Note: Before you start batch creating or editing ads, make sure you have prepared all of the relevant assets, like audiences, apps, pixels, creative, etc. on TikTok Ads Manager.
The Bulk Import feature is a great way to create ads quickly by uploading a CSV or Excel file with your campaign, ad group, and ad data to TikTok Ads Manager. In this article, we will detail two ways you can create ads using the Bulk Import feature.
Using a Reference File: In this method, you will export an Excel file of an existing ad, and use it as a reference to create new campaigns, ad groups, or individual ads. Simply by copying the data, reusing relevant fields, and editing the inputs as needed. We strongly recommend using a reference file when using the Bulk Import feature to create ads, as it will give you context on how you need to structure your fields in the file.
Using a Blank Template: In this method, you will export a blank CSV/Excel template and enter the ad-related data into each field. This method may prove more challenging, than using a reference file, as it requires a deeper understanding of the input requirements.
Watch the video below for a quick overview of how to create ads using the Bulk Import feature.
Creating Ads with Bulk Import Using a Reference File
In this method, you will export a CSV/Excel file of a reference campaign, ad group, or ad - and then copy and edit the fields of your reference file to create new ads.
We believe this is an easier method than using a blank template because it will provide a working reference of how each field needs to be entered.
Instructions Overview
Before we go through each step required to create ads with Bulk Import using a reference file, here is a basic overview of the main steps:
Export Your Reference File.
Create Your Ads - by copying and editing the existing fields.
Import Your File.
Step 1: Export Your Reference File
Note: The headers of the exported file will be in the same language you were using on TikTok Ads Manager when you initiated the download. However, some of the fields require English input.
We recommend exporting a reference file of a campaign, ad group, or ad that is similar to the one you want to create. For example, if you want to create a series of conversion campaigns that drive traffic to a particular website using a specific pixel, export one that shares as many of your desired settings as possible. This will help you save time while editing your reference file.
Go to the Campaign tab.
Select a Campaign, Ad Group, or Ad you want to use as a reference, using the checkmark toggle.
Note: When you export a campaign, the file contains all the Ad Group and Ad level data, and vice-versa.
Click the Bulk Import & Export icon.
Click the Export Ads icon.
About the Template
Now that you've exported your reference file, let's take a minute to look at the two types of sheets that are included in your exported file:
About Editable Sheets
Sheet Name: Ads
Use Case: This is the sheet you will use to create and edit your campaigns, ad groups, and ads. Some fields can be edited using a drop-down menu or typed directly into the cell, while other fields require numeric reference IDs - found on the reference sheets.
Note: Reference sheets will not be provided upon export. They can be obtained by downloading the blank template.
For example, the campaign Optimization Goal can be selected from a drop-down menu, but adding an Interest Category requires an "Interest Category ID found on the "Interest Category" reference sheet.
About Export Issues sheet
This is the sheet where you can view unsuccessful exported ads and their corresponding reasons.
For example, Bulk Import and Export doesn't support the Product Sales Objective. When attempting to bulk export ads from Product Sales campaigns, the "Export Issues" page will list the ads with the reason "Not supported feature or setting: Product sales objective".
Step 2: Create Your Ads
After you export your reference file, you will edit it to create your new campaigns, ad groups, and ads. The simplest way to create new ads is to copy the existing rows and edit the fields as needed.
The following section of this article, will cover the template preparation requirements and provide step-by-step instructions on how to create new ads from a reference file.
Template Preparation Requirements
Template Structure (Header):
Do not delete or edit any headers - your file will fail to import if these are changed.
Not all fields are mandatory. It's okay to leave a field blank if - just like the normal campaign creation process.
Automated Creative Optimization Ads:
Non-ACO Creative: One Ad per row
ACO Creative: One Ad Group per row
File Size:
Max 2MB
Recommended 500 rows.
Adjust Reference File to Create New Ads
Creating ads from a reference file will vary based on your exact scenario. Here we will detail some general requirements and some scenario-specific instructions to create new ads from your exported reference file:
General Requirements
To create new ads from a reference file, on the "Ads" sheet you will need to:
Delete all Campaign, Ad-Group, and Ads IDs. Leave these blank, the system will add these when you import your file.
Enter new Campaign/Ad-Group/Ads names. Ensure the names are entered consistently to create the proper campaign structure, ie ads belong to the correct ad group or campaign.
Note: Make sure the new names do not match any of your account's existing campaign, ad group, or ad names.
Enter a start time for your ads. This will tell the system when it's time to publish your ads.
We recommend adding a start time that is at least 30 minutes after you expect to import your file.
Ads Creation Scenario: Bulk Create Ads without Changing Any Settings
Duplicate as many rows as ads you want to create.
Delete the current Campaign, Ad-Group, and Ad IDs.
Enter new Campaign, Ad-Group, and Ad names.
Adjust the start time.
Name and save the file.
Ads Creation Scenario: Bulk Create Ads with New Settings
Duplicate as many rows as ads you want to create
Edit the fields according to your needs, for example：
Change the Placement Type via the drop-down menu on the Ads sheet：
Change the Location on the Ads sheet by adding the correct Location ID found on the Location reference sheet：
3. Delete the existing Campaign, Ad-Group, and Ads ID
4. Enter new Campaign, Ad-Group, and Ad names
5. Adjust the start time
6. Name and save the file
Now that you've created your ads, you'll need to import your spreadsheet to TikTok Ads Manager.
Step 3: Import Ads to TikTok Ads Manager
After preparing your spreadsheet, you will need to import it to TikTok Ads Manager.
To Import Your Spreadsheet
Go to the Campaign tab.
Click the Bulk Feature Icon next to the Create button.
Click the Import Ads Icon.
Upload your CSV or Excel File.
If your file was imported correctly, you will receive the following notification.
After importing your file, we strongly recommend going to the Campaign tab to confirm that your ads were created with the correct settings.
Creating Ads with Bulk Import Using a Blank Template
To create ads in bulk using a blank template, you will need to download a blank template and then enter the settings you want to use for your campaign, ad groups, and ads.
Because this template is blank, you will need to create a new row for each new ad you want to create. However, after you create your first row you may duplicate and edit it, as you would using the Reference File method.
The blank template contains both "Editable Sheet" used for ad creation, and "Reference Sheets" that contain standardized numerical IDs that you will need to refer to on your "Editable sheet".
Instructions Overview
To use the bulk import ads using a blank template you will:
Export a Blank Template - Chose an Excel Template file or CSV (UTF-8) Template file
Create Ads - Fill in the relevant fields on the template
Import Ads - Upload the completed spreadsheet to TikTok Ads Manager
Step 1: Export a Blank Template
To download a blank template from TikTok Ads Manager:
Go to the Campaign tab.
Click on the Bulk Import & Export Icon.
Click on the Import Ads Icon.
Choose your type of Template: Excel or CSV
Click the XLSX Template button to download an Excel template
Click the CSV template (UTF-8) hyperlink to download a CSV
Template description：
File format: CSV UTF8 or Excel
Template function: Used to batch import ads to TikTok Ads Manager
File name: Blank templates use the following naming convention by default: BulkImportTemplate + account name + File download time
Language: It is consistent with the logic of the CSV template file
Note: The blank template will be both an Editable Sheet and a Reference Sheet.
Before we cover how to create ads using a blank template, let's quickly review the headers and fields included in a blank template.
Blank Template Overview
In this section, we will provide a brief overview of the headers and fields included in the blank Excel and CSV (UTF-8) templates.
Excel Template - Recommended File Type
First Row:
These are the headers and fields related to ad creation.
To pull up the formatting and input required for each column, hover your mouse over the red triangle to pull up a comment explaining them.
Second Row:
This is where you will enter the data that relates to the column.
Some cells can be filled in with a drop-down menu, others require that input be typed in, and some require a specific numerical ID.
Note: You will need to export an existing ad to obtain a list of the reference IDs.
CSV Template - Recommended File Type for Chinese and Japanese languages
First Row：
The columns in the first row will be in the language that is consistent with the current language selection on TikTok Ads Manager.
Second Row：
A description of the input requirements for each column will be found on the 2nd row.
About Reference Sheets
Targeting Related
Sheet Names: Category, Location, Language, Interest Category, Behavior Category, Carriers, Os Version
Use Case: On these sheets, you see a list of all the targeting-related settings and their corresponding ID numbers. You will use these sheets to find the numeric reference IDs that correspond with your desired targeting settings.
For example, if you want to target users interested in Pets, you will need to add the correct Interest Category ID to the Interest Category column on the Ads sheet.
To do this, go to the Interest Category sheet, find the Pets interest, and then identify its Interest Category ID number which is 110.
Asset Related
Sheet Names: App Event, Website Pixel, Audience List
Use Case: On these sheets, you will find all of your account's available assets and their corresponding IDs.
For example, on the Website Pixel sheet you will see a list of all your available pixels and their associated events.
These sheets will remain blank if your account does not have any of these assets.
Step 2: Create Ads
Edit the ad information according to the filling rules in the template file.
Leave the [Campaign Id], [Ad Group Id], and [Ad Id] fields blank, the system will add this information later.
Save the Template file in Excel or CSV-UTF8 format.
Step 3: Import Ads
After creating your ads in your XLSX or CSV template, you will need to upload your file to TikTok Ads Manager.
Upload your template file from the Import Ads pop-up window.
To access this screen, go to the Campaign tab, click the Bulk Import & Export Icon, and select Import.
Next, the system will parse your data to make sure that all fields were entered correctly.
If your upload was unsuccessful, you can review your errors in the notification window or you can view your errors directly in Excel.
After making the required edits, re-upload your file.
Once your file uploads successfully, go to your Campaign tab and confirm that your ads were set up correctly, and then enable them.
Troubleshooting a Failed Import
If your spreadsheet fails to import or parse correctly, you will receive a notification on the Import Ads pop-up. This notification will inform you of the specific errors that caused your upload to fail.
You can use this notification to adjust your spreadsheet or your click View Errors in Excel to download a spreadsheet that will highlight the individual cells that contain errors.
When viewing the errors in Excel, cells that have an issue will be highlighted in red, and there will be a comment that explains the required format for the cell. To access the comment, simply hover your mouse over the red checkmark in the corner of the cell.
After going through your file and fixing the errors, you will need to save your edits and then re-upload your file.
Note: If any field does not comply with the required format, the whole file will fail to upload.