How to Send an Ad Code on TikTok

Sending a TikTok Ad Code is an essential step for creators and brands looking to collaborate on high-performing ad campaigns. It’s the official handshake that allows a brand to put advertising muscle behind a creator's organic video, transforming it into what's known as a Spark Ad. This guide breaks down exactly what an Ad Code is, why it’s so effective, and provides step-by-step instructions for both creators generating the code and brands using it to run their ads.

What Is a TikTok Ad Code (and Why Should You Care)?

A TikTok Ad Code is a unique, auto-generated string of characters that creators can produce for a specific video. When a creator sends this code to a brand, they are granting the brand permission to promote that exact video as an in-feed ad using their TikTok Ads Manager account. This process is the gateway to creating what TikTok calls “Spark Ads.”

Unlike traditional ads that are posted from a brand’s own account, Spark Ads run directly from the creator’s account. This means the ad appears in the For You Page just like the original organic video, complete with the creator’s handle, bio, and all the existing likes, comments, and shares. It feels less like an interruption and more like a native part of the user experience, leading to more authentic connection and better campaign results.

The core difference is authenticity. A standard ad might feature great content, but it comes from a brand profile, which can sometimes feel disconnected. A Spark Ad, powered by an Ad Code, leverages the creator’s established trust and social proof, making the promotion feel like a genuine recommendation instead of a stark advertisement.

The Benefits of Using a TikTok Ad Code

The simple act of generating and using an Ad Code opens up a ton of advantages for everyone involved. It bridges the gap between user-generated content and paid media, creating a powerful marketing synergy.

For Brands: Supercharge Your Campaigns with Authenticity

• Tap into Real Influence: By using a creator's actual post, you borrow their credibility. The ad feels like an authentic UGC recommendation rather than a polished corporate message, building instant trust with potential customers.
• Boost Performance with Social Proof: Spark Ads carry over all the existing engagement from the organic post. When an ad shows up with thousands of likes and positive comments already attached, viewers are far more likely to pay attention and engage with it. Numbers from TikTok show that Spark Ads often see a significant lift in both view-through rate and conversion compared to non-Spark Ads.
• Streamline Your Creative Process: Instead of spending time and resources creating ad content from scratch, you can identify a creator’s video that is already performing well and simply amplify its reach. You’re betting on content that has already proven its ability to resonate with an audience.
• Build Stronger Creator Relationships: Incorporating creators into your paid strategy this way shows you value their unique voice and content style. It professionalizes the relationship and sets the foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

For Creators: Monetize and Expand Your Reach

• Unlock New Monetization Streams: Providing Ad Codes is a primary way for creators to get paid by brands. You’re not just being paid for creating a video, you’re being compensated for lending your influence and allowing its use in a paid campaign.
• Grow Your Audience: When a brand puts ad spend behind your video, your content is pushed to a much larger, highly targeted audience that likely hasn't discovered your profile yet. This can lead to a substantial increase in followers, views, and overall profile engagement.
• Maintain Creative Control: You have complete control over which of your videos can be used for ads. You also get to set the authorization period, deciding how long the brand has permission to run the ad (for example, 30 days or 90 days). The power remains in your hands.
• Validate Your Influence: Working professionally with brands on Spark Ads helps build your portfolio. It's a tangible way to show other potential partners that your content not only engages organically but also drives measurable results for businesses.

How to Send an Ad Code on TikTok: A Creator's Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a creator, generating an Ad Code is a straightforward process from within the TikTok app. You don't need access to the Ads Manager or any other external tools. Just follow these steps.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Ad Settings are Enabled

Before you can generate a code for an individual video, you first need to permit ads in your account's main settings. Many creators have this on by default, but it's always good to check.

1. Go to your profile page and tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger" menu) in the top-right corner.
2. Select "Creator tools."
3. Scroll down and find the "Ad settings" toggle. Make sure it is switched on (green).

If this setting is off, you won't see the option to create an Ad Code on your videos.

Step 2: Choose the Video and Generate the Code

Once your account settings are ready, you can create a code for any specific video on your profile.

1. Go to your profile and find the video you have agreed to let the brand promote.
2. Tap on the video to open it.
3. Tap the three dots (...) on the right-hand side of the screen.
4. In the bottom row of icons, swipe to the right until you find the "Ad settings" option (it might look like a flame or rocket icon on some devices). Tap on it.
5. You'll see a screen to manage ad authorization. First, you must agree to the TikTok Ads Terms of Service if you haven't already. Then, toggle on the "Ad authorization" switch.
6. Next, select the Authorization period. This is how long the brand can use your video as an ad. The options are typically 7, 30, 60, or 365 days. Important: This should match what you’ve agreed upon with the brand beforehand.
7. Tap "Authorize."
8. A new button will appear: "Generate code." Tap it. It might take a moment, but then a code will be created.
9. Tap "Copy code."

Step 3: Send the Code Securely to the Brand

You now have the code copied to your clipboard. The final step is to deliver it to your brand partner. Simply paste the code into the communication channel you've been using with them, such as an email, direct message, or project management tool. Don't forget that codes expire after a certain period (usually after you've authorized it), so let the brand know they should use it promptly.

A Brand's Guide: How to Use an Ad Code for a Spark Ad

Once a creator has sent you their Ad Code, it’s your turn to plug it into the TikTok Ads Manager and get your campaign running. Here’s how you do it.

Step 1: Navigate to Your TikTok Ads Manager

Log into your business's TikTok Ads Manager account. This is the central dashboard where all your campaigns are created and managed.

Step 2: Create Your Campaign

Begin the process of setting up a new ad campaign by clicking the "Create" button. Choose your advertising objective (e.g., Reach, Traffic, Conversions), set your budget, and define your target audience just as you would for any other ad.

Step 3: Choose Spark Ad as the Identity

When you get to the Ad Group level and then the Ad level of your campaign setup, you'll reach the "Identity" section. This is the critical juncture.

• Instead of using your brand’s TikTok account, toggle on the option that says "Use TikTok account to deliver Spark Ads."
• Under "TikTok Account," choose "Use other authorized account or post." This tells TikTok you won't be using a post from your own account.

Step 4: Enter the Creator's Ad Code

At this point, a field will appear labeled "+ Authorize TikTok Post." This is where you’ll use the code.

1. Click inside the search bar under "Authorized Post."
2. Paste the Ad Code you received from the creator into the text box and click the "Search" button.
3. The creator’s video will pop up. Click on it to select it, then click "Confirm."

The system has now linked the creator's video to your ad setup. The ad will run from their handle, but all billing and analytics will be managed within your Ads Manager.

Step 5: Finalize and Launch Your Ad

With the creative in place, all that's left is to finalize the ad. Add a compelling Call-To-Action (CTA) button and enter the destination URL where you want to send people who click your ad (e.g., your product page). Once everything looks good, you can proceed to submit and launch your Spark Ad campaign.

Final Thoughts

The TikTok Ad Code is the simple key that unlocks one of the platform's most powerful advertising features. It enables a seamless partnership between brands and creators, allowing businesses to leverage authenticity and social proof while helping creators monetize their content and grow their channels. Following the steps properly ensures a smooth, effective collaboration from start to finish.

Coordinating with multiple creators, tracking active ad codes, and planning your overall content calendar can quickly become a logistical challenge. When we built Postbase, we focused on creating a clean, modern visual calendar that gives you a bird's-eye view of your entire strategy. Our platform helps you organize both your organic posts and influencer collaborations, so you can see gaps, reschedule content easily, and keep your campaigns on track without relying on chaotic spreadsheets.