TikTok Influencer Agency – Top 10 Agencies, FAQs & More
A TikTok Spark code is an authorization code a creator generates for one of their videos. A brand enters the code in TikTok Ads Manager to run that post as a Spark Ad, so the ad shows the creator’s handle and keeps the post’s likes, comments and shares. This guide explains how Spark codes work, how creators generate them and how brands use them.
Table of Contents
What Are TikTok Spark Codes?
Overview
TikTok Spark Codes are unique authorization codes generated by TikTok creators. These codes can be shared with brands on the platform, especially when a creator’s content promotes or aligns with a brand’s products. Once shared, these codes enable the conversion of the creator’s videos into paid Spark Ads, which TikTok then displays across the platform from 7 to 365 days. These Spark Ads retain the same engagement numbers they had when they were still TikTok videos. Consequently, this gives the ads an authentic feel, helping convince potential buyers to try out the products featured in the video.
How Spark Codes Work to Boost Visibility
As previously mentioned, TikTok Spark Codes allow content from real creators or influencers to turn into Spark Ads. Because these ads are relatable and authentic, they can reach a broader audience effectively. Therefore, Spark Codes make Spark Ads a valuable tool for increasing a brand’s visibility on TikTok.
Aside from this, there are additional ways Spark Codes can help expand your business’s reach on TikTok. Here are some of them:
Extended content exposure
Spark Ads, enabled by Spark Codes, can be promoted on TikTok over extended time frames. Typically, content creators post their videos before their viewers open the app. They do this so that their content stays on TikTok users’ For You page (FYP), as the platform’s algorithm prioritizes new content.
Spark Ads removes the need to carefully time your posts to fit TikTok’s algorithms for better engagement. Instead, they help you increase your content’s interactions and eventually increase your brand’s recognition on the platform.
Effective audience targeting
Spark Ads allows businesses to target specific demographics like gender, age, location, language, and interests within TikTok’s user base. This can help brands reach viewers who are likely to engage with them. Moreover, targeted campaigns can significantly improve a brand’s standing on the platform.
Driving traffic to brand pages
Spark Ads makes it easy for users to access a brand or their partner creator’s TikTok profile. This allows users to follow, engage, and explore their content. Because of this, a brand can build a dedicated community and boost interaction on other brand posts, which enhances reach. Companies that excel at this often see improved brand loyalty and continuous engagement on TikTok.
Data-driven campaign optimization
Businesses can track the performance of their Spark Ads through TikTok’s Ads Manager. This tool can provide data regarding engagement rates and audience demographics. By monitoring this data, businesses can adjust their approach to their Spark Ads to better reach target audiences and optimize their content for maximum engagement. This fine-tuning expands their reach by aligning with user preferences and interests.
Why Brands Should Use Spark Codes
Brands looking to drive sales and connect with users on TikTok should use Spark Codes to increase their engagement on the platform. This tool helps expand a brand’s reach by enabling collaborations with creators and influencers worldwide to create Spark Ads.
But how much do Spark Ads boost engagement metrics for brands that use them? Here are the engagement benefits of Spark Ads to companies on TikTok.
Engagement Benefits
- Increased authenticity and credibility
As previously mentioned, Spark Ads use content created by real influencers and creators, which resonates better with TikTok users. This impact is reflected in a Traackr study, which found that 63% of shoppers are more likely to purchase products recommended by a trusted social media influencer. Since Spark Ads look and feel natural, this helps brands experience a boost in product engagement.
- Improved interaction rates
According to TikTok, Spark Ads experience better campaign results than non-Spark Ads. For instance, they have a 30% higher completion rate, 142% higher engagement rate, 43% higher conversion rate (CVR), and 4% lower cost per mille (CPM) than traditional ads on the platform. Moreover, brands that use Spark Ads experience fewer unintended clicks, leading to a higher CVR.
- Extended video lifespan
Unlike traditional TikTok posts, Spark Ads have longer lifespans. These ads can last from 7 to 365 days. Because of this longevity, brands can reach users multiple times, increasing the likelihood of higher engagement.
- Increased brand recognition
As users engage with Spark Ads, they help spread brand awareness naturally. These ads show a product and a person marketing them. Because of this, there’s a 138% increase in ad recall and a 72% increase in purchase intent, according to a TikTok study. These statistics prove that the tool is an effective marketing tool on TikTok.
Brand Examples
Spark Ads, enabled by Spark Codes, is an effective way to boost a brand’s presence on TikTok. This is proven by the statistics we just shared earlier. That’s why many companies have adopted it in their TikTok marketing strategies. Here are some successful examples:
- Samsung
Samsung is a South Korean conglomerate that produces electronics, home appliances, and medical equipment. It’s active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. On TikTok, the company has 3.9 million followers.
Samsung’s TikTok ad strategy blends traditional ads with Spark Ads. Interestingly, most of their popular ads are Spark Ads made by their partner creators or those that feature celebrities. Here’s an example of an original TikTok video created by Geneva Vanderzeil (@genevavanderzeil) promoting Samsung’s “The Frame” Smart TV that was turned into a Spark Ad by Samsung through Geneva’s Spark Code:
The video was well-received on TikTok, with over 490,000 views, 3,357 likes, and 61,900 comments as of this writing. These high engagement metrics reflect strong interest from TikTok users, marking Samsung’s Spark Ad as a successful campaign.
- Walmart
Walmart is a retail company offering affordable products, including groceries, electronics, and clothing, as well as financial services like money orders and check cashing. The company is active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The company also has its own TikTok account with 1.6 million followers.
Walmart’s TikTok ad strategy mirrors Samsung’s by blending traditional ads with Spark Ads. But there are more Spark Ads than the traditional ones. Here’s an example where Walmart partnered with Jimmy Darts (@jimmydarts) who is a famous and inspirational TikTok creator:
Source: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSjyVAQsF/
The video’s engagement is impressive, with over 502,000 views, 54,000 likes, and 1,069 comments. This is because the Spark Ad depicts a real-life situation where the TikTok creator was helping the family fulfill their Christmas dreams through Walmart. The number of engagements and the authentic messaging this Spark Ad possesses make it an effective campaign.
- Isle of Paradise
Isle of Paradise is a self-tanning brand known for its plant-based products that deliver a natural glow without harmful chemicals. The company is active on popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They can also be found on TikTok with over 130,000 followers.
Isle of Paradise’s TikTok ad strategy combines traditional ads, which often feature popular memes, with Spark Ads, typically showcased as “Day in My Life” or “Get Ready With Me” videos. For example, Audrey Trullinger (@audreytrullinger) demonstrates how to use the Isle of Paradise self-tanning drops in this video:
Source: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSjyses4u/
The video gained significant engagement, with more than 340,000 views, 340,900 likes, and 1,187 comments. It was a successful campaign because the TikTok creator marketed the product using the “Get Ready With Me” format, making it look like she was talking directly to her audience.
Spark Ads vs. regular in-feed ads
A Spark Ad promotes a post that is already live on TikTok. A regular in-feed ad uses a new video uploaded to Ads Manager for the ad.
| Spark Ad | Regular in-feed ad | |
|---|---|---|
| Content | An organic post from the creator’s or the brand’s account | A new video uploaded only for the ad |
| Shown as | The creator’s handle and profile photo | The brand’s ad account |
| Likes and comments | Keeps what the post already has, and new engagement goes to the original post | Starts at zero and stays on the ad |
| Edits | None after posting; the creator makes changes before publishing | Any edit before upload |
Because the ad runs as the creator’s own post, it looks like the rest of the For You feed instead of a brand ad.
Spark codes included. When a creator posts for your TikTok or TikTok Shop campaign on JoinBrands, you receive their Spark Ad code at no extra cost. Create a free brand account to post your first brief.
Creating and Using Spark Codes
Step-by-Step Creation
If you’re a TikTok creator or influencer looking to partner with brands for Spark Ads, you’ll first need to set up your Spark Codes. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Enable ad permissions in Settings > Creator Settings > Ad Settings on TikTok.
Step 2: Choose the video to promote as a Spark Ad. Tap ‘…’ in the lower-right corner, then select “Ad settings.”
Step 3: You’ll be taken to the “Content disclosure and ads” section. From there, enable “Ad Authorization” and select the available period, from 7 days to 365 days.
Step 4: After turning on “Ad Authorization,” a new disclaimer and TikTok’s Advertising Content Terms of Service will appear. You’ll also see the option to generate a TikTok Spark Code.
Step 5: You can change the default 30-day content approval period by selecting “Extend” and choosing a different time. Once you’re sure of the duration for your Spark Code, tap “Generate.”
Step 6: Now, you can share your Spark Code with brands. Just tap “Manage” then “Copy code.” You can then paste the code and send it to brands through a message or email. If you need to remove or adjust it, select “Delete code.”
How long to authorize a post
Creators pick an authorization window between 7 and 365 days when they generate the code. Short windows fit quick tests, trend-based posts and launches. Longer windows fit content you plan to run for months, such as testimonials and product demos. Agree on the window, and on any extra pay for a longer one, before the creator posts. Renegotiating after an ad starts working costs time.
Spark Code Best Practices
When using TikTok Spark Codes for Spark Ads, consider these best practices to maximize their effectiveness:
- Adopt TikTok trends and features: Try to incorporate native TikTok features like Stitch or Duets into your Spark Ads to keep up with current trends. Add humor to break the monotony and prevent an infomercial-like vibe to your videos. These strategies can help increase the visibility of your Spark Ads and boost their engagement.
- Encourage interaction through social proof: Social proof encourages buyers to try new products. So for Spark Ads to be effective, businesses should choose posts with positive interactions, such as likes, comments, and shares.
- Partner with relevant creators: Collaborate with creators whose audiences align with your target demographic to expand your reach and improve Spark Ad performance. Make sure to establish clear communication with them to make your campaign successful.
Spark Ads questions
Can I edit the creator’s video?
No. A Spark Ad runs the post as it was published, with its caption, likes and comments. Ask for changes during review, before the creator posts.
Are Spark Ads the same as whitelisting?
They are related. Whitelisting is the permission: the creator lets your brand run ads with their content and handle. A Spark Ad is the TikTok ad format that uses that permission. The ad runs from your ad account but appears under the creator’s name. Our guide to whitelisting on social media covers Instagram and YouTube too.
Key Takeaways
TikTok is a space where individuals freely express themselves and share their daily lives, perspectives on world issues, fun moments, and more. It’s also a hub for businesses to market their products and services to over a billion users. With TikTok Spark Codes, brands can easily create Spark Ads using content from real creators, allowing them to reach more users organically and boost revenue.
Thus, TikTok Spark Codes, which enable the creation of Spark Ads, are not only transforming the marketing strategies of large companies and prominent influencers but are also supporting startups and emerging creators. This tool, in essence, builds a community of individuals aiming for success.
Unlock Your Brand’s Potential with JoinBrands
JoinBrands is the leading platform for promoting your products on TikTok. With over 500,000 creators and influencers to choose from, you can be sure to find the perfect partner who will organically improve your products’ reach on TikTok.
Already seeing engagement on your videos or ads? Our creators and influencers can boost those using Spark Codes. Plus, our TikTok affiliate tools can help turn views into actions by encouraging audiences to engage directly with your videos.
You can also direct traffic anywhere you want or earn commissions from sales through brand referral bonus links, like those from Amazon.
Create a free brand account and see how JoinBrands can help you scale your content on TikTok and beyond.
