How to set up TikTok Pulse campaigns

Last updated: July 2024

This article explains the steps to set up TikTok Pulse campaigns. This feature enables you to run in-feed ads in the highly trending, engaging, and brand-safe content that make up the Top 4% of videos on the platform. To learn more, refer to About TikTok Pulse.


Campaign level

  1. In the Campaign section of your Ad Account, click Create to start a new campaign.

    Campaign level, Step 1

  2. Select Reach in Advertising objective.

  3. For Campaign type, select TikTok Pulse.

  4. In Settings, enter a campaign name.

  5. Click Continue.


Ad Group level

  1. Ad Group Name

    • Choose an Ad Group name that reflects the goals of this Ad Group.

  2. Audience Targeting

    • Select desired parameters for Audience, Demographics, Interest, and Device. Refer to the TikTok Pulse Planning Packet provided by your sales lead for targeting recommendations.

      Ad Group Level, Step 2

  3. Content Targeting

    • Feed type: confirm that Standard Feed is auto-selected.

    • In Content lineups, select the desired TikTok Pulse offering: Max Pulse or Category lineups. You cannot put both Max Pulse and a lineup in the same ad group.

      • Max Pulse is the default selection, which places your ad immediately after the hottest trending videos on TikTok regardless of category.

      • If you would like to target specific Category lineups, choose one or more lineups that attract or resonate with the audience you are targeting.

        Pulse_Content_lineups

  4. In Content Exclusions, confirm that the Limited Inventory filter is auto-selected to ensure the ad space you're buying is held against the highest standard of brand suitability.

  5. In Schedule, select a date range when you want to deliver your ads.

    • Ad delivery will begin at 12:00 AM in the timezone of the country/region selected in the Location, and the end time will be at 11:59 PM every day.

    • Ad delivery can be scheduled up to 225 days ahead of the current date.

    • Ad delivery can be scheduled between 1 and 90 days.

    • Ad Groups must be created at least 1 day before ad delivery starts

  6. In Reservation, select a reservation purchase method. Choose either Budget, Impressions, Reach, or Reach Percentage.

  7. In Frequency cap, select how often you want people to see your ads. Choose from the default frequency or custom frequency cap. Refer to the TikTok Pulse Planning Packet (provided by your sales lead) for recommendations.

  8. In Ad sequencing & schedule, select your desired delivery mode if you are using multiple creatives.

  9. Once the Ad Group has been prepared, click Next. This will display the Submit Order and Reserve Audience screen.

  10. To reserve your ad without adding your creative, click Just Submit Order.

  11. If you are ready to add your creative, click Continue to Add then proceed to Ad level setup.

  12. If more Ad Groups are needed for additional Pulse lineups you'd like to target, navigate back to the Create page in Step 1, go to Use existing in the Campaign level section, select the existing campaign, then repeat Steps 1-12 to set the new Ad Group.

Campaign level, Step 13

Ad level

  1. Enter an Ad name.

  2. Select your Identity options, including the Display Name, Text, and Profile Image.

  3. Traffic your Ad creative by uploading a video or choosing one from your library.

  4. Add any Interactive add-ons.

  5. Set your Destination page options, including adding a website URL and/or adding CTA buttons.

  6. Add any pixels or 3P impression/click tracking URLs.

    • Learn more about supported third-party tracking partners.

    • If you’re interested in other third-party measurement solutions like viewability or brand suitability, connect with your TikTok sales lead.

  7. Click the +Add button to traffic additional ads, if desired. Repeat Steps 3-6.

  8. When you are satisfied with your ads, click Submit to send the ads to review.