How to set up TikTok Direct Messaging Ads

Last updated: September 2024

Note: This product is still in testing and is only available in certain regions.


With TikTok Direct Messaging Ads, you can communicate with prospective customers within the TikTok ecosystem to reduce friction and drop-off. To learn more about Messaging Ads, refer to About TikTok Messaging Ads.

Before you begin

To use TikTok Direct Messaging Ads, you will need to have a TikTok Business Account with your Direct Message permission set to Everyone. This ensures that users can send messages to you when they click on your ad. To learn how to set your Direct Message permission, refer to How to update your TikTok Direct Message permission.

How to create a TikTok Direct Messaging Ads campaign

  1. Log in to TikTok Ads Manager, and select Create Ad.

  2. Select Lead generation as your campaign objective and then Continue.

  3. Select TikTok direct messages as your Optimization location.

  4. The Dayparting feature is on by default. Choose the day/time when you can respond to messages to ensure a better user experience.

  5. Select your optimization goal:

    1. Conversations (Recommended)

    2. Click

Create direct messaging ads screenshot 1

6. Click Next to continue to your Ad settings.


7. For TikTok Direct Messaging Ads, you will need to provide a TikTok Business Account to which the direct messages will be sent. Link your account if you haven't already. You will need the email you used to register your TikTok Ads Manager account and a TikTok account.


8. Once you've linked your TikTok Business Account, you will be able to select that as your identity and also the account that will receive the direct messages from interested users.


Create direct messaging ads screenshot 2

9. For creative, you have three options if you select video:

  • Upload a video

  • Choose from library

  • Create a new video

10. Check the Only show as ad box if you don't want this creative to show up in your Business Account profile page.


11. In the Text section, make it clear that clicking on the ad call to action (CTA) button will take the user to a direct message chat with the advertiser.


Create direct messaging ads screenshot 3

12. Click Publish all.