KashKick

The objective

Improving early monetization and driving app installs

KashKick, owned by Besitos Corporation, is a US-based online platform that combines rewarded gaming, surveys, and brand discovery. With the mission to help users monetize their downtime, KashKick offers a unique blend of entertainment and earning opportunities.

The brand sought to scale new user acquisition efficiently while ensuring quality. TikTok was identified as an ideal platform due to its massive reach, creative engagement formats, and proven results for performance marketers.

KashKick had previously advertised on TikTok and aimed to build on past learnings by testing new optimization features on both iOS and Android to hit Day-0 ROAS targets.

The solution

Testing optimization models to improve efficiency and ROAS

For the iOS campaign, KashKick's goal was to refine its acquisition strategy and maximize early user value. In June 2025, the brand partnered with TikTok to test which optimization model—Smart+ Value Optimization (Highest Value bidding) or AEO Purchase (Maximum Delivery)—would deliver stronger Day-0 ROAS. The test aimed to identify the most efficient route for acquiring valuable users on iOS while reducing cost per purchase.

To evaluate performance, KashKick ran parallel TikTok campaigns using Smart+ Value Optimization and AEO Purchase. The brand leveraged in-feed video ads and TikTok-first creatives to drive action, encouraging users to complete tasks and claim cash via PayPal.

Both campaigns targeted US-based reward-seeking users, but the Smart+ strategy relied on TikTok's advanced targeting capabilities to prioritize users most likely to generate high early returns. No external creators were involved; all content was internally produced following TikTok's creative best practices.

In May 2025, KashKick launched a similar Smart+ campaign on Android using TikTok's Value Optimization and Day-0 ROAS bidding. The primary goal was to maximize returns within the first 24 hours post-install, a critical KPI for the client's user acquisition model.

The campaign used in-feed video ads and adopted a strategy of limited manual intervention, allowing Smart+ to identify high-performing audiences. TikTok's Smart+ solution automatically optimized creatives and placements to drive stronger early monetization.

The campaign also featured engaging user-generated style content that fit the TikTok aesthetic, promoting the ease and rewards of KashKick's app experience. Similar to the iOS campaign, no external creators or agencies were used. All creatives were developed internally by the brand with platform best practices in mind.

KashKick targeted reward-motivated users in the US who actively engage with gaming and survey content. Smart+ enabled them to scale efficiently while meeting strict ROAS benchmarks.

The results

Higher ROAS, lower cost, smarter scale

KashKick's A/B test demonstrated that TikTok's Smart+ Value Optimization is more effective than traditional AEO Purchase on iOS. The campaign achieved a 21% lift in Day-0 ROAS and a 15% drop in Cost Per Purchase.

KashKick now plans to increase investment in Smart+ on iOS and apply the same test structure to other verticals and geo expansions. The team learned that relying on TikTok's AI-powered bidding improves returns, streamlines campaign management, and reduces manual overhead.

On Android, KashKick's Smart+ test outperformed expectations, delivering a 1.4x Day-0 ROAS, exceeding the brand's KPI. The team was particularly impressed with TikTok's ability to find valuable users quickly and efficiently without manual optimizations.

This success validated Smart+ as a scalable solution for their performance needs and encouraged KashKick to explore additional optimization models. The team took away key learnings about algorithm trust, creative consistency, and bid strategy that they plan to apply in future campaigns.