Running TikTok Ads Just Easier (TikTok Image Ads)
Education
Introduction
Running ads on TikTok is now easier than ever. One of the biggest challenges with TikTok ads has traditionally been creating video ads. The process involves iterating on a script, shooting the video, and creating different versions to test. This can be a significant challenge for many companies that lack the resources to create a fully dedicated video for TikTok ads. The good news is you no longer have to worry about that. TikTok has announced TikTok image ads, and with these ads come three different versions. Let's walk through these versions, their pros and cons, and how to set them up. We'll also cover some best practices for these TikTok image ads to help you get the best results possible.
Three Types of TikTok Image Ads
Standard Carousel
The Standard Carousel is the first type of TikTok image ad. These ads appear in feed, shopping center, and search. They require at least two images and can feature up to 35 images per ad. These are more manual and customizable, as you don't need to have them attached to your product catalog.
Pros:
- Customizable.
- Appears in feed, shopping center, and search.
- Up to 35 images per ad.
Cons:
- Single destination URL.
- Lacks dynamic product recommendations.
VSSA Carousel
The VSSA Carousel also shows in feed, shopping center, and search. It supports a product sales objective and requires your product catalog to be set up in the TikTok Seller Center.
Pros:
- Multidimensional URLs for individual products.
- Dynamic product recommendations.
- Up to 20 images per ad.
Cons:
- Requires product catalog setup in the TikTok Seller Center.
Product Shopping Ads
The Product Shopping Ads show only in the shopping center and search results, making them similar to Google Shopping Ads. These ads are excellent for e-commerce stores as they capture high-intent users actively searching for products.
Pros:
- High intent due to the search context.
- Minimal competition at the moment.
- Dynamic product recommendations.
Cons:
- Only one image per ad.
- Single destination URL per product.
Setting Up Each Ad Type
Standard Carousel
- Create a campaign: Go to the TikTok Ads Manager and select your campaign objective (traffic, app promotion, or web conversion).
- Upload Images: Use platforms like Canva to design and fit your images to the specified aspect ratios.
- Add Music & Call to Action: TikTok requires music for these ads, and choosing the right one can enhance performance.
- Publish: Review your ad settings and publish.
VSSA Carousel
- Create a campaign with Product Sales Objective: Make sure your product catalog is set up in TikTok Seller Center.
- Select Ad Formats: Choose from catalog video, catalog image, or catalog carousel.
- Tag individual products: Multidimensional URLs allow users to click directly on the product they are interested in.
- Publish: Add text and music, then review settings and publish.
Product Shopping Ads
- Create a campaign with Product Sales Objective: Similar to VSSA but focus on TikTok Shop products.
- Select Product Shopping Ads: These ads show only in the shopping center and search results.
- Optimize Search Terms: Use the TikTok Ads Manager to monitor search terms and add negative keywords as necessary.
- Publish: Set up your ad group settings and publish.
Best Practices
- Monitor Search Terms: Especially for Product Shopping Ads, ensure your ads are appearing for the right search terms by adding negative keywords as needed.
- Utilize TikTok Creative Library: Use the creative library to track the performance of individual images.
- Test Different Formats: Experiment with vertical and horizontal images.
- Promotional Offers: Highlight your product benefits and promotional offers.
Keywords
- TikTok Image Ads.
- Standard Carousel Ads.
- VSSA Carousel Ads.
- Product Shopping Ads.
- TikTok Ads Manager.
- TikTok Seller Center.
- Dynamic Product Recommendations.
- E-commerce Ads.
- Product Catalog Setup.
- Best Practices for TikTok Image Ads.
FAQ
What are the three types of TikTok image ads?
The three types of TikTok image ads are Standard Carousel, VSSA Carousel, and Product Shopping Ads.
How many images can be used in a Standard Carousel ad?
Standard Carousel ads can feature a minimum of two images and up to 35 images per ad.
Do I need to set up a product catalog to use VSSA Carousel ads?
Yes, you need to set up your product catalog in TikTok Seller Center to use VSSA Carousel ads.
Where do Product Shopping Ads appear?
Product Shopping Ads appear only in the shopping center and search results, not in the main feed.
Are there dynamic product recommendations for Standard Carousel ads?
No, dynamic product recommendations are not available for Standard Carousel ads. They are only available for VSSA Carousel and Product Shopping Ads.
Is music required for TikTok image ads?
Yes, music is required for TikTok image ads, and choosing the right track can improve performance.
Can I target specific keywords for Product Shopping Ads?
As of now, TikTok does not allow you to target specific keywords, but you can add negative keywords to refine your ad's focus.
By understanding the different types of TikTok Image Ads and following these best practices, you can effectively create and optimize your campaigns to reach your business goals.