How to Run TikTok Ads for Shopify: Full Guide (2025)

Are you a Shopify merchant learning how to run TikTok ads for Shopify? If yes, you are doing the right thing.

Why? TikTok is emerging as a major eCommerce platform. Additionally, it’s a useful marketing tool for increasing sales for existing online retailers. The average return on ad expenditure on TikTok is 2.0 times higher than that of other media, and the total ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) for paid content alone is $1.7. These figures demonstrate the potency and effectiveness of TikTok advertisements in increasing paid traffic and conversion rate.

To help you achieve these figures, we have come up with this blog. We will walk you through the process of launching and optimizing Shopify TikTok ads.

1. What are TikTok Ads?

TikTok Ads are sponsored promotional material that blends in well with the app’s short-form video style and shows up in users’ feeds. These advertisements come in a variety of formats that let companies interact with the platform’s enormous and expanding user base while boosting sales, engagement, and brand recognition.

Besides, running TikTok ads after launching your Shopify store can be beneficial in different ways:

• Reach a large, engaged user base: TikTok data show that its users are very active, logging in for an average of 52 minutes every day. Brands have the chance to connect with a large and receptive audience through the funnel strategy.
• Boost Brand Visibility: With 78% of users finding new products and brands on TikTok, the platform is especially good at introducing companies to new consumers who then make purchases. (Group Boston Consulting)
• Detailed analytics and reporting: You can monitor and assess the effectiveness of your TikTok campaigns in real time or track add to cart events thanks to the platform’s comprehensive analytics and reporting features. This aids in campaign structure optimization for optimal return on investment.
• Streamlined Campaign Management: You can integrate TikTok with Shopify smoothly or sync Shopify products to your TikTok shop. This facilitates the management of your advertisements and inventory. In one location, you can monitor their performance and adjust your tactics.  

2. Requirements for setting up TikTok ads on Shopify

TikTok advertising is accessible in dozens of nations and areas over the globe. There are, nevertheless, certain geographical constraints and limitations. Furthermore, the kinds of goods and services that can be promoted on TikTok are subject to particular laws or limitations in some nations.

3. How to run TikTok ads for Shopify

We suppose that you already have a Shopify store but if not, you can sign up now for the Shopify 1 dollar deal, which is exclusively limited to Shopify newbies.

3.1. Step-by-step guide

The process will take place in the TikTok Ads Manager used for creating, managing, and optimizing paid ad campaigns and not in the TikTok Business Center which serves as a unified location for managing all facets of your company on TikTok as many people mistake.

In this guide, we follow a simplified path that is simple, easy to use, and doesn’t require technical knowledge for small to medium-sized businesses:

Step 1: In the app, simply go to Settings and Privacy, then Manage Account, and tap Switch to Business Account. 

Step 2: Install the TikTok app in your Shopify store.  

Step 3: Navigate to ads.tiktok.com and log in with your TikTok business account -> Open the TikTok Ads Manager

Step 4: You will be given 3 choices to choose as an advertising objective for your campaign in the TikTok ads manager.

Step 5: The next screen in your TikTok ads manager account will let you decide many factors of your ads campaign:

• Ad group name
• Optimization location
• Placements
• Audience Targeting

Step 6: Set your daily spending limit, which should start at least $5 per day or $70 for the duration of the campaign. After that, you will determine how long to run your campaign. To continue your campaign indefinitely and halt it later when you believe it has served its purpose, you can also choose “No end date.”

Step 7: Create your ad and submit

• Post a new TikTok video 
• Choose one of your current TikTok videos to run as a video ad 

Additionally, you will be able to write a description for your advertisement and provide a link to your website in a call-to-action button, like “Shop Now.”

Your TikTok ad will go through a review procedure once you click Submit, which typically takes around 24 hours before it is made public. Ad Group on the TikTok Ads Manager platform will notify you if your ad is flagged. You can understand the reasons why your ad was rejected here and steer clear of the same blunders in the future.

To optimize for your next campaign, track your ad’s performance over time to see what works and what doesn’t.

3.2. Shopify x TikTok promotional ad credit

Shopify and TikTok have teamed up to introduce a promotional credit scheme for Shopify merchants that have been specifically invited. A select group of Shopify merchants in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, and the US have been selected to participate in the initiative.

Note: The promotional credit will only be given to qualified Shopify businesses once, and they are not permitted to use it at other Shopify stores.

You can use the ad credit in the TikTok App on Shopify or in your TikTok Ads Manager account. Your TikTok Ads Manager account’s payment method—manual or automatic—will determine how ad credits are claimed.

• Manual: Prior to applying the account balance, the ad credits will be utilized. For instance, we will charge any charges against your ad credit after you get it, rather than utilizing the balance in your account.
• Automatic: Once the balance on your account has been paid, you will receive the ad credits. Your account will then be charged for your subsequent campaign after these ad credits have been applied.  

4. How much do TikTok ads cost?

The cost of TikTok ads depends on several factors:

• Ad format: Depending on their placement and prominence, various ad formats—like in-feed advertisements, brand takeovers, and branded hashtag challenges—have different prices.
• Targeting: The cost of reaching your target group may increase with their level of specificity. However, if the audience fit is strong, the expenses might be justified.
• Bidding strategy: With TikTok’s auction-based system, advertisers compete with one another for ad placement.
  • CPC (Cost Per Click): It costs roughly $1.00 for every click. Depending on your audience, where they are, and how well your campaign is performing, this rate may vary.
  • CPM (Cost Per 1,000 Impressions): Typically, campaigns have a $500 minimum expenditure and cost $10 for every 1,000 views. Additionally, prices might start at just $1.00.
  • CPA (Cost Per Action): The price varies based on the action you desire, such as signing up or downloading.

💡Budget estimates for businesses of different sizes:

• Small firms should begin with a modest daily budget, which is $20 for ad groups and $50 for campaigns.
• Medium-sized enterprises can opt for more focused strategies which may be more expensive.
• Big companies may think that starting with $100 and progressively raising it every day is a good plan.

Tip: If you are planning for a whole new business, consider buying a prebuilt Shopify store that allows you to start selling quickly. That way, you can save much money and time to spend on your Shopify TikTok ads.

5. Best practices for optimizing TikTok ads

5.1. Prioritize authenticity

People want to make purchases from sincere and relatable individuals. So, aim for materials that are produced by a user rather than a business to build advertisements that connect with the TikTok community. It can be an effective way to increase genuineness. 

They shouldn’t appear overly manufactured or studio-produced. Instead, use well-liked TikTok typefaces, sounds, and editing styles to give your advertisements a more genuine and captivating vibe.

5.2. Start with an attention-grabbing video hook

According to a Facebook study, 65% of viewers who watch a video for the first three seconds are likely to continue watching it for at least ten seconds. Therefore, consider ways to prevent someone from scrolling past the first three seconds.

To get viewers’ attention, we advise using TikTok trends and transitions to produce content that makes them stop scrolling or stating something unexpected in the first two seconds. Making your TikTok ads for Shopify stand out in consumers’ feeds can also be accomplished by including something “weird” or “oddly satisfying.”

5.3. Incorporate trends

By frequently visiting the For You page and monitoring what’s trending in your niche, you can stay informed about the newest trends. For instance, observe upcoming occasions or holidays and then produce material that honors or spreads the joy to your audience.

Additionally, to capitalize on current discussions and boost the possibility that users will notice your advertisements, incorporate well-known audio samples and pertinent hashtags into your content.

5.4. Include clear CTA

The audience can be directed to take a specified next step with a clear call to action (CTA). For the CTA to be effective, it must contain a value proposition, powerful verbs, and succinct wording. To increase its impact, think about establishing urgency, carefully positioning the CTA, and utilizing eye-catching design elements.

5.5. Optimize for mobile responsiveness

Since TikTok is primarily a mobile-first platform and people interact with it mostly on their phones, it is imperative to optimize TikTok video advertising for mobile responsiveness. 

Concentrate on producing interesting, vertical videos that complement the platform’s design to maximize Shopify TikTok ads for mobile users. Ads should be brief, have an attention-grabbing hook, and emphasize excellent audio and graphics.

6. Best TikTok ads examples for each type

You can test out these ad formats as you become more familiar with the site to further your business objectives:

6.1. In-feed Ads

In-feed ads mimic native TikTok videos and blend in perfectly with a user’s content feed. These commercials, which may be tailored to particular audiences and naturally integrate with the user experience, can last up to 60 seconds.

💡Key takeaways:

• Ideal for driving engagement, website traffic, and conversions
• Include a call-to-action button that directs users to a landing page or app store

6.2. TopView Ads

When users open TikTok, they get a video advertisement called TopView.  TopView is a powerful full-screen, sound-on TikTok video that promotes your brand and is displayed before any other TikTok video.

Before reintroducing the native in-feed video experience with icons and interaction features, the TopView experience begins with a 3-second video takeover. 

💡Key takeaways:

• Ideal for launching new products, promoting special events, or creating a strong first impression with a wide audience. 
• Offer various engagement options like commenting, sharing, and visiting the brand’s profile.

6.3. Branded Effects Ads

With the help of Branded Effects advertisements, companies may produce unique stickers, lenses, and filters that viewers can use in their own TikTok movies. Brands may capitalize on the platform’s interactive aspect and forge closer bonds by giving consumers the creative tools to express themselves.

💡Key takeaways:

• Can be promoted through other ad formats, such as in-feed ads or Branded Hashtag Challenge ads, to boost visibility and encourage more engagement. 
• Implemented with augmented reality to encourage customer interactions.

6.4. Carousel Ads

Advertisers can submit two to thirty-five images in a series using the carousel format, which is an image-based creative method. Users can independently adjust the viewing tempo and observe more details by swiping between photographs.

💡Key takeaways: 

• Every picture on the carousel can showcase a distinct product, providing customers with a more comprehensive understanding of what your company has to offer.
• Measure the Click-Through-Rate (CTR) on each image to gain insights into the effectiveness of different images and headlines

6.5. Spark Ads

Users may comment, like, and share Spark Ads just like they can with organic videos. They can also visit your brand’s profile by swiping left or clicking the handle name or profile photo. By clicking the plus sign on the profile picture, users can even follow your brand’s account.

💡Key takeaways:

• Ideal for brands looking to showcase real user experiences, build trust, and drive conversions.
• Leverage the authenticity and social proof of UGC to boost your content’s value

7. Top choices of TikTok ads Shopify apps 

Running TikTok ads for Shopify will require a lot of effort, time and money so if you find it hard to handle everything on your own, you can find outside help. 

This means hiring a Shopify setup service which includes an expert team that can do literally everything to build and run effective ads campaigns or using Shopify apps.

Here we will talk about the latter which can take the burden off your shoulder in an affordable way. 

7.1. Minta Social Videos Auto Post 

This app offers you as many AI social video ads and ad creatives as you like for your collections and items. Additionally, it allows you to automate social media video production and social media posting for TikTok.

Overall rating: 4.6 ⭐ (1,020 reviews)

Key features: 

• Use video background social media planner and video maker to automatically upload videos.
• Automate the promotion of your content on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Make 200 social video post templates and AI product video banner advertisements 
• Match the look and feel of your brand in your social media advertising using Canva AI.

Pricing: Starter ($5/month) | Pro ($35/month) | Growth ($55/month)

7.2. Sauce: Instagram, TikTok & UGC

Sauce handles the tedious tasks of transforming TikTok into high-converting buying experiences and using influencer relationships and UGC (User-Generated Content) to increase revenue and trust. 

Overall rating: 4.6 ⭐ (906 reviews)

Key features: 

• Make social posts and videos instantly shoppable.
• Utilize user generated content to build customer trust.
• Drive ROI with creators  
• Incentivize repeat orders & UGC with rewards & coupons.

Pricing: Essentials ($50/month) | Standard ($200/month) | Prime ($600/month)

7.3. TikShop: Omega Pixel & Catalog

This app allows you to create smart campaigns easily with its integrated TikTok Campaign Builder. You can automate your product feed with hourly catalog sync and run high-converting TikTok ads for Shopify, cutting down on wasted ad spend. 

Overall rating: 4.8 ⭐ (232 reviews)

Key features: 

• Launch your TikTok ads & track results in one dashboard
• Auto-add multi pixel directly in Omega 
• Capture events & analyze purchases live
• Keep your product catalog updated, HOURLY & power dynamic ads

Pricing: Free plan | Basic Shopify ($9.99/month) | Advanced Shopify ($12.99/month) | Shopify Plus ($25.99/month)

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re a merchant trying to increase your online visibility and boost sales, you should learn how to run TikTok ads for Shopify.

You can display your items and establish genuine connections with potential clients by utilizing TikTok’s innovative ad styles and accurate targeting tools. 

Use this eComStart guide to enhance your TikTok marketing campaigns and increase sales on one of the social media platforms with the highest rate of growth in the globe.

9. FAQs