How to Run TikTok Ads for Shopify: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a Shopify merchant looking to leverage TikTok ads for your Shopify store? If so, you’re making a smart choice.

Why? Because TikTok ads achieve a 2.0x higher return on ad spend (ROAS) than other media platforms. Moreover, for every $1 spent, advertisers see an average return of $2. These stats highlight how effective and powerful TikTok ads are in terms of boosting sales and traffic.

But then you might have a question. How to run TikTok ads for Shopify? And not just that but also, are there any prerequisites? What type of ads can I leverage on TikTok, and are there any apps that can help?

To answer all these questions, we have come up with this blog. Through this blog, we will guide you step-by-step to successfully launch and optimize TikTok ads for your Shopify store.

Benefits of Shopify TikTok Ads

Before we ask ourselves, how to run TikTok ads for Shopify, we must ask ourselves why to run these ads. Well, running TikTok ads for your Shopify store can be beneficial in different ways:

• Expand Your Market Reach: By advertising on TikTok, your Shopify store can tap into a vast audience of over a billion monthly active users globally.
• Improve Customer Engagement: TikTok’s platform supports creative, fun content that grabs viewers’ attention. This kind of engagement can lead to more traffic and sales for your Shopify store.
• Boost Brand Visibility: TikTok’s algorithm promotes content that resonates with users, helping your ads reach beyond your current followers. This increased visibility can accelerate brand recognition and customer loyalty.
• Streamlined Campaign Management: TikTok integrates smoothly with Shopify. This makes it easy to manage your ads. You can track their performance and change your strategies all in one place. This helps you keep your ads working their best.

TikTok Advertising Options for Shopify Merchants

Shopify merchants have two primary TikTok advertising options:

1. TikTok Shop and TikTok Shop Ads 

TikTok Shop is an integrated shopping feature that allows merchants to sell products directly on TikTok. It’s designed to make the shopping experience seamless and interactive by enabling purchases without leaving the app. 

This feature is available in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. 

Within TikTok Shop, merchants can use several types of ads:

• Live Shopping Ads: These ads promote live shopping events where viewers can purchase products in real time.
• Video Shopping Ads: Shoppable videos placed in the ‘For You’ feed that facilitate an engaging and direct shopping experience.

2. TikTok Ads 

For a more traditional advertising approach, merchants can use TikTok Ads Manager to create and manage various ad formats that suit different marketing needs. 

And there are different types of ads that merchants can leverage: 

• Brand Takeover Ads: These full-screen ads appear instantly when TikTok is opened and last for 3-5 seconds. They can be videos or images and usually include a clickable link, capturing immediate attention.
• In-feed Video Ads: Appear among the natural flow of user content, subtly promoting products.
• Spark Ads: Transform existing organic content into sponsored posts to maintain authenticity while reaching broader audiences.
• TopView Ads: These are the first ads users see upon opening TikTok, offering maximum visibility for a few seconds.
• Carousel Ads: These ads feature up to 10 scrollable images or videos, each with its own caption. They are flexible and suitable for various campaign goals, including brand awareness and product sales.
• Playable Ads: These interactive ads offer users a chance to engage directly by playing a mini-version of a game or exploring an app within the ad, enhancing user involvement and enjoyment.

Prerequisites for Running TikTok Ads For Shopify

To start advertising on TikTok for your Shopify store, you’ll need to set up a few things:

• TikTok Business Account: Convert your personal TikTok account to a business account. This change is necessary to access TikTok Ads Manager, where you can create ads. You can easily switch your account settings for free.
• TikTok Ads Manager Account: After setting up your business account, create an ads manager account at ads.tiktok.com. Here, you’ll be able to manage all your ad campaigns.
• Shopify Store: You must have an operational Shopify store. Install the TikTok app on Shopify to use features like automated ad creation and, in some regions, a shopping tab on your TikTok profile. This integration also syncs your inventory and sales data with TikTok.
• TikTok Pixel: Install the TikTok Pixel on your Shopify site. It helps you track conversions and optimize your advertising efforts. Set up the pixel through the TikTok Ads Manager.
• Comply with TikTok’s Policies: Also, make sure to review and follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Advertising Policies. Compliance ensures that your content and products are permitted on the platform.

Step-by-Step Process To Run TikTok Ads For Shopify

Now to answer the burning question – how to run TikTok ads for Shopify – there are two methods.

One is that you can create the ads within TikTok Ads Manager while connecting your Shopify store to it.

And the other one is to create ads within your Shopify store itself.

Below, we have discussed both methods. And let’s look at them one by one.

Method 1: Creating Shopify TikTok Ads in the TikTok Ads Manager

Here’s the step-by-step process: 

1. Set Up a TikTok for Business Account

• Initial Setup: Start by creating a TikTok Business account.

2. Understanding TikTok Ad Structure

• Campaigns: View campaigns as the overarching strategy and goal for your ads.
• Ad Groups: Within a campaign, you can create multiple ad groups to test different ads. You can start with two to four ad groups.
• Ads: Within each ad group, one can create two to three ads to balance data collection and optimization. 

3. Creating a Campaign

• In TikTok Ads Manager, click on ‘Campaign’ at the top. 

• Select the Experience to Create Ads: Once inside, you will have to select the type of ad you want to create. Basic or Advanced. 

What’s the Difference Between Basic and Advanced Setup? 1. Basic Mode: This simplifies ad setup into four steps: choosing your advertising goal, selecting your audience, setting a budget, and creating your ad. It’s easier and great for beginners. 2. Advanced Mode: Offers detailed options like naming your campaign, choosing special ad categories, setting precise budgets, and using advanced features like split testing. It’s best for experienced advertisers who need more control.

For our process, we will go ahead with the Advanced setup. 

• Choose Advertising Objective: Select “Website Conversions” if your goal is sales on Shopify.

• Campaign Name: Assign a name to your campaign, which will be adjustable later if necessary.
• Budget Optimization: Consider turning off the Campaign Budget Optimization to maintain control over budget distribution across ad groups.

4. Setting Up Ad Groups

• Ad Group Creation: Name your ad group and choose “Websites” for optimization location.

5. TikTok Pixel Installation:

• Install the TikTok app from the Shopify app store.
• Set up the app. Set up marketing, and then connect your TikTok Business Center and TikTok Ads Manager account.
• Use the one-click pixel installation feature to easily connect your TikTok for Business account.

• Choose the level of data sharing based on your privacy policies.

There are three levels of Data Sharing. Those include:  1. Standard: This level uses the TikTok Pixel to track what customers do on your store’s website, like browsing products. However, ad blockers in browsers might stop it from collecting this data. 2. Enhanced: This setting turns on Advanced Matching with the TikTok Pixel, which means it collects more personal details about customers, like emails and phone numbers, along with their browsing actions. Browser ad blockers can still affect it. 3. Maximum: This is the most thorough level of data sharing. It uses both the TikTok Pixel and special connections to send lots of data about customers from your store to TikTok. This method is less likely to be blocked by browsers and is only available for Shopify stores.

5. Configuring Ads

• Optimization Event: Initially select “Add to Cart” to feed data to TikTok’s algorithm, changing later to “Complete Payment” for better sales targeting.

• Placements: Opt for manual placement and select TikTok to ensure high-quality traffic.

• Targeting: From the various targeting options available, such as Demographic, interest-based, or looklike audiences, choose one. 

• Budget and Schedule: Set a minimum daily budget and opt to run ads continuously or for a set period.

Note: On TikTok, there’s a minimum daily budget of $20.

6. Creating and Uploading Ad Creatives

• Ad Format: Choose between a single video or carousel format.

• Content Creation: Create engaging video content and ensure that the video grabs attention within the first three seconds.
• Ad Details: Include a compelling call-to-action and details about offers or discounts.

7. Launching Ads

• Submit Your Ads: After entering all necessary information, submit your ads for approval.
• Testing: Create multiple ads within the same ad group to test different creatives.

8. Scaling Your Ads

• Vertical Scaling: Increase the budget for high-performing ad groups.
• Horizontal Scaling: Duplicate successful ad groups and replace underperforming ads with new ones.

9. Analyzing and Interpreting Data

• Key Metrics: Focus on the Click-Through Rate (CTR) to gauge ad effectiveness.
• Adjustments: If the CTR is high but sales are low, improve your online store’s design and product presentation. If the CTR is low, try new ad creatives.

10. Continuous Optimization

Patience and Persistence: Allow ads to run for sufficient time to gather meaningful data and make informed decisions.

Experimentation: Regularly test different ads and targeting strategies to find the most effective combinations.

Method 2: Creating an Ad within Shopify

Here’s the second method of creating Shopify TikTok Ads. In this method, merchants can create these ads inside their Shopify store: 

1. Initiate Your Campaign: Navigate to your Shopify admin page, click on the TikTok section in the left side panel, and select “Create Campaign”.

2. Name Your Campaign: Give your campaign a descriptive name that reflects its goals or featured products.
3. Set Your Promotion Details: Choose a landing page type for your ad. Options include a Single Product, a Collection, or your Homepage, depending on what you want to promote.

4. Create Your Ad: You have the option to upload a pre-existing video or use TikTok’s video generator tool. This tool allows you to create a new video from existing images or video clips. Review the generated videos and select the best one for your campaign.

5. Choosing Automatic Targeting: TikTok’s automatic targeting uses machine learning to identify your ideal audience. Specify the target country and opt to include only users above 18 years if necessary.

6. Choose an Optimization Event: Select an optimization event that aligns with your goals, like ‘Add to Cart’. This helps in tracking the effectiveness of your ad based on interactions from your Shopify Pixel.
7. Set Your Budget: Establish a daily budget starting at a minimum of $20 USD. Decide if you want your campaign to run for a set period or continuously.

Bonus: Creating TikTok Shop Ads for Shopify Merchants

If TikTok Shop is available in your region, then this is how you can connect Shopify and TikTok and start creating ad campaigns:

1. Set Up a Shopify Store: Begin by establishing your Shopify store and crafting your website.
2. Create a TikTok Business Account: Sign up for a business account on TikTok to start marketing your products.
3. Install TikTok for Shopify App: Download and install the TikTok app from the Shopify App Store.
4. Connect TikTok to Shopify: Within the app, link your TikTok account to your Shopify store to synchronize data.
5. Launch Ad Campaigns: Start creating ad campaigns using product photos and videos to engage customers.

There are different types of TikTok Shop ads such as Video Shopping Ads, Catalog Listing Ads, and Live Shopping Ads. Each type provides unique benefits for Shopify merchants aiming to reach a broad audience.

Video Shopping Ads combine engaging videos with product cards, allowing customers to make instant purchases. This format is great for storytelling and quickly turning viewer interest into sales.

Catalog Listing Ads display a range of products in a simple format, making it easy for customers to browse and buy without watching a video. Live Shopping Ads bring customers into real-time shopping events, creating interactive experiences that can boost engagement and sales.

Together, these ad formats help Shopify merchants leverage TikTok’s vast user base, enhancing product visibility and driving more sales directly through the app.

However, please note that the process of running TikTok ads for Shopify isn’t solely manual. A merchant can also take help of Shopify TikTok ads apps. 

But which apps specifically? We have discussed them below.

You might also like to read: 25+ Viral TikTok Trending Products You Can Sell in 2025 Shopify Audiences: A Detailed Guide

Best Shopify TikTok Ads Apps

Here are the Shopify TikTok Ads apps that can help you streamline and enhance the process:

AdNabu

AdNabu is a dedicated Shopify product feed management app. It helps merchants streamline and boost their marketing efforts.

While it doesn’t create TikTok ads directly, it generates platform-compliant data feed URLs that can further be used in TikTok’s Business Center. Further using those data feed URLs, merchants can prepare their catalog and create their ads.

One of AdNabu’s highlighting points is its “Built for Shopify” badge, which signifies its commitment to meeting Shopify’s highest standards for quality, speed, and performance.

Beyond TikTok, AdNabu extends its functionality to other major marketplaces like Google Shopping, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Bing Shopping, etc. This allows merchants to diversify their online presence.

Features

1. Data Feed URL Generation: AdNabu generates feed URLs for optimized product feeds that can be uploaded to the TikTok Business Center to further advertise your products on the platform. 

While uploading the data feed URL, you are also asked for the automatic upload schedule and have different options like hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. And based on the option you select, your catalog gets updated.

However, you can also do it manually if you want.

Most importantly, the generated URL is in line with the specific requirements and accepted standards of TikTok. And AdNabu also allows you to customize UTM parameters like campaign source, medium, and name. 

2. Multilanguage and Multicurrency Feeds: AdNabu allows merchants to create product feeds in multiple languages and support various currencies. 

This enhances the shopping experience for international customers and improves visibility across global markets. 

3. AI-Powered Optimization: Using AI technology – the advanced GPT-3.5 Turbo model – AdNabu enhances product titles, highlights, etc., making them more engaging for better visibility.

While a merchant will have to manually create TikTok ads, having optimized product listings ensures that they are primed for better engagement and conversion rates on the platform.

4. Targeted Keyword Optimization: By sourcing keywords from Google’s Keyword Planner, AdNabu fine-tunes your Shopify feed, which is then sent to TikTok.

This targeted approach means you can optimize your product listings for better visibility on TikTok, leading to more engaging and sales-driving ads (that you manually create later).

5. Bulk Editing: AdNabu allows for the bulk editing of over 50 product attributes, using more than 20 smart filters to streamline updates. 

This feature saves significant time and ensures your product feed is consistently optimized. When these refined feeds are uploaded to TikTok, they enhance ad targeting, improving engagement and potentially boosting conversion rates.

6. Blocklist Feature: AdNabu’s blocklist feature gives merchants precise control over their TikTok product feeds. You can exclude specific products or categories, ensuring that only the most relevant and likely-to-succeed items are advertised. 

This strategic filtering optimizes your TikTok ads (that you create manually later) according to what resonates best with your TikTok audience.

Pricing

AdNabu provides a 14-day free trial, after which you can choose from several pricing:

• Starter Plan: No charge for up to 10 orders; thereafter, $4.99 plus $0.06 per additional order. Features include automatic syncing and the ability to edit multiple attributes at once.
• Basic Plan: Costs $29.99 monthly or $299 annually, with no fees for the first 400 orders. This plan introduces AI-powered optimizations and support for feeds in multiple languages.
• Advanced Plan: Priced at $79.99 monthly or $799 annually, this option is free for up to 1500 orders and includes 12,000 AI credits each month, along with headless commerce support.
• Plus Plan: For $249.99 a month or $2,399 a year, this plan covers up to 6000 orders and provides 75,000 AI credits per month, instant synchronization, and priority customer support.

For businesses with larger inventories or requirements, AdNabu also offers customized pricing solutions.

Customer Ratings

AdNabu has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 663 reviews, reflecting its dependability and popularity among Shopify merchants.

Ecomdy TikTok Ad TikTok Pixel

Ecomdy TikTok Ad TikTok Pixel app helps with the process of creating and managing TikTok ads. On their app, a merchant can both set up their advertising campaigns and track their performance seamlessly.

Features

• Allows syncing of products to run ads.
• Helps with direct ad management on Ecomdy.
• Allows to run TikTok ads in any country.
• Provides a built-in TikTok Agency Ads Account.

Pricing

Free to install. A minimum $100 top-up is required to run ads.

Customer Ratings

5.0 Stars (Based on 2 ratings)

Minta Automated Social Videos

Minta excels in automating posting and creating promo video ads on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, etc. It simplifies video marketing, keeping your brand active online.

Features

• Automatically creates and posts engaging videos on social channels like TikTok.
• Offers unlimited AI social video ads for your products and collections.
• Provides over 200 social video post templates for AI product video banner ads.
• Automates video postings, maintaining a steady stream of content.

Pricing

• Free Plan: 5 free videos per month across all platforms.
• Pro Plan: $35/month or $252/year. 70 free videos monthly.
• Growth Plan: $55/month or $396/year. 180 free videos monthly.

Customer Ratings

4.7 Stars (Based on 842 reviews)

Shopify TikTok Pixel Apps

Using Shopify TikTok Pixel apps can help you better track and manage your ads. These apps make it easier to see how your ads are doing and improve them.

With that let’s look at some Shopify TikTok Pixel apps:

TiXel: Multi Pixel Installer

TiXel helps Shopify store owners add and manage multiple TikTok pixels. It improves ad targeting and tracking across your entire store.

Features

• Adds unlimited TikTok pixels for precise tracking.
• Fixes tracking issues from iOS 14+ and ad blockers.
• Provides accurate, automatic event triggers for ads.
• Offers insights from various traffic sources.

Pricing

• Development Stores: Free for development and partner stores.
• Unlimited Plan: $9.99/month or $71.88/year. Includes unlimited pixels, live support, and a 7-day free trial.

Customer Ratings

5.0 Stars (Based on 157 reviews)

TikTok Pixel for AdTrace

TikTok Pixel for AdTrace connects your TikTok ads with Shopify. It tracks and enhances your ad campaigns effectively.

Features

• Integrates ad pixels to track key metrics.
• Provides insights on traffic, conversions, and revenue.
• Offers tools for data visualization and campaign optimization.
• Supports multi-pixel and enhanced tracking.

Pricing

• Zero Sales (FREE): Free for stores with no orders.
• Tier 1: $17/month for 1-25 orders tracked.
• Tier 2: $37/month for 26-50 orders tracked.
• Tier 3: $77/month for 51-100 orders tracked.

Customer Ratings

4.8 Stars (Based on 64 reviews)

Trackify Facebook Pixel, TikTok

Trackify makes it easy to manage TikTok and Facebook pixels in Shopify. It helps you track ads and optimize your marketing campaigns.

Features

• Allows merchants to add multiple TikTok, Facebook, etc.
• Helps to track events in real-time to monitor customer behavior.
• Also assists in creating custom audiences for targeted advertising.
• Offers advanced tracking with conversion and server-side APIs.

Pricing

Offers a 14-day free trial.

• Shopify Basic Plan: $29.99/month.
• Shopify Plan Users: $59.99/month.
• Shopify Advanced: $99.99/month. Expanded access and features.
• Shopify Plus Users: $199.99/month. Includes multi-touch attribution.

Customer Ratings

4.9 Stars (Based on 818 reviews)

How Much Does Running TikTok Ads Cost?

TikTok ads cost varies. You pay based on clicks, views, or actions.

Explanation of TikTok’s Ad Cost Structure (CPC, CPM, CPA)

• CPC (Cost Per Click): Each click costs about $1.00. This rate can change depending on your audience, their location, and the performance of your campaign.
• CPM (Cost Per 1,000 Impressions): The usual cost is $10 per 1,000 views, with a $500 minimum spend for campaigns. Costs can also go as low as $1.00.
• CPA (Cost Per Action): Costs vary depending on the action you want, like a download or a sign-up.

Budgeting Tips for Businesses of Different Sizes

• Small businesses should start small, maybe a minimum daily budget. This is $50 for campaigns and $20 for ad groups.
• Medium businesses can use more targeted approaches, which might cost more.
• Large businesses might consider professional ad creation or influencer partnerships, which can be expensive but effective.

Remember, the cost of TikTok ads can change based on many factors like your ad’s quality, the competition, and how you target your audience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, mastering how to run TikTok ads for Shopify is important if as a merchant you are looking to expand your online presence and drive sales.

With the right strategies and a good understanding of TikTok ads, you can easily and effectively reach and engage your target audience.

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of running TikTok ads for my Shopify store?

TikTok ads can increase your Shopify store’s visibility, attract more customers, and boost your sales by reaching a large and engaged audience.

2. How do I set up a TikTok ad account for my Shopify store? 

To set up a TikTok ad account, create a business account on TikTok, then sign up for TikTok Ads Manager and link it to your Shopify store.

3. What types of TikTok ads are available for Shopify merchants? 

Shopify merchants can promote their products on TikTok using In-Feed Ads, TopView Ads, Brand Takeover Ads, and Branded Hashtag Challenges.

4. How can I create an effective TikTok ad campaign for my Shopify store? 

Create engaging videos that showcase your products, target the right audience, set clear campaign goals, and monitor your results to adjust strategies as needed.

5. What is the best way to target my audience on TikTok? 

Use TikTok’s targeting options to focus on demographics, interests, and behaviors that match your ideal customer profile.

6. How much should I budget for TikTok ads for my Shopify store? 

Start with a small budget to test your ads, then adjust based on performance. A daily budget of $20 to $50 can be a good starting point.

7. How can I measure the success of my TikTok ad campaigns? 

Track metrics like views, engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to evaluate the effectiveness of your TikTok ads.

8. What are some best practices for creating TikTok ads that convert?

Make ads short, engaging, and aligned with TikTok’s casual, creative style. Include strong calls to action and use trends and music effectively.

9. How can I optimize my TikTok ads for better performance? 

Test different versions of your ads, use A/B testing for elements like captions and CTAs, and continuously analyze data to refine your approach.

10. Can I retarget users who have interacted with my TikTok ads? 

Yes, you can retarget users who have interacted with your ads or visited your website by setting up a TikTok Pixel to track these interactions.

Check Out These Related Articles:

• TikTok Conversion API
• How To Sell On TikTok
• TikTok Ads Examples