TikTok has taken the world by storm, with over 1 billion monthly active users spending hours scrolling through short, catchy videos. For brands, this platform is a goldmine for reaching younger audiences, especially Gen Z and Millennials, who crave authentic and creative content. But advertising on TikTok isn’t like traditional platforms. To stand out, brands are using clever hacks to boost engagement, drive sales, and create viral campaigns. Here’s a look at the top 10 TikTok advertising hacks that brands are using to dominate the platform in 2025.
1. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC) for Authenticity
TikTok users love content that feels real, not overly polished. Brands like Scrub Daddy and Chipotle encourage fans to create videos showcasing their products, such as cleaning hacks or favorite menu items. This user-generated content (UGC) builds trust and blends seamlessly with organic posts. For example, Chipotle’s #GuacDance challenge led to over 250,000 video submissions and 430 million video starts in just six days. To replicate this, brands invite customers to share their experiences with a branded hashtag, amplifying reach without feeling like a hard sell.
2. Jump on Trending Sounds and Challenges
TikTok thrives on trends, and brands that act fast can ride the wave. Using trending sounds or joining viral challenges helps ads feel native to the platform. Fenty Beauty, for instance, incorporates popular music into makeup tutorials, making their content instantly relatable. The key is to monitor TikTok’s “Discover” page daily and adapt quickly. Brands that miss a trend risk looking out of touch, so staying agile is crucial.
3. Partner with Influencers for Wider Reach
Influencer marketing is a powerhouse on TikTok. Brands like Crocs and Guess team up with creators who already have loyal followings to promote products authentically. Crocs’ #ThousandDollarCrocs challenge, featuring Post Malone, sold out a limited-edition shoe in just 10 minutes, racking up 3.1 billion views. The trick is to choose influencers whose vibe matches the brand and let them create content in their unique style, ensuring it resonates with their audience.
4. Use Branded Hashtag Challenges to Go Viral
Branded hashtag challenges are a TikTok staple for driving engagement. Mercedes-Benz’s #MBStarChallenge encouraged users to recreate the brand’s logo, generating over 124 million views. These challenges work because they invite users to co-create content, making them feel part of the campaign. To succeed, brands craft simple, fun challenges with clear instructions and promote them with In-Feed or TopView ads for maximum visibility.
5. Create Short, Attention-Grabbing Ads
On TikTok, you have just seconds to hook viewers. Brands like Smyth Jewelers use geo-targeted In-Feed ads that showcase products immediately, driving traffic to their profiles with budgets as low as $40 a day. The hack here is to front-load ads with bold visuals or a surprising hook and keep videos under 15 seconds for higher completion rates. A clear call-to-action, like “Shop now,” seals the deal.
6. Embrace Spark Ads for Organic Appeal
Spark Ads let brands boost existing posts, either their own or from creators, to reach broader audiences. SuperGoop’s Spark Ad for a skincare tutorial felt like a typical “how-to” video, blending into users’ feeds while driving sales. These ads maintain an organic look but include a call-to-action button for conversions. The takeaway? Repurpose high-performing UGC or influencer content as Spark Ads to maximize ROI.
7. Tap into Branded Effects for Interactive Fun
Branded Effects, like custom filters or stickers, make ads interactive and shareable. Netflix’s #TribesChallenge for Tribes of Europa used a branded effect to let users pick their “tribe,” sparking 185,000 videos and 180 million views. Brands can design effects that align with their campaign and encourage users to experiment, boosting engagement and brand recall.
8. Optimize for the For You Page Algorithm
TikTok’s For You Page algorithm rewards content that keeps users watching. Brands like Duolingo use quirky, meme-driven videos to increase watch time and shares. To hack the algorithm, focus on high-energy intros, relatable humor, and trending hashtags. Regularly test different formats to see what resonates, as the algorithm favors fresh, engaging content.
9. Keep It Raw and Relatable
Polished ads often flop on TikTok. Ryanair’s self-deprecating humor, like videos of planes “talking” via AR effects, has made it a viral sensation. The airline’s unpolished, meme-heavy content feels like it was made by a friend, not a corporation. Brands should ditch commercial vibes and embrace raw, authentic storytelling to connect with TikTok’s audience.
10. Analyze Data to Refine Campaigns
Smart brands use TikTok’s analytics or third-party tools like TikTok scrapers to track video performance, including views, shares, and comments. Mistol’s campaign for dishwasher tablets saw a 200% sales increase by analyzing data to optimize In-Feed Ads. By studying what works—down to timestamps and hashtags—brands can fine-tune their strategy for better results.
Why These Hacks Work
TikTok’s unique blend of creativity, community, and algorithm-driven discovery makes it a must for brands in 2025. Unlike other platforms, TikTok rewards bold, authentic content that feels like it belongs. These hacks tap into the platform’s strengths: its engaged user base, viral potential, and ability to drive real-world sales. For example, Chipotle reported 800,000 guacamole sales on National Guacamole Day thanks to its #GuacDance campaign. With 56% of TikTok users feeling connected to brands that post unpolished content, these strategies are proven to deliver.
Getting Started with TikTok Advertising
Ready to try these hacks? Start small by testing In-Feed Ads or partnering with a micro-influencer. Use TikTok’s ad platform, TikTok For Business, to set budgets and target demographics. Monitor performance closely and don’t be afraid to experiment. TikTok trends move fast, so agility is key. For inspiration, look at brands like Nike, which blends fitness tips with viral effects, or Maybelline, which uses influencer-led tutorials to showcase products.
The Future of TikTok Advertising
As TikTok grows, so do its advertising opportunities. Features like TikTok Shop and advanced targeting options make it easier for brands to convert views into sales. With 15% of product discoveries starting on TikTok in 2022, up from 4% in 2021, the platform’s influence is undeniable. Brands that master these hacks now will stay ahead as TikTok evolves into a dominant force in social commerce.
Conclusion
TikTok advertising isn’t about big budgets—it’s about creativity and connection. By leveraging UGC, jumping on trends, and using tools like Spark Ads and Branded Effects, brands can create campaigns that resonate with millions. Whether you’re a small business or a global giant, these 10 hacks offer a roadmap to TikTok success. So, grab your phone, start creating, and watch your brand go viral.
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