How Do I Sign Up for a TikTok Ads Manager Account?

Introduction

So, you’ve got a product, you’ve got a brand, and you’ve got big dreams of going viral on TikTok, right? Who doesn’t? But before you start dancing to the beat of your TikTok success, you need one thing: TikTok Ads Manager.

Think of TikTok Ads Manager as your backstage pass to reaching millions of potential customers. It’s like stepping into a world of endless possibilities where your brand gets to shine in front of an audience just waiting to discover something new, exciting, and, yes—viral!

Now, we get it. Signing up for a new platform can feel like walking into a new gym for the first time. You’re not sure where the equipment is, what the rules are, or if you’re going to look ridiculous trying to figure it out. But fear not! Signing up for TikTok Ads Manager is way easier than you think (and trust us, you won’t need to break a sweat).

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through every step of signing up for TikTok Ads Manager, from getting that all-important account set up to launching your very first ad. Let’s make this as easy as scrolling through your For You Page—no pressure, no stress, just a little bit of fun!

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Why TikTok Ads?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of signing up, let’s talk about why you should even bother with TikTok Ads in the first place. I mean, you’ve probably heard about TikTok’s dance trends, lip-syncing, and viral challenges—but what you might not know is that TikTok is also one of the world’s most powerful advertising platforms.

And here’s the kicker: anyone, yes anyone, can create an ad that feels just as natural as those viral dance videos. Let’s break it down:

1. Worldwide Reach
   With over a billion active users (yep, a BILLION!), TikTok is more than just a place for people to share funny cat videos. It’s a global community where every swipe opens the door to a brand-new audience. That means your brand could be seen by people from New York to New Delhi—and everywhere in between.
2. Effective Engagement
   TikTok’s algorithm loves creativity, and when you get creative with your ads, the possibilities are endless. People on TikTok are not passive viewers—they engage, they comment, they share. That means you can create an ad that sparks conversations, shares knowledge, or just makes someone smile. The more fun your ad is, the more likely it is to get noticed.
3. Creative Ad Formats & Tools
   TikTok doesn’t just offer traditional banner ads. Oh no, we’re talking full-on creative freedom here. Whether it’s in-feed videos, branded hashtag challenges, or even live-stream ads, TikTok’s ad formats are as varied as the content itself. Plus, you don’t need to be a professional video editor to make your ad stand out. TikTok’s ad creation tools are so easy to use, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
4. Powerful Campaign Management
   TikTok Ads Manager gives you all the tools you need to manage your campaigns like a boss. Track everything from clicks to conversions, tweak your strategy on the go, and see exactly how your ads are performing in real time. No more guessing, just data-driven decisions.
5. Outcome-Based Advertising Objectives
   You’re not just throwing ads into the void here. TikTok Ads Manager helps you set clear, measurable goals for your campaigns. Want to build awareness? Check. Want to drive traffic to your website? Easy. Looking to convert views into purchases? You got it. TikTok makes it simple to pick a goal and then craft your ad to achieve it.
6. Precise Targeting
   You don’t have to hope that the right people see your ad. With TikTok’s precise targeting options, you can zero in on your ideal audience by factors like location, age, interests, and more. It’s like having a custom-built audience ready to engage with your brand.

In short, TikTok Ads isn’t just an ad platform; it’s a creative playground for brands looking to make an impact. Ready to take your brand from zero to viral? Let’s get you signed up so you can start playing the TikTok game!

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Alright, before you jump into the TikTok Ads Manager sign-up process, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Think of this as gathering your tools before you start building your brand empire. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it will save you some serious headaches later.

Here’s the checklist of what you’ll need:

1. Email Address (or Phone Number)
   First things first—TikTok needs to know who you are, and the easiest way is through your email (or phone number, if that’s more your style). Make sure it’s a valid email you check regularly because TikTok’s going to send you a confirmation link, and you’ll need it to get started.
2. A Password (Obviously)
   Now, create a strong password to keep your account safe. Don’t just go for “password123” (I’m looking at you, Mr. Easy-Access Account). Make it unique, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Bonus points if you use a password manager to keep it secure.
3. Business Information
   TikTok is all about supporting businesses and brands, so you’ll need to tell them a little about yours. This includes:
   • Legal Name of Your Business: No nicknames here! TikTok wants the official name of your business. Think of it like introducing yourself at a party—use your full name, not your stage name.
   • Business Industry: Are you in retail, tech, education, or food? Pick the category that best represents your business. This helps TikTok understand what your brand is all about so it can better match you with the right audience.
   • Country or Region: TikTok Ads Manager is global, but you need to tell TikTok where you’re located so they can tailor your ads accordingly. You’ll also choose your time zone here (and don’t mess this up, or you’ll be scheduling ads at 3 a.m. by accident).
   • Currency: Pick your preferred currency for billing. This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s still important to make sure you’re set up correctly. You don’t want your payments to get lost in translation.
4. Time Zone
   This one’s a little tricky, so listen closely. When you enter your time zone, double-check that it’s accurate—because once you’ve selected it, there’s no going back! If you pick the wrong time zone, you might end up launching your campaigns at odd hours or miss key opportunities. So, take a minute to confirm that everything’s set up right. It’ll save you the hassle of late-night campaign adjustments.

Once you’ve got all this info ready to go, you’re almost there! It’s like packing your suitcase before a big trip—you’ll be glad you took the time to gather everything so you can get to the fun stuff (like creating your first TikTok ad).

Step-by-Step Guide to Signing Up

Okay, the moment you’ve been waiting for—let’s get you signed up for TikTok Ads Manager! Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as explaining TikTok’s algorithm to your grandma. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be ready to launch your first campaign before you know it.

Step 1: Head to the Sign-Up Page

Creating a TikTok Ads Manager account is a straightforward process that you can complete in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. Follow these steps to get started and take advantage of special offers.

Click the blue button below to go to the TikTok advertising page.

You can get a coupon to save up to $100 in advertising credits. 

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Step 2: Enter Your Email or Phone Number

This is where your email (or phone number) comes in. Type in your email address (or phone number) and pick a solid password. Pro tip: Use an email that’s tied to your business, so you can keep things professional and organized. Also, make sure you’re not using an email account that’s too casual. We’re here to run a business, not sign up for a free puppy newsletter!

Step 3: Fill in Your Business Info

Now it’s time for a little paperwork. Don’t worry, this is the easy kind. TikTok will ask you to provide:

• Your Business Name: This is the legal name of your business (no creative business names here—keep it official!). if you are an individual user, you can create a name for yourself.
• Industry: Select what type of business you’re in. Whether you’re selling gadgets, fashion, or services, pick the category that best fits your brand.
• Country and Time Zone: Choose the country you’re located in and make sure your time zone is accurate. (Remember, you can’t change the time zone once you’ve set it, so take a moment to double-check!)
• Currency: Select the currency you want to use for billing purposes. This one’s pretty straightforward, but it’s important so you don’t end up paying in the wrong currency.

Choosing the correct “Billing country” is crucial—don’t select it randomly, as it will impact where your ads can be placed. Select the country where you intend to run ads. Ideally, the billing country you select should match your IP address to reduce the risk of failure. For example, If you want to advertise to a US audience, choose “United States.” Currently, the United States supports ad placements in 11 countries. If you conduct business across Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia simultaneously and can’t find the country you want to target when creating a campaign, you may need to re-register a new ad account following this guide. For instance, if your network IP is in Singapore but you wish to run ads targeting the U.S. market, what should you do? A simple solution is to visit LunaProxy and purchase a U.S. static residential proxy IP. You can find detailed tutorials on their website to guide you through the process.

Currently, U.S. accounts can place ads in 11 countries: the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, South Korea, Canada, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Turkey.

Vietnam accounts support ad placement in 16 countries: Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Egypt, the Philippines, South Korea, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Singapore.

Once you access the TikTok ads manager dashboard, you can switch the language in the upper left corner for convenience.

The account review process typically takes approximately 2 hours.

Choose to pay using PayPal or a credit card to fund your account.

It is recommended to choose automatic payment for added convenience, ensuring your ads continue running without interruption due to budget shortages.

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to start creating and managing your TikTok ad campaigns.

Structure Of TikTok Advertising

Creating a clear and systematic naming convention for your TikTok ad campaigns is crucial for effective management and organization. TikTok’s advertising structure is divided into three levels: Campaign, Ad Group, and Ad. By adopting a consistent naming strategy, you can streamline your ad management process and ensure that all team members understand the campaign structure. Below is a recommended naming strategy suitable for home product advertising.

Campaign

A campaign usually represents your overall advertising goal. It can include the product type and promotion goal.

Format: [Product Type]_[Promotion Goal]_[Date]

Examples:

• HomeDecor_BrandAwareness_2024Q3
• Furniture_Sales_2024Summer

Ad Group

Ad groups are used to subdivide campaigns and are typically named according to audience, budget, location, or targeting strategy.

Format: [Demographics]_[Targeting Strategy]_[Platform/Location]

Examples:

• Age25-34_InterestHomeDecor_TikTokFeed
• Female_USA_Retargeting_HashtagChallenge

Ad

Specific ad names should reflect the creative type, ad creative, or special attributes.

Format: [Creative Type]_[Creative Description]_[Date]

Examples:

• Video_ProductDemo_LivingRoomSet_July2024
• Image_SaleBanner_SummerDiscount_Aug2024

Overall Naming Strategy Example

Let’s say you want to run a sale promotion for home decor in the summer of 2024, targeting US female users aged 25-34, using a video ad to showcase your living room furniture collection.

• Campaign name: HomeDecor_Sales_2024Summer
• Ad group name: Age25-34_Female_USA_TikTokFeed
• Ad name: Video_ProductDemo_LivingRoomSet_July2024

Tips for Effective Ad Naming

• Consistency: Ensure that everyone on your team follows the same naming conventions to avoid confusion.
• Clarity: Use clear and descriptive names that make it easy to understand the purpose and target of each campaign, ad group, and ad.
• Date Inclusion: Always include dates in your naming conventions to track the timing of campaigns and measure performance over time.
• Segmentation: Use segmentation criteria like demographics, targeting strategy, and platform/location to make it easier to analyze the performance of different segments.

By implementing a systematic ad naming method, you can enhance the efficiency of your TikTok ad campaigns and ensure a more organized and manageable advertising strategy.

Uploading Your Creative

You’ve made it to the fun part—uploading your creative! 🎉 This is where the magic happens, and your ads come to life. But don’t worry if you’re not a video-editing genius (who needs that anyway?). TikTok Ads Manager makes it super simple to transform your ideas into ads that capture attention and get people engaged. It’s all about being creative, having fun, and keeping it authentic.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting that killer video ad up and running:

Step 1: Get Your Video Ready

Before you upload anything, you’ve got to make sure your content is TikTok-approved. While the platform is known for its fun, spontaneous videos, your ad should still be high-quality and visually appealing. So, take a few minutes to make sure your video looks good, sounds good, and is aligned with your campaign’s goal.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Video Dimensions: TikTok is all about vertical video (9:16), so make sure your video is shot in portrait mode. A landscape video might end up with awkward black bars on the sides—so let’s avoid that!
• Length: TikTok ads are most effective when they’re snappy. Aim for videos between 9-15 seconds, but you can go up to 60 seconds if the content justifies it. Remember: People have short attention spans, so grab them quickly!
• Sound: TikTok is all about music and sound! So, try to use engaging audio that fits the vibe of your brand. Whether it’s a catchy song or a voiceover, just make sure the sound isn’t overwhelming or hard to hear. Subtitles are a bonus if you want to keep your message clear.

Step 2: Choose Your Ad Type

Now that you’ve got your video content ready, you’ll need to decide on the type of ad you want to create. TikTok offers a few different ad formats, and each one has its own benefits. Here are your options:

• In-Feed Ads: These are the ads that show up in the main feed as users scroll through TikTok. They blend seamlessly into the content, and if done right, they don’t feel like ads at all—just great content that happens to promote your brand.
• Branded Hashtag Challenge Ads: If you’ve got a fun challenge or trend, this is the format for you. Create a branded hashtag and encourage users to join in on the challenge. This type of ad is a great way to get people involved and spread brand awareness.
• Branded Effects Ads: Let your audience play with your brand! These ads let you create fun AR filters or effects that users can interact with in their own TikTok videos. Think of it like making a little piece of your brand go viral.
• TopView Ads: These are the first thing people see when they open the app—talk about a VIP spot! TopView ads can be up to 60 seconds long and get maximum visibility.

Step 3: Upload Your Video

Once you’ve chosen your ad type, it’s time to upload your creative. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your TikTok Ads Manager dashboard and click on the Create Ad button.
2. Select Upload Video and then choose the video file from your computer or device. TikTok will automatically adjust the format to fit the platform’s dimensions, but it’s always good to double-check before you hit the upload button.
3. Add a catchy, compelling caption that clearly communicates your message or call-to-action (CTA). A CTA like “Shop Now” or “Learn More” helps guide your audience to the next step.
4. Make sure you’ve included the necessary hashtags, especially if you’re running a hashtag challenge campaign. Hashtags help increase discoverability and boost your ad’s performance.

Step 4: Add Your Link (If Applicable)

If you’re promoting a product, website, or app, make sure to add a link in your ad. This is where your audience can take action, whether that’s making a purchase or exploring more about your brand. TikTok allows you to add links to your website, landing page, or even an app store download page if that’s part of your campaign.

Step 5: Review and Optimize

Before you hit that “Publish” button, take a moment to review your ad. Make sure everything looks perfect—check the video, caption, and link to ensure they’re all working properly. This is your chance to fine-tune everything and make sure your ad is as polished as possible before it goes live. If you’re feeling extra confident, try testing a few variations (like different captions or CTAs) to see which one performs best.

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Launching Your First TikTok Ad Campaign

This is an exciting step towards leveraging the platform’s vast user base to achieve your business goals. This chapter will guide you through the process, using an e-commerce website as an example.

Step 1: Start a New Campaign

Click on the “Campaign” tab and then click “Create” to start a new campaign.

You will see several advertising objectives. Let’s review them first:

Reach: Show your ads to as many target audiences as possible at the most affordable cost.

Traffic: Guide people to visit any URL, such as a website landing page, blog post, app, etc.

Video Views: Maximize the number of times your video ads are viewed by the audience most likely to interact with the video.

Community Interaction: Get more people to interact with your TikTok account by attracting fans or increasing visits to your homepage.

App Promotion: Encourage new users to use your app or re-engage existing users to take action in your app.

Lead Generation: Collect leads for your business with custom instant forms that load quickly on the TikTok app or your own website.

Website Conversions: Guide users to take specific actions on your Shopify or e-commerce website, such as adding products to the shopping cart, downloading the app, registering for the website, or making a purchase.

Product Sales: Sell products from your TikTok Shop.

Step 2: Select an Objective

• For Brand Marketing: Choose Reach, Traffic, Video Views, or Community Interaction.
• To Drive Traffic to E-commerce Websites: Choose Traffic or Website Conversions.
• To Drive Traffic to B2B Websites: Choose Traffic or Lead Generation.
• To Promote App Installations: Choose App Promotion.
• …

For this guide, we will select Website Conversions.

Step 3: Campaign Settings

Choose a descriptive name for your campaign (e.g., “HomeDecor_Sales_2024Summer2”).

Step 4: Ad Group Settings

Provide a name for your ad group. Set the optimization location to track where you want to achieve the optimization goal. TikTok Pixel helps you track user behavior, optimize advertising activities, and improve ad effectiveness in your store. For example, select “Complete Payment” to track which ads and users complete purchases.

Step 5: Setting Up Optimization Event

Click “Events” in the “Tools” option at the top. You may need to provide an email verification code for the first time.

Click “Connect Data Source,” select “Web,” add your website, choose a data connection method, and select an integration partner (e.g., Shopify). Complete the connection process and return to the Create Ad Group page.

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Step 6: Placement and Targeting

If you only want to advertise on TikTok, check only TikTok. Turn off “Allow video download.”

Set the location, age, gender, languages, spending power, interests, and behaviors based on your product attributes.

Step 7: Budget and Schedule

Set a daily budget for your ad group.

Choose specific times for your ads to run if you don’t want them to run all day.

Step 8: Bidding & Optimization

Choose either “Click” (pay per click) or “Conversion” (pay per conversion). Set the cost cap per click or the highest price you are willing to pay for each potential conversion customer. Initially, choose “click” to start your campaign and let the ads run for a while to gather sufficient data. After accumulating enough data, you can make an informed decision on whether to continue with clicks or switch to conversions. If you notice that the exposure and visits are low, consider increasing your bid and budget to improve performance.

Step 9: Ad Creation

1. Use your brand name and logo to set a custom identity.
2. Choose an Ad format between video or image.
3. Upload your creative content and enter a product slogan.
4. Select the action you want people to take (e.g., “Shop Now,” “Learn More”).
5. Provide the URL of the landing page or website you want to promote. Ensure it matches the data connection selected in the ad group.
6. Once all settings are configured, click “Publish All” in the lower right corner.

Congratulations on creating your first TikTok ad!

Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

Ah, the dreaded pitfalls. We all know they can be lurking around every corner when you’re navigating the world of TikTok ads. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Think of this section as your personal map to avoid those classic mistakes and missteps that can make a campaign go off-course. We’ll walk you through the most common blunders, along with how to sidestep them like a pro. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Pitfall #1: Ignoring Your Audience’s Behavior

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not understanding your target audience on TikTok. You might have a fantastic product or service, but if you’re targeting the wrong people, your ads will fall flat. TikTok is all about entertainment, creativity, and engagement. Your audience is there to be entertained, not sold to in a hard-sell way. If your targeting is off, you’re basically talking to the wrong crowd.

How to Avoid It:

Take the time to really get to know your audience. Use TikTok’s detailed targeting options (like interests, behaviors, and demographics) to narrow down who you want to reach. Spend some time browsing the “For You” page to get a feel for what kind of content resonates with your target audience. Remember: TikTok’s algorithm rewards content that feels authentic, so aligning your ad’s tone and style with the platform’s vibe is crucial.

Pitfall #2: Failing to Optimize for Mobile

We get it—everyone’s talking about mobile-first everything, but if you’re not optimizing your ads for mobile, you might be missing out on the best part of TikTok’s audience: the one that’s constantly scrolling on their phones. Videos that look perfect on a desktop but are a hot mess on mobile? Not a good look.

How to Avoid It:

TikTok is designed for mobile, so your ads need to work seamlessly on small screens. Make sure your video is shot in vertical format (9:16 ratio), as that’s what performs best. Text should be large enough to read without zooming in, and the visuals need to stand out even on the smallest of screens. Always preview your ads on mobile before hitting launch to make sure they look great on phones.

Pitfall #3: Overcomplicating Your Message

TikTok is fast-paced. People are scrolling through videos quickly, so if your message is complicated or long-winded, it’s likely to get lost in the noise. Think of your ad as a quick punch of creativity and value—if you can’t grab attention in the first few seconds, you’ll lose them!

How to Avoid It:

Keep your message clear and concise. Your audience needs to know what you’re offering and why they should care within the first few seconds of the video. Make sure your call-to-action (CTA) is easy to understand and directs viewers to the next step—whether that’s clicking to shop, signing up for more information, or simply learning more about your brand.

Pitfall #4: Forgetting to Set a Realistic Budget

TikTok ads are awesome, but they can also get pricey if you don’t set a realistic budget. One common mistake is underestimating how much you need to spend to get meaningful results. Sure, you can start small, but if you go too cheap or set your bid too low, your ad might not get the visibility it deserves.

How to Avoid It:

Start with a reasonable budget based on your goals. If you’re running a brand-awareness campaign, you’ll need to allocate enough to get your ad seen by a large enough audience. Consider starting with a Daily Budget to get an idea of your campaign’s performance, then scale up once you see what’s working. TikTok’s auction system means your bid will influence how often and where your ad is shown, so don’t be afraid to adjust as needed to stay competitive.

Pitfall #5: Not A/B Testing Your Ads

If you’re just launching one version of an ad and praying it works, you’re doing it wrong. A/B testing is a fundamental part of optimizing your TikTok ad campaigns. Even the most seasoned marketers need to test different versions of their ads to find the winning formula. One simple change—like a different headline or a new call-to-action—can make a huge difference in performance.

How to Avoid It:

Create multiple versions of your ads and test different elements, like:

• Video length: Does a 9-second video perform better than a 15-second one?
• CTA phrasing: “Shop Now” vs. “Get Your Deal”
• Visual effects: Test out different filters or animation styles. Once you have enough data, you can use TikTok Ads Manager’s reporting tools to analyze the results and identify which version of your ad performs best.

Pitfall #6: Ignoring Analytics and Performance Data

Running an ad without reviewing its performance is like driving blindfolded. You might be going somewhere, but you won’t know if you’re on the right track! Monitoring your ad’s performance is crucial to understanding what’s working and what’s not.

How to Avoid It:

Set aside time to regularly check your campaign’s performance. TikTok Ads Manager provides a detailed dashboard that shows how your ads are doing—click-through rates, conversion rates, cost per click, and more. By analyzing this data, you can adjust your campaign on the fly, optimizing for the best results. Don’t be afraid to pause ads that aren’t performing well and allocate more budget to the ones that are killing it!

Conclusion: You’ve Got This—Now Go Create Some Magic!

And just like that, you’ve completed the entire journey of setting up your TikTok Ads Manager account and launching your first campaign! 🎉 You’ve made it through the initial setup, avoided the common pitfalls, and are now equipped with all the tools you need to start reaching new audiences and achieving your business goals.

But here’s the best part: this is just the beginning. TikTok is a platform where creativity thrives, and now that you’ve unlocked the power of TikTok Ads Manager, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, drive traffic, or boost conversions, TikTok’s unique ad formats, targeting options, and creative tools give you the flexibility to experiment and find what works best for you.

Remember, the world of TikTok ads isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing adventure. Your first campaign might not go viral, and that’s totally okay! What matters is that you’re learning, testing, and evolving as you go. Over time, you’ll get better at crafting engaging content that resonates with your audience, tweaking your targeting for maximum impact, and optimizing your campaigns to achieve your business objectives.

As you venture into the exciting world of TikTok advertising, keep the following in mind: TikTok is built on creativity and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to get a little wild and have some fun with your ads. Be genuine, experiment, and tap into the playful spirit of TikTok, and you’ll find yourself building a community of loyal fans in no time.

So, go ahead—hit that “Create Campaign” button, and let your first ad soar! The TikTok world is waiting, and with a little creativity, the sky’s the limit. 🚀

Good luck, and may your TikTok ads be as viral as the latest dance trend!

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