SOCIAL MEDIA

What Are Spark Ads and How to Use Them [In-House Strategies REVEALED]

Want to get better completion rates on TikTok for your brand? Spark Ads might be exactly what you need. They’ve been shown to deliver 134% higher completion rates than normal Ads, which is why they’re a smart choice for keeping your viewers engaged.

Plus, they make an impact and stay visible among the endless scroll, with benefits like higher customer retention and authentic interactions.

But to really make the most of Spark Ads, you need to know how they work and effective ways to optimize them, especially if you’re new to this format. That’s exactly why we put this guide together. It breaks down:

• A brief overview of Spark Ads along with its benefits
• Real-life examples
• Difference between Spark Ads vs. Non-Spark Ads
• A complete guide to creating Spark Ads
• Expert tips for Spark Ads optimization

P.S.: Want to optimize your TikTok Spark Ads campaign? Pairing them with influencer marketing is a game-changer. inBeat.co can help you find the right creators for this with its advanced search engine. Moreover, our tools, like the engagement rate calculator and fake followers checker, ensure that your budget only goes to authentic collaborations. Book a free demo now!

TL;DR:

• Spark Ads are a native TikTok ad format that boosts existing organic content instead of creating separate ads, maintaining social proof and engagement.
• They achieve 134% higher completion rates than regular ads and deliver better retention, credibility, and user interaction.
• Key differences: Spark Ads appear on the creator’s profile and leverage real engagement, while Dark Ads are private, conversion-focused ads without organic interactions.
• Major benefits: Strengthens brand trust, improves ROI, increases lead generation, and allows real-time performance tracking.
• Cost: Based on bidding strategies, with $1 per click or $6.06 per 1,000 impressions, and a minimum daily budget of $20 (campaign) or $50 (ad group).
• Ad setup: Requires an authorization code from the original TikTok post, linking it to TikTok Ads Manager, selecting an objective, and launching the campaign.
• Optimization tips: Use high-performing organic content, precise audience targeting, trending sounds/hashtags, A/B testing, and interactive features like Duet and Stitch.
• Performance tracking: TikTok Ads Manager provides insights on CPA, CTR, CPM, and ROAS to refine campaigns.
• Influencer marketing enhances Spark Ads by making content more relatable and engaging.
• inBeat.co offers tools like an ad mockup generator and paid marketing calculators to optimize Spark Ad campaigns for better performance.

What are Spark Ads?

Spark Ads are a native ad format on TikTok that boosts existing organic content instead of creating separate ads. They maintain social proof by using original videos from creators or brands, which drive engagement and credibility and leave a lasting impression on users. These ads appear on the creator’s profile and blend with TikTok UGC (user-generated content).

Side note: In marketing discussions, the term Spark Ads is sometimes used to describe native-style ads that seamlessly fit into a platform's content. While they originated on TikTok, marketers sometimes use the term when referring to similar ad formats on other platforms. Over time, Spark Ads have become closely associated with native advertising, highlighting their role in making ads feel organic and engaging.

How do Spark Ads Work?

Spark Ads works by promoting existing TikTok videos from a brand’s or creator’s profile instead of creating new ads.

• Advertisers get permission to use organic content.
• These ads appear in users’ For You feeds and drive higher interaction while maintaining the original post’s visibility.

Any views, likes, comments, shares, or followers gained during the promotion contribute directly to the organic post, which increases both reach and engagement.

Specifications of Spark Ads

Some major specifications for Spark Ads include:

• Captions: Can be left blank or include hashtags, emojis, and account tags without limitations
• Ad display name and text: Matches the original post and cannot be edited in TikTok Ads Manager
• Video length: Maximum 10 minutes
• Video flexibility: No restrictions on aspect ratio, resolution, file type, duration, bitrate, or file size when using organic TikTok videos. However, we recommend the following settings for the best viewer experience and ad performance:
• Dimensions: 16:9, 9:16, or 1:1
• Resolution: 540 x 960px, 640 x

Spark Ads TikTok Examples

Some of the real-world examples of Spark Ads include:

1. NYC Votes

NYC partnered with inBeat Agency to reach young voters through TikTok influencers. With 10 diverse creators, the campaign featured relatable content that highlighted the importance of voting. This was amplified via Spark Ads and helped convince the youth to vote while generating higher user engagement and meaningful conversations

Results:

• 2.5M views
• 70% view-through rate

2. Amika

Amika took a smart approach to Spark Ads by turning a product showcase into a step-by-step tutorial. They dropped the traditional ad format and worked with a TikTok creator instead, who framed the video as an engaging life hack.

She packed the 25-second video with valuable insights and showed how to use Amika’s shampoo, conditioner, and hydration treatment while highlighting the ingredients and packaging. The campaign achieved better engagement rates, increased brand trust, and stronger purchase intent.

@seolahh Easy hair hacks to take ur hair to the next LEVELLL with @amika #amikapartner #haircare #blowout #healthyhair ♬ original sound - SeolAhh

3. Necessaire

Selling a daily-use product like deodorant might not seem thrilling, but Necessaire proved otherwise with TikTok Spark Ads. Instead of a polished, scripted ad, they partnered with a TikTok influencer whose humor and energy turned a simple product review into something engaging.

The result? A high engagement rate, strong audience retention, and a surge in product interest, all thanks to the Spark Ad that felt more like an organic piece of content than a traditional commercial.

@tiacatalina Yeaaa they did it with this one.I didn’t know anything could top the body wash but this deodorant DEVOURED the competition. Best deodorant ever. @Nécessaire we need a bigger size ASAP #necessaire #necessairedeodorant #necessaireatsephora #underarmbotox #selfcareproducts #tiktokmademebuyit ♬ original sound - Tia

Spark Ads vs. Non-Spark Ads (Dark Ads)

Spark Ads are TikTok's native ad format that boosts existing organic posts, while Dark Ads are paid advertisements that don’t appear on a brand’s public profile and are only shown to targeted audiences.

Spark Ads leverage real engagement and credibility. These ads maintain social proof since they appear on the original creator’s profile.

Dark Ads, on the other hand, are social media ads that target specific audiences without public visibility, allowing A/B testing and personalized messaging. Unlike Spark Ads, they don’t generate organic interactions but provide controlled, data-driven advertising for conversion-focused campaigns.

Are Spark Ads Worth It?

Yes, Spark Ads are worth it for brands looking to boost engagement and conversions on TikTok. They achieve a 157% higher 6-second view-through rate, a 69% increase in conversion metrics, and a 37% reduction in cost per acquisition. This makes them more effective than regular in-feed ads.

Benefits of Using Spark Ads

Some of the major advantages of spark ads include:

1. Builds Brand Image

People engage with content that feels real and organic, and that’s exactly what Spark Ads deliver. Since they promote already-existing TikTok posts, they retain all likes, comments, and shares, which makes them feel more like genuine recommendations than ads. This strengthens your brand image and builds trust.

2. Boosts Ads’ Organic Performance and Return on Investment (ROI)

Traditional ads reset engagement every time they run, but Spark Ads don’t. They keep the original engagement metrics intact, which means every interaction adds to the ad’s momentum. The more engagement a post has, the more appealing it becomes, which drives better campaign success and higher ROI. Besides, Spark Ads look organic and, therefore, genuine – which also contributes to their performance.

3. Increases Lead Generations and Repeat Purchases

When people keep seeing and engaging with a brand, they’re more likely to buy again and become loyal customers. Spark Ads makes this easier by keeping your ads visible to the right audience through organic engagement. This increases the chances of lead generation and also enhances repeat purchases.

4. Delivers In-Depth Performance Insights

TikTok’s reporting tools give you access to detailed engagement metrics so you can track parameters like cost-per-impression, audience interactions, and conversion rates. With this real-time data, it’s easier to optimize your bidding strategy and make adjustments to improve ad efficiency.

5. Influencer Content Add to Creativity

You can team up with creators to boost organic videos that already connect with their audiences. This brings a fresh, engaging touch to your campaigns, as influencers know how to create relatable content that resonates with their followers. As such, your ads will feel more organic and authentic.

Insider tip: To streamline your influencer collaborations, you can partner with influencer marketing agencies. They can handle everything from connecting you with the right influencers to managing content creation, campaign strategy, performance tracking, and optimizing your Spark Ads for better results.

How Much Do TikTok Spark Ads Cost?

The cost of TikTok Spark Ads depends on several factors, including:

• Bidding strategy
• Audience targeting
• Campaign objectives

There are two payment models: cost-per-click ($1 per click) and cost-per-impression ($6.06 per 1000 impressions). The minimum daily budget for these ads is $20 at the campaign level and $50 for ad group targeting. If you’re aiming for higher engagement or a wider audience, you might need to adjust your budget based on your campaign goals and bidding strategy.

Supported Buying Types of Spark Ads

Sparks Ads have two major buying types, including:

1. Auction Buying Type

You set a bid and compete for ad placements in real-time with the auction buying type. This gives you control over your budget and lets you adjust based on performance. If you want flexibility and efficiency, this is the way to go.

2. Reach and Frequency Buying Type

The reach and frequency buying type guarantee your ads reach a set number of people within a specific timeframe. It’s perfect if you want predictable results and a structured approach instead of relying on auction dynamics.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Spark Ads

The steps below will help you create Spark Ads effectively:

1.  Select the Advertising Account

Pick the TikTok Business Account that will run the ad. If you manage multiple brands or work with influential creators, double-check that you’re using the right account to keep everything organized.

Don’t have an account yet? We will guide you on how to get started:

• Head to TikTok for Business and register using your business email.
• TikTok may request business documents like a tax ID or business registration certificate, depending on your location. Provide them to verify your account.

3. Choose Videos and Generate Authorization Code

Now, it’s time to select the video you want to promote. This could be one of your own posts or high-performing creative content from an influencer. For your own content, generate a video code from your TikTok account by following these steps:

• Open the TikTok post you plan to promote.
• Look for the arrow icon (share button) on the video.
• Go to Ad Settings and activate Ad Authorization.
• Select Generate Code, choose the authorization duration, and copy the Spark Ad code.

When promoting someone else’s video, the original creator must authorize it from their personal profile and share the code with you. Their TikTok account also needs to be linked in the Ads Manager.

3. Integrate Your Spark Ad Code

Afterward, you have to link your Spark Ad by adding the code. We have shared the steps below for this:

• In TikTok Ads Manager, navigate to the Tools section and select Creative Library under the Creative tab.
• Click Spark Ad Posts and then Apply for Authorization.
• Paste the copied video code and select the right post.
• The video will then appear in your Spark Ad assets.

4.  Set Up the Campaign

The next step is to launch your campaign through TikTok Ads Manager. Start by logging in and selecting Create Campaign to begin the setup. From there, choose an advertising objective that aligns with your goals, whether it’s:

• App installs
• Conversions
• Video views
• Reach

Then, in the Ads section, select the Spark Ads option and enter all your campaign details, such as your ad copy, website URL, call-to-action, and tracking information.

5. Run the Campaign

Before your Spark Ad goes live, take a moment to review everything. Double-check your targeting, budget, and ad content to make sure everything aligns with your campaign goals.

When you're confident that everything looks right, submit your ad for TikTok’s approval. This step ensures your ad meets platform guidelines before it starts running. Once approved, your immersive Spark Ad video will begin reaching a relevant audience to drive authentic interactions and increase visibility.

10 Proven Tips to Maximize Outcomes From Spark Ads

Setting up Spark Ads is simple, but maximizing their impact requires a strategic approach. inBeat experts have shared some crucial tips that will guide you on how to optimize your Spark Ads campaign:

1. Leverage High-Performing Organic Content

Start with videos that already perform well on TikTok. To do this, go to TikTok Analytics in your Business Account and filter for posts with the highest completion rates and user interaction levels.

Select one that naturally draws attention and can deliver a strong message through Spark Ads. Boosting an organic post with an actual engagement factor increases the chances of a wider audience interacting with your ad.

2. Use Precise Audience Targeting

A broad audience may get views, but it won’t guarantee conversions. The key is to use TikTok’s targeting features to refine your targeting based on:

• Location
• Age
• Gender
• Interests
• Behaviors

Pro tip: We recommend using the Lookalike Audience feature to target users similar to those who have engaged with your past content for advertising.

3. Experiment with Duet, Stitch, and Sticker Features

TikTok is all about interaction, so get your audience involved by turning on Duet and Stitch. This lets them engage with your videos in a natural way. Stickers and polls are also great for increasing engagement. They make your ad feel less like an ad and more like part of the conversation.

4. A/B Test Creative Elements

Another trick to optimize your Spark Ads is to run A/B testing by following the below steps:

• Create multiple versions of your Spark Ad with slight variations in copy, visuals, and CTA placement.
• Run both variants simultaneously and track direct engagement metrics like completion rate, profile visits, and conversion data.
• Keep the highest-performing version and refine it based on audience interaction.

Pro tip: To streamline A/B testing for our creatives, our team uses ad mockup generators. inBeat.co offers a free TikTok ad mockup generator to help you visualize and refine ads before launching, ensuring better performance and engagement.

5. Optimize Ad Copy for Engagement

Keep your ad copy short, engaging, and clear so it grabs attention right away. The first few seconds of your video matter most, so start with a strong hook, something that sparks curiosity or delivers immediate value, such as:

• This skincare hack saved my skin.
• You’re meal prepping wrong—here’s why.

Also, keep the tone relatable and natural. Hashtags, mentions, and emojis can make your ad more interactive and boost engagement to help it reach the right audience faster.

@taylorbosmann this FREE skincare hack changed my life AND my skin 🤌🏻😏 #skincarehack ♬ original sound - tay

6. Track and Analyze Performance Metrics

You can’t improve what you don’t track. Thus, keeping an eye on your Spark Ad’s performance is the only way to know what’s working and what needs tweaking.

For this, visit TikTok Ads Manager and check out key parameters like clicks, video views, product page views, and initiated checkouts. Some additional metrics include paid clicks, paid likes, paid shares, paid follower count, paid shares, paid comments, anchor clicks, music clicks, etc.

Want a deeper breakdown? inBeat.co offers paid marketing calculators that help evaluate critical metrics such as:

• Cost per acquisition (CPA)
• Cost per thousand impressions (CPM)
• Click-through rate (CTR)
• Bounce rate
• Return on ad spend (ROAS)

These insights make it easier to refine your strategy, adjust your budget, and get better results from your Spark Ads.

7. Focus on Mobile-First Visuals

TikTok is a mobile-first platform, so your ad needs to look great on a phone screen. Stick to vertical 9:16 videos since that’s how people naturally watch content. Use clear visuals, bold text, and minimal distractions to keep viewers focused on your message.

8. Incorporate Trending Music and Hashtags

TikTok runs on trends, and using popular sounds and hashtags is one of the easiest ways to improve your ad’s visibility. When you align your Spark Ad content this way, you tap into the wider community interaction to increase engagement and reach. Pair it with the right hashtags, which will also increase organic discovery.

9. Align Ads with Campaign Objectives

Knowing your goal is just the starting point; your Spark Ad needs to be built around it. For example:

• When your focus is brand awareness, using engaging, organic content that encourages shares and profile visits is the key
• If you're driving website traffic, make sure your CTA is clear and compelling
• For direct sales, pair your ad with TikTok’s integrated shopping features to streamline the buying process

10. Engage with Audience Comments and Interactions

TikTok is a platform built on interaction. When people comment on your Spark Ad, don’t leave them hanging. Reply, react, and keep the conversation going. A simple response can turn a casual viewer into a loyal follower or even a customer.

Want to take it up a notch? We want you to pin a comment with a fun question like, "What's your favorite way to use this product?" or "Tag a friend who needs to see this!" The more interactions your post gets, the more TikTok’s algorithm pushes it out to a wider audience.

Find Authentic Influencers For Your Spark Ad Campaigns with inBeat.co

Spark Ads help your brand maintain stronger customer connections in a natural and engaging way. They keep organic interactions intact, which makes your ads more credible and increases audience trust. Whether the focus is on driving conversions, generating leads, or strengthening brand loyalty, this format delivers real impact with measurable results.

Key Takeaways

• Pairing Spark Ads with influencer marketing drives better results
• Optimizing ads with A/B testing, trending music, and mobile-friendly visuals increases completion rates.
• To set up Spark Ads, you'll need an authorization code from the original post, which you can generate in the TikTok app.
• TikTok’s creative tools, like Duet and Stitch, make Spark Ads more engaging.
• Aligning ads with campaign goals, like sales or awareness, ensures better outcomes.

If you’re looking to fine-tune your Spark Ads strategy, inBeat.co’s free toolkit can help you out. It allows you to A/B test your creatives with a TikTok ad mockup generator and track key metrics with paid marketing calculators. With these insights, you can fine-tune your campaigns for better performance and higher returns. Book a free demo now!