Creative Codes

Learn the six principles for creating effective ads for TikTok—all backed by data. We’ve made it easy for you to get inspired, unlock your creative potential, and start creating today.

Download PDF

1. Think TikTok-first

Build a variety of content that creates value and connection with the TikTok community.

2. Connect with trends

Leverage trending content to create relevance for your brand.

3. Be production-principled

Land these fundamentals and expand as your brand takes off.

4. Stick to a structure

Follow formats that are proven to deliver engagement and action.

5. Hold attention with stimulation

Grab attention and create engaging viewing experiences through dynamic editing and assets.

6. Build with sound

Tune into communities through music, voiceovers and sounds.

1. Think TikTok-first

Creating content that feels TikTok-first means taking a cue from the content that you love on your own For You Page. Partnering with creators is an easy way to create content that feels natural to the platform.

Visit Creative Center

2. Connect with trends

Trends are a template for creativity on TikTok and an easy way to connect with a bigger community in an entertaining and meaningful way. Find endless inspiration for your next TikTok video by tapping into what's happening now.

Explore trends

3. Be production-principled

Production on TikTok is as easy as 1, 2, 3. First, shoot vertical, and frame your content 9:16. Second, use hi-res footage (720p or higher). Third, save space on screen for the TikTok UI. Follow these guidelines, refresh your content regularly, and you'll be on code. TikTok-approved Marketing Partners can help.

Find a Marketing Partner

4. Stick to a structure

The best TikTok videos follow a reliable structure: hook, body, close. The hook grabs attention with a technique like suspense, surprise or emotion. The body conveys your brand message. The close anchors the ad with a strong CTA.

Browse TikTok Ads

5. Hold attention with stimulation

Stimulate your audience's senses to keep them engaged. Powerful attention triggers like music, dynamic transitions, movement, text overlays, and emojis keep viewers interested to keep watching and engaging.

Explore creative tools

6. Build with sound

TikTok is the only platform where ads with sound drive significant lifts in purchase intent and brand favorability.* Music sets the tone by complementing your brand’s look and feel. Voiceovers and narration reveal more details. Sound effects bring surprise elements to your story. Sound can make your content sing, and our brand-ready Commercial Music Library and custom music services can put you on the right track.

*US Marketing Science Cross-Platform Sound Research, conducted by Kantar, Jan 2021

Browse Music Library

1. Think TikTok-first

Creating content that feels TikTok-first means taking a cue from the content that you love on your own For You Page. Partnering with creators is an easy way to create content that feels natural to the platform.

Visit Creative Center

2. Connect with trends

Trends are a template for creativity on TikTok and an easy way to connect with a bigger community in an entertaining and meaningful way. Find endless inspiration for your next TikTok video by tapping into what's happening now.

Explore trends

3. Be production-principled

Production on TikTok is as easy as 1, 2, 3. First, shoot vertical, and frame your content 9:16. Second, use hi-res footage (720p or higher). Third, save space on screen for the TikTok UI. Follow these guidelines, refresh your content regularly, and you'll be on code. TikTok-approved Marketing Partners can help.

Find a Marketing Partner

4. Stick to a structure

The best TikTok videos follow a reliable structure: hook, body, close. The hook grabs attention with a technique like suspense, surprise or emotion. The body conveys your brand message. The close anchors the ad with a strong CTA.

Browse TikTok Ads

5. Hold attention with stimulation

Stimulate your audience's senses to keep them engaged. Powerful attention triggers like music, dynamic transitions, movement, text overlays, and emojis keep viewers interested to keep watching and engaging.

Explore creative tools

6. Build with sound

TikTok is the only platform where ads with sound drive significant lifts in purchase intent and brand favorability.* Music sets the tone by complementing your brand’s look and feel. Voiceovers and narration reveal more details. Sound effects bring surprise elements to your story. Sound can make your content sing, and our brand-ready Commercial Music Library and custom music services can put you on the right track.

*US Marketing Science Cross-Platform Sound Research, conducted by Kantar, Jan 2021

Browse Music Library

Get the codes to make easy and effective TikTok ads

Download PDF Creative Center

Getting started with TikTok is easy

Create your first ad

Get started

Have more questions?

Contact us

Creative Codes

1. Think TikTok-first

2. Connect with trends

3. Be production-principled

4. Stick to a structure

5. Hold attention with stimulation

6. Build with sound

1. Think TikTok-first

2. Connect with trends

3. Be production-principled

4. Stick to a structure

5. Hold attention with stimulation

6. Build with sound

1. Think TikTok-first

2. Connect with trends

3. Be production-principled

4. Stick to a structure

5. Hold attention with stimulation

6. Build with sound

Get the codes to make easy and effective TikTok ads

Getting started with TikTok is easy

Create your first ad

Have more questions?

Limited Period Offer: Spend $100, Get $100 | Spend $500, Get $500 | Spend $1500, Get $1500 + 1-to-1 Expert Support