How to Find Ad Code on TikTok

Trying to find the ad code for a TikTok video can feel like a scavenger hunt if you don’t know where to look. Whether you're a creator granting a brand permission to use your work or a marketer trying to run a killer campaign, getting that code is the first step. This guide will show you exactly how to find and generate a TikTok ad code, step-by-step, and explain what to do with it once you have it.

First Things First: What Exactly Is a TikTok Ad Code?

A TikTok ad code, sometimes called an authorization code, is a unique string of characters that links a specific organic TikTok video to an advertiser's account. In simple terms, it's a digital permission slip. When a creator generates this code, they're giving a brand the green light to take their organic video and run it as an ad, specifically as what TikTok calls a "Spark Ad."

Why is this so popular? Because Spark Ads use existing, organic content. They feel more authentic, perform incredibly well, and let brands tap into a creator's established voice and audience. This process allows comments, shares, and likes from the ad campaign to accumulate on the original organic post, boosting its social proof even further.

So, whether you're a user trying to let your favorite brand boost your video or a full-time creator working on a paid partnership, this is how you make it happen.

How to Generate a TikTok Ad Code (For Creators)

If a brand has asked you for an "ad code," "authorization code," or wants to run your video as a Spark Ad, here are the exact steps to follow. It only takes a minute once you know where to go.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Account is Ready

Before you can generate a code, you need to have either a Creator Account or a Business Account. You can't generate ad codes from a standard Personal Account. Most creators already have this set up, but if you're not sure, here's how to check:

• Go to your TikTok profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
• Select "Settings and privacy."
• Tap on "Account."
• If you see an option to "Switch to Business Account" or "Switch to Personal Account," it means you have a Creator Account. If you only see "Switch to Business Account," you have a Personal Account and need to switch to either a Creator or Business account type to proceed.

Making the switch is free and gives you access to analytics and other tools, so it's a good move for anyone creating content regularly.

Step 2: Find the Video and Open Ad Settings

Now, head to the specific video the brand wants to use. Once you have the video open:

1. Tap the three dots (...) icon on the right side of the screen.
2. This opens up a menu with options like "Save video" and "Duet." Scroll through the bottom row of icons until you find "Ad settings." It usually has a little flame or megaphone icon.

Can't find it? If you don't see the "Ad settings" option, double-check that you're on a Creator or Business account. If you are, your app might just be out of date. And in rare cases, this feature may not be available for videos using certain sounds not licensed for commercial use.

Step 3: Authorize the Ad and Set a Timeframe

Once you tap on "Ad settings," you'll see a simple screen with a toggle switch. This is where you grant permission.

1. Tap the toggle next to "Ad authorization" to turn it on.
2. Below the toggle, you’ll be asked to agree to TikTok's Advertising Terms of Service. Tick the box.
3. Next, you'll choose the authorization period. This is extremely important! This period determines how long the brand can use your video as an ad. The options are typically:
   • 7 days
   • 30 days
   • 60 days
   • 365 days

Consider your agreement with the brand when selecting this timeframe. Is this for a short holiday campaign or something they plan to use for a longer period? Once the period expires, the brand can no longer run ads with your content unless you generate a new code. After picking a timeframe, tap "Authorize."

Step 4: Generate, Copy, and Share the Code

After you authorize it, the next screen is where the magic happens.

1. Tap the "Generate" button. TikTok will create a unique code for this video.
2. You will see the authorization period you chose and a "Copy code" button. Tap it to copy the code to your clipboard.
3. You're all set! Now you can paste this code into an email or direct message and send it to your brand partner. Make sure you send it exactly as it appears.

And that's it! Your part is done. The brand now has everything they need to turn your authentic organic video into a high-performing ad.

What Do Brands Do With The Ad Code? (For Marketers)

Okay, marketers, the creator has sent you the code. Now what? Your job is to plug it into the TikTok Ads Manager to get your Spark Ad running.

1. Log into your TikTok Ads Manager account.
2. Start a new campaign. Your objective can be whatever fits your goals (e.g., Reach, Video Views, conversions).
3. In the "Ad Group" settings, toggle on the switch for "Use TikTok account to deliver Spark Ads."
4. At the "Ad" level, under Ad details, choose "TikTok Post."
5. Click on "+Authorize TikTok Post." This will bring up a window asking for the video code.
6. Paste the code the creator gave you into the search bar and click "Search."
7. Their video will appear. Select it, click "Confirm," and you’re ready to finalize your ad creatives and launch the campaign. The ad will now run from the creator's handle, driving traffic and engagement directly to their profile and your campaign goals.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Running into problems? It happens. Here are a few common hiccups and how to fix them.

"I can't find the 'Ad settings' option on my video!"

This is the most common issue. Here’s a quick checklist to run through:

• Account Type: Double-check that your account is set to Business or Creator, not Personal. This is the solution 9 times out of 10.
• App Updates: Is your TikTok app up to date? Head to your app store and check for any pending updates.
• Video Sound: Some copyrighted music from the general sound library isn't cleared for commercial use. If a brand wants you to create a video specifically for ads, it's best to use commercially-cleared music from TikTok's Commercial Music Library or original audio.

"Can I turn off ad access after I give authorization?"

Yes, you can! A creator who has authorized a post can turn off authorization at any time. Simply go back to the "Ad settings" of that video and tap the "De-authorize" button. Just remember that this will stop any active ads the brand is running with your content, so it’s best to communicate with your partner before making any changes.

"The brand I'm working with says my code is invalid."

If a code doesn't work, there are two likely causes:

• Typos: The brand might have copied it incorrectly. Sending a screenshot along with the text can help verify it.
• Expiration: The authorization period might have expired. If you set it for 7 days and they're trying to use it on day 8, it won’t work. You'll need to generate a new code.

Finding the ad code on TikTok is straightforward once you know the steps. It’s a powerful tool that helps creators and brands work together to create authentic, engaging marketing that actually connects with an audience.

Final Thoughts

Generating a TikTok ad code is a simple process that bridges the gap between organic content creation and performance marketing. By following a few quick taps inside the app's ad settings, you can authorize brands to share your best work, turning authentic moments into powerful advertising campaigns that benefit both parties.

As we've seen, managing these partnerships - from planning content to tracking performance across both organic and paid posts - is a huge part of the process. Keeping all your planned creator content visually organized in a calendar and later comparing its performance directly with Spark Ad analytics is a game-changer. That's why we built Postbase with a clean, visual calendar and unified analytics dashboard, helping you see everything in one place and turn collaborative chaos into a seamless and efficient workflow.