Walk the Tok: Why Your Business Needed TikTok Ads Yesterday

Shrinking attention spans, short-lived trends and endless seas of content are commonplace nowadays, and there’s certainly no shortage of social media apps on the market. Despite this, TikTok has still managed to captivate millions globally, so it’s clearly doing something right.

And before you ask, no. TikTok isn’t only about trends and memes.

In fact, businesses everywhere are already making serious moves with using TikTok ads. From brands launching viral hashtag challenges to reaching otherwise unreachable niche audiences, TikTok has become a marketing powerhouse.

If you’re not already using TikTok ads as part of your strategy, you’re late to the party. And you need to catch up, fast.

Why You Should’ve Jumped on TikTok Yesterday

Still on the fence about using TikTok ads? It’s high time to hop off and pick a side. Businesses everywhere are already seeing real results using TikTok and here’s why:

#1 It’s About Reach

TikTok’s audience is vast and still growing, no cap. With 1.8 billion monthly active users expected by the end of 2024 and over 4.7 billion total downloads , TikTok is quickly becoming one of the most used apps ever in history.

TikTok users reportedly spend an average of 52 minutes per day on the app, watching a staggering 625 million videos every minute. So if your brand isn’t capitalizing on this opportunity, you’re missing out on an audience that’s engaged and eager for fresh content.

#2 It’s About Effectiveness

TikTok just works, and we’re not making this up. Ads on TikTok reach 21.3% of internet users over 18 . To put this into context, that’s over 1 billion people!

But it’s not just about reach, it’s the impact. Even short ads that were viewed for mere seconds have proven to be much more influential compared to ads on other alternative platforms. But what’s most surprising is its audience: they're far more open to ads .

#3 It’s About Your Consumers

TikTok is as much for shopping as it is for scrolling. 56% of U.S. consumers have bought products they discovered on TikTok while 37% of TikTok users in the U.S. have made purchases either through links on the app or directly within it.

TikTok’s ability to turn viewers into buyers is especially strong with impulse purchases. After watching a TikTok LIVE session, 50% of users have grabbed a deal, and 41% feel they can trust the brand more after seeing an ad.

#4 It’s About Your Competitors

Everyone wants that main character energy, but if you’re not using TikTok ads, your competitors might steal that role from you. With 43% of marketers already increasing their TikTok ad spend, the platform is quickly becoming a marketing go-to.

While TikTok engagement rates continues to soar through the roof , outpacing Facebook and even YouTube, you don’t want to be the one playing catch-up while your competitors bask in the spotlight.

#5 It’s About ROI

With an average cost-per-click of just $0.22 , TikTok ads are a bargain, and 80% of small businesses report positive ROI from their campaigns. For every dollar you spend, there’s potential for a $2 return .

Clearly, TikTok can be both budget-friendly and still provide a fantastic ROI, perfect for businesses looking to maximize their marketing budgets.

What’s The Recipe Behind Good TikTok Ads?

TikTok is clearly effective but here’s the tea: just being on the platform isn’t enough. Creating killer TikTok ads requires time, effort and knowing what works. Generally, behind every good TikTok ad you can expect to find the following:

Tip 1: Blend In: Imagine hanging out with your friends, and everyone’s cracking jokes. You wouldn’t suddenly stand up and start giving a tearful speech, right? That’s how TikTok ads should be. Join the conversation; don’t kill the vibe. Your ad needs to blend in with the fun, not be a buzzkill. As TikTok says: “Don’t make ads. Make TikToks. ”

Tip 2: Keep it Real: TikTok is all about realness. Users are here for content that feels genuine, not rehearsed. Show the human side of your brand. It could be bloopers, behind-the-scenes or even a skit. Authenticity is what builds trust and loyalty on TikTok. Sometimes, a raw, unedited moment can win hearts better than another over-produced ad.

Tip 3: Speak TikTok: On TikTok, you’ve got to just get it and be in the know. TikTokers are obsessed with trends, inside jokes and memes. So do your homework! The more you align with TikTok’s feel, the better your chances of standing out (in a good way). When your brand speaks fluent TikTok, you’re not just advertising. You’re joining the conversation and are more likely to be heard.

Ready to Walk the Tok?

TikTok is where the attention of both businesses and consumers alike is now at, and brands that understand this are already taking advantage of this. Are you ready to be one of those brands, or will you let your competitors lead the charge while you watch from the sidelines?

Have you tried using TikTok Ads yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how they worked for you! And don’t forget to subscribe. Next week, we’ll dive into whether “Low Value” conversations are actually worth your time.