Why TikTok Advertising Is the Trend of 2025

25 June 2025

If in the past decade businesses were rushing into Instagram, today the focus has shifted: targeted advertising on TikTok is the new marketer's favorite. And it’s not just hype — it’s a calculated move. Where else can you reach a teenager, a marketing manager, and a grandma watching recipe videos — all in the same feed — for just a few dollars?

In 2025, TikTok is like fishing in a pond where every second carp already has a credit card and is ready to buy.

TikTok Audience and Its Features

The TikTok audience is like a hyperactive party with a mix of interests: from dance remixes to tax code breakdowns. Here, speed, humor, and authenticity rule. People don’t just watch — they engage, share, and argue in the comments. If you think it’s just a silly platform, it’s probably because you haven’t set up ads targeting those who are actually spending money.

How TikTok Differs from Other Ad Platforms

TikTok’s key feature is its organic reach and algorithms that don’t require a follower base. Your video can go viral with zero subscribers. That makes mobile promotion especially profitable. What matters here is presentation, not budget. Even if you're promoting handmade rags for Yorkshire terriers — TikTok has an audience for that.

Preparing for a TikTok Ad Launch

What You Need: A Business Account and Clear Goals

First, create a business account. Second — be clear on your goal. Do you want reach? Sales? App installs? Define your goal first — then choose the right format and promotion strategy.

Ad Formats Available in TikTok Ads Manager

TikTok Ads Manager offers several formats:

In-Feed Ads — native videos that appear in the user's feed.
TopView — the first thing users see when they open the app (in-your-face, but effective).
Spark Ads — boosting existing content.
Branded Hashtag Challenges — viral challenges involving your brand.

Start with In-Feed Ads — then optimize based on performance.

Best Types of Content for TikTok Ads

Video rules here — but not just any video. People don’t click “we’re market leaders,” they react to humor, honesty, and real pain points with real solutions. Want to sell an air conditioner? Show it saving a cat from the heat, not your 15 certificates. Don’t forget a strong call to action — otherwise, it’s all for nothing.

Business accounts and digital goods on Hstock can help you launch faster.

How to Set Up TikTok Ads: Step-by-Step

1. Register and Log in to TikTok Ads Manager

Go to TikTok For Business, register, log in — and voilà, you're in. The interface is friendly, but don’t get too comfy: prepare your videos, copy, CTAs, links — and nerves for moderation.

2. Create a Campaign: Goals, Budget, Duration

Choose your objective (traffic, reach, clicks), daily/total budget (minimum $20), start/end dates. This is where your analytics foundation begins.

3. Targeting Setup: Geo, Interests, Demographics

Here’s where it’s easy to mess up. Set filters by location, age, interests, language, even operating system. Want to target pizza delivery in Kazan to iPhone users? No problem.

4. Ad Creatives: Tips and Requirements

Rule #1: Don’t be boring. Hook users in the first 3 seconds. Use vertical video, native-style copy, subtitles, trending sounds. TikTok favors vibrant, real content — not overly polished ones.

TikTok Advertising Cost

Minimum Budgets and Bids

The cost starts at $20/day per ad group, $50 per campaign. More doesn’t always mean better — it’s all about hitting the right audience.

You might save more by using ready-to-go accounts and services from Hstock.

What Affects Price: Auction, Format, Audience

Cost = format + competition + time of day + targeting width. Evening car fans in Moscow? Pricier. Students in Tomsk on old Androids? Much cheaper.

Ad Performance: Analysis & Optimization

What to Track in Ads Manager

You’ll see impressions, clicks, conversions — but numbers alone mean nothing without regular analysis.

Key Metrics: CTR, Engagement, Conversions

TikTok engagement includes watch time, comments, shares. The higher the engagement, the more TikTok pushes your ad. CTR matters — but it’s not the only metric.

Use A/B tests. Change music, first frames, text. Sometimes a low-budget “sock-cam” video beats studio shoots. Test, adapt, and don’t fall in love with your own content.

TikTok for Small Business and Local Promotion

How Local Brands Use TikTok

Small cafes, salons, studios — TikTok lets you break out of your neighborhood. Show how you cook, what clients say, or a day in your life — and connect emotionally.

Simplest way: adapt viral content from your niche. Add your twist — boom, top creative ready.

Case: a local dumpling brand filmed dough-making to rap music. In 3 days: 14K views and 200+ orders. That’s results.

Common TikTok Ad Mistakes

Boring Creatives and Wrong Audience

If you run boring ads to the wrong people, TikTok will notice and kill your reach. Be bold, relevant, and quick to the point. Don’t copy-paste. Test variations.

No Analysis or Strategy

Running ads blindly is like pouring soup into a strainer. No strategy = wasted budget.

Create at least a basic plan:

Focus on viral formats: unboxings, insider tips, behind-the-scenes.
Style your account: cohesive design, catchy bio, CTA.
Post 3–5 videos a week, test different angles.
Use trending sounds tailored to your niche.
Engage with microinfluencers and reply to comments.

FAQs

How to launch TikTok ads for beginners?
Create a business account, open TikTok Ads Manager, set goals, budget, and creatives — done. It’s intuitive and easy to analyze.
Which ad format should I choose?
Start with In-Feed — it’s simple and effective. Later, test what works best for your niche.
How much does TikTok ads cost in 2025?
Starting at $20/day. Cost depends on targeting and competition — no need to overspend at the start.
How to pick a target audience?
Analyze your buyers, see who’s already buying, and use targeting to test hypotheses.
Does TikTok work for small business?
Yes — it’s one of the best ways to attract new customers, even with a minimal budget.

2025 is the year to act. Setting up ads on TikTok might just be your smartest marketing move.
Approach it like a game — fast, bold, and with spark.