Spark Ads
Also called TikTok Spark Ads
What are Spark Ads?
Spark Ads are a TikTok ad format that turns existing organic TikTok videos into ads. The post can come from your own account or from a creator who gives you an authorization code. The ad keeps the original poster's handle, likes, comments and shares, and engagement on the ad counts toward the original post.
Normal TikTok in-feed ads are uploaded to the ad manager and run under the advertiser's name. Spark Ads instead boost a real post, so they look and behave like any other video in the For You feed. Viewers can tap through to the creator's profile, follow them or watch more of their videos.
Creators control access. They generate a code in the app for a set period, and the brand enters it in TikTok Ads Manager. TikTok updates these steps and options from time to time.
Why Spark Ads matter
Spark Ads let a brand put money behind content that already works organically, with the social proof of real comments intact. They suit UGC ads and creator partnerships in particular.
Because engagement lands on the original post, a Spark Ad from your own account can also grow followers, not just clicks.
How to run TikTok Spark Ads
- Pick an organic post that already has good watch time or comments, yours or a creator's.
- If it is a creator's post, ask them to generate an ad authorization code for the period you need.
- In TikTok Ads Manager, create an ad and choose to use an existing TikTok post.
- Add a call-to-action button and destination link.
- Monitor results and comments, and renew or replace the code when it expires.
Spark Ads FAQ
What is the difference between Spark Ads and regular TikTok ads?
Regular in-feed ads are uploaded videos run under the advertiser's name. Spark Ads boost a real organic post, keeping its handle, likes and comments, and engagement adds to that post.
How do I get a Spark Ads code?
The account that posted the video generates it in the TikTok app, in the post's ad settings, and shares it with the advertiser. The exact menu path changes as TikTok updates the app.
Related terms
UGC ads are paid ads that use user-generated content, or content made to look like it: real customers or creators talking about a product on camera.
Paid social is advertising on social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn, where you pay to show posts to a chosen audience.
Influencer marketing is paying or partnering with creators who have an engaged audience to promote a product in their own content and voice.
Short-form video is video under about three minutes, usually vertical, made for Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts; long-form video runs longer.
Social proof is the tendency to follow what others do. In marketing it means reviews, testimonials, customer counts and endorsements that build trust.