About ads-only mode

Last updated: October 2025

The ads-only mode, previously known as Don't show on TikTok profile option, in TikTok Ads Manager allows you to manage your Spark Ad's visibility in organic settings. When you create a Spark Ad, you can choose to hide it from appearing on your linked account profile page.

Ads-only mode may be right for you if:

  • You have a single business account and wish to launch multi-language or region-specific campaigns.

  • You separate organic and paid content strategies to maintain a consistent brand image.

  • You don't wish to display sponsored content on your profile page.


How ads-only mode works

When ads-only mode is turned on for an ad or post, the post will not show up as an organic post in the feed, only as an ad. The post will also not appear on the post account's profile page for TikTok users, except for the account owner if ads-only mode was enabled via TikTok app. If ads-only mode for the post was enabled via TikTok Ads Manager, the post will not be visible on the profile even to the account owner. Ads-only mode is toggled on by default for newly created ads within TikTok Ads Manager, and is toggled off by default for new posts within the TikTok app.

Note the following impacts to organic metrics:

  • For posts with ads-only mode on, there will be no organic views at all. Therefore, there will be no organic engagement metrics from the post.

  • For posts with ads-only mode on, campaigns will not be able to use the paid and organic optimization. Learn more about paid and organic optimization for Smart+ campaigns.


Availability

Ads-only mode is available only for Spark Ads. When advertisers are creating campaigns on TikTok Ads Manager, ads-only mode is available only for Spark Ads using the push method and the toggle will not appear for Spark Ads pulled from existing organic posts or for videos published by creators and shared via video code. On the TikTok app, this toggle is also available for Spark Ads using the pull method and the video code method. Learn more in an overview about Spark Ads.


How to turn on ads-only mode in TikTok Ads Manager

  1. Log in to TikTok Ads Manager and create an ad.

  2. When you reach the ad level of settings, choose a video or upload a new video by clicking +Add videos or images (or + Add existing) and then clicking the Creative library tab.

  3. After choosing a video or uploading a new video, click Confirm.

  4. Choose an Identity by selecting a linked TikTok account.

  5. The Ads-only mode box will now appear in your ad settings. The ads-only mode box is toggled on by default for newly created ads.

  6. After you complete the rest of the ad setup, click Submit to send the ad for review.


To turn on ads-only mode in the TikTok app

  1. Tap the designated post you don't want to show on your profile.

  2. Tap on the three dots and choose Ad settings.

  3. In Display settings, turn on Ads-only mode.

  4. Tap Save.