The Best TikTok Marketing Strategies for Success in 2025

TikTok’s algorithm gives businesses, big or small, a real shot at going viral, something you don’t see as often on other platforms. Plus, with high engagement rates (even on ads), it’s become one of the most powerful tools in social media marketing.

Understanding TikTok Marketing

TikTok’s rapid rise hasn’t been random, it’s been both deliberate and strategic. With an engaging format and an algorithm designed to promote content discovery, brands can naturally and effectively reach their ideal customers. Just look at its impressive 18.9% engagement rate!

Nearly half of users (49% to be exact) purchase products they see in TikTok ads (I know I certainly have) proving the platform’s impact on consumer decisions and conversion rates. By tapping into viral sounds and challenges that align with user behaviours and tastes, you can elevate your brand beyond just visibility.

What makes TikTok’s algorithm truly unique is its ability to level the playing field. Rather than favouring follower count, it prioritises content based purely on user interest, giving businesses of all sizes an equal chance to reach massive audiences.

Types of TikTok Ads

TikTok offers a range of advertising formats, each designed to support different marketing goals. In-feed ads blend seamlessly into the user-generated content stream, while premium TopView ads provide prime visibility right at the launch screen (hint, hint, that could be your business up there)! Choosing the right ad options and organising TikTok ad groups is key to creating campaigns that align with the platform’s specs.

In-feed ads are particularly effective, thanks to interactive features like call-to-action buttons that drive user engagement and conversions. On the other hand, TopView ads offer an exclusive full-screen experience, displayed as the first ad when users open TikTok, ensuring maximum exposure.

Some might think that organic posting is enough, and while we recommend organic content, combining it with paid ads is the best way to maximise your advertising budget. By exploring and mastering these different ad formats, you can elevate your promotional strategy on TikTok, whether you’re looking to boost engagement with your brand or increase recognition and conversions with new audiences. TikTok’s diverse advertising tools are ready to help you hit your goals.

In-feed ads

Feed ads on TikTok are designed to blend naturally into the platform’s feed, looking just like user-generated content. While these ads can run for up to 60 seconds, TikTok recommends keeping them between 21 to 34 seconds for better engagement. What makes in-feed ads especially appealing is their interactivity. Viewers can like, comment, share, follow the advertiser’s account, or even create video responses, creating an environment that encourages real interaction.

These ads often direct users to a landing page or prompt them to install an app, making them a great tool for marketing products or services. A good example of this is brands like Funny Greetings, who have effectively used in-feed ads to drive traffic to their landing pages, resulting in higher conversions and increased brand exposure.

When done right, feed ads can provide an immersive experience that resonates with TikTok’s community, integrating smoothly into the platform and sparking genuine engagement.

TopView ads

TopView ads are the crème de la crème of advertising spots on TikTok, offering brands unmatched visibility by appearing as the first video when users open the app. These ads can run for up to a minute and are ideal for launching new products or making a bold statement right from the start. The main goal of TopView ads is to boost brand presence and memorability, making them perfect for large-scale campaigns or introducing something new.

However, this prime spot comes at a higher cost compared to other ad formats on TikTok. While these ads guarantee at least three seconds of user attention, a key window to ensure your message is seen, the key is crafting content that grabs attention and makes the most of those precious seconds.

For brands looking to elevate their profile and leave a lasting impression on the TikTok community, investing in TopView ads can be a game-changer, offering significant boosts in both exposure and influence.

Spark ads

Spark ads offer a unique ad format within the Spark ad category, allowing brands to boost existing organic content, often leading to higher conversion rates compared to traditional in-feed ads. The real strength of Spark ads lies in their ability to tap into the authenticity and social proof of user-generated content, making them especially effective with the TikTok audience. These ads invite users to interact by liking, commenting, sharing, visiting profiles, and following the brand’s account, all of which increase visibility.

One of the key benefits of Spark ads is that metrics like views, likes, shares, and comments help boost the original post’s organic performance. This makes Spark ads a powerful tool for brands looking to drive genuine engagement within the TikTok community.

Incorporating Spark ads into your marketing strategy can expand your reach and create those deeper connections through authentic, content-driven campaigns on TikTok.

Best Practices for TikTok Ads

To create successful TikTok ads, it’s essential to tap into trending topics and match the platform’s unique culture. Ads that fit seamlessly with TikTok’s style grab 74% more attention, highlighting how important it is to create content that’s tailored to the platform. Using a homemade, authentic style can make your ads blend naturally with user-generated content, boosting relatability and encouraging interaction.

Tracking engagement metrics is key to understanding what types of content resonate best with your audience. If brands rely too heavily on the same creative assets, they risk ad fatigue, leading to a drop in interest. Keeping your content fresh and varied is crucial for maintaining strong engagement.

Interactive ads, like challenges, polls, and branded hashtags, have become increasingly popular on TikTok. These ads invite users to engage directly with a brand, fostering community and active participation. By incorporating these strategies, you’ll be able to create TikTok ads that not only boost interaction but also help you meet your marketing goals.

Capturing Attention Quickly

Grabbing viewers’ attention in those first few seconds is key when creating a TikTok ad, especially since people scroll so quickly. To keep them hooked and reduce drop-off, try adding a bit of suspense or surprise right from the get-go, it’ll help keep them watching till the end.

When you add text overlays, keep them short and sweet, around 5-10 words per second works best. The quicker you engage them with a clear, compelling message, the more likely your ad will connect with TikTok users and spark that all-important interaction.

Using Trending Sounds and Hashtags

Using trending sounds and popular hashtags can really boost the visibility and engagement of your TikTok ads. Adding viral audio to your content makes it more appealing to users. Take the hashtag #beauty, for example, it’s racked up over 20 billion views, showing just how powerful well-known hashtags can be for increasing reach.

By mixing these trending elements into your TikTok ads, you can see a noticeable improvement in performance. Staying on top of what’s trending and using it strategically in your ads will help you grow your engagement and make your content more discoverable on the platform.

Incorporating User-Generated Content

TikTok’s success really comes down to the power of user-generated content (UGC), which creates an authentic vibe and builds trust with audiences. By launching branded hashtag challenges, brands can encourage users to create their own content, which not only gets the community involved but also ramps up participation. UGC is at the heart of TikTok and often outperforms traditional ads.

Incorporating UGC into your TikTok marketing can make your ads feel more relatable and appealing. Using content from real users helps brands form more genuine connections with their audience, leading to better interactions and stronger loyalty.

Case Studies of Successful TikTok Marketing Campaigns

Have you heard of Winter Wonderland? Maybe even been yourself? Well, we ran TikTok campaigns for them and saw amazing results! We created four different ad groups, which generated over 1.5 million impressions and delivered £4.48 in return for every £1 spent. Pretty impressive, right? You can check out the full case study here.

Common Challenges in TikTok Marketing

Navigating TikTok advertising can be tricky, especially when it comes to creating content that clicks with the platform’s trends while appealing to your audience. One of the biggest challenges is capturing attention, making audiences more likely to skip traditional ads that are not engaging or targeted to the correct audiences. 

To reach different user groups effectively, it’s important to localise your ads. Adapting your message to resonate with different cultures boosts both understanding and performance. With such a diverse audience, it can also be tough to pinpoint the right target market segments. But by staying up-to-date and using smart, flexible targeting strategies, brands can overcome these challenges and drive success in the fast-paced world of TikTok.

Future Trends in TikTok Marketing

TikTok’s landscape is constantly evolving, with new ad formats and trends emerging all the time. Brands will be able to run shoppable video ads, allowing users to make in-app purchases directly, which opens up even more ways to create interactive, engaging content. As users demand more authentic content, marketers need to focus on being genuine and relatable to connect with their audience.

As TikTok continues to grow, particularly among older generations, brands need to adapt their strategies to suit their tastes. For brands aiming to succeed long-term on TikTok, staying flexible and responsive to the platform’s fast-changing trends and preferences will be key.

Why Choose DNRG for TikTok Advertising?

At DNRG, we don’t just run ads—we create high-impact campaigns that deliver real results. Our deep expertise in TikTok, combined with our close partnership with the platform, allows us to go beyond standard strategies and produce exceptional outcomes for our clients.

What sets us apart?

✅ Proven Results: Our track record speaks for itself—we consistently exceed objectives and drive significant growth.

✅ Creative & Data-Driven: We combine creativity with in-depth analytics to design campaigns that not only captivate audiences but also maximise ROI.

✅ Tailored Strategies: No one-size-fits-all approach here. Every campaign is customised to fit your brand’s unique needs and goals.

✅ TikTok Experts: We know what works on TikTok—from the latest trends and content styles to the ad formats that really convert.

If you’re ready to make a real impact on TikTok, DNRG is the agency you can trust. Let’s work together to create something amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is tiktok a good marketing tool?

TikTok is the new super tool for digital marketing because of its massive, highly engaged audience and algorithm that prioritises content discovery. It allows brands to reach users organically and through paid ads, making it easier to boost brand awareness, drive engagement, and even convert customers faster than traditional platforms.

Why tiktok marketing is important?

With over 1 billion active users, TikTok offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with their audience authentically and creatively. The platform’s short-form video format encourages high engagement, and its advanced algorithm helps brands get discovered by the right people. Whether you’re looking to build brand loyalty, increase sales, or go viral, TikTok marketing is a game-changer.

Can TikTok be used for marketing?

Absolutely! TikTok isn’t just for dance trends and viral challenges, it’s a powerful marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. Brands can use it for organic content, influencer collaborations, and paid advertising to reach their target audience and drive real results.

How to do tiktok marketing?

Successful TikTok marketing starts with understanding the platform and its trends. Here’s a quick breakdown: create engaging content by keeping fun, authentic and aligned with trends. Use hashtags and trends for better visibility. Run Paid Ads to target specific audiences and drive conversions.

What is tiktok marketing agency?

A TikTok marketing agency specialises in creating, managing, and optimising TikTok campaigns for brands. Agencies like DNRG help businesses navigate the platform by developing content strategies, running paid ads, working with influencers, and analysing campaign performance to maximise results.