

    • Repurpose existing posts from your Business Account, or

    • Create fresh videos directly through Ads Manager

The Pull Approach (Using Existing Content)

  1. Navigate to Ad Details, select TikTok Post and choose the content you wish to promote

  2. Review your selection and click Confirm

  3. Fill in the remaining ad configuration options

  4. Launch your campaign by clicking Submit

The Push Approach (Creating New Content)

  1. From the Ad Details section, select +Video and choose your preferred method:

    • Upload content directly from your device

    • Add from Library to use previously created materials

    • Create a video with TikTok's built-in Creative Tools

  2. Consider enabling the Only show as ad feature if you want your content exclusively visible through ad placements

  3. Complete your ad setup with targeting and budget parameters

Important: After passing ad review, your pushed video appears on your business profile in private mode. You can manually adjust visibility settings in the TikTok app later.


Working with Creator Content for Spark Ads

Remember: Creator content requires proper authorization before use in your advertising campaigns.

For Content Creators: How to Authorize Your Videos

  1. First, ensure your privacy settings allow for ad authorization:

    • Navigate to Settings and Privacy > Privacy, or

    • Tap Me > Creator tools

  2. Authorize specific videos through these steps:

    • Open the TikTok post you want to authorize

    • Tap the three-dot menu

    • Select Ad Settings

    • Review and accept the Advertising Content Terms of Service

    • Enable the Ad authorization toggle

  3. Share your authorization with advertisers:

    • Select your preferred authorization timeframe (7, 30, 60, or 365 days)

    • Use the Copy Code button to generate your shareable authorization code

For Marketers: Accessing Creator-Authorized Content

  1. Once you receive a creator's authorization code:

    • Open TikTok Ads Manager and go to Tools

    • Look under the Creative section for Creative library

    • Select Spark ads posts

    • Click Apply for Authorization

    • Enter the creator's code and select Search

    Note: For collaborative content like Duets or Stitched videos, you'll need authorization codes from all participating creators.

  2. For content with multiple creators:

    • First search using the secondary creator's code

    • When prompted for the original content, enter the primary creator's authorization code

  3. Verify the content appears correctly and click Confirm

  4. Build your campaign structure:

    • Start at the Campaign Level by selecting your primary objective

    • Configure your Campaign and Ad Group settings as needed

    • At the Ad Level, enable Use TikTok account to deliver Spark Ads creative

    • Add your authorized content by clicking +TikTok post

    • Complete your ad setup and click Submit

Adding More Authorized Content Later

Need to incorporate additional creator content? Simply:

  1. Select +Authorize TikTok Post

  2. Input the new video authorization code

  3. Confirm the TikTok account associated with the authorization

Resolving Common Issues

If your Spark Ads campaign isn't running smoothly:

  • Verify all business account permissions are correctly configured

  • Double-check authorization codes for accuracy

  • Confirm that content authorizations haven't expired

  • Ensure your ad account has the necessary permission levels

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