By: Marcela Mack

Don’t Get Left Behind

At this point, if you aren’t on TikTok, not only are you missing out, but people are missing out on you. If your brand has any interest in targeting a young audience, then it is important to create a strong presence on their favorite app.

TikTok is no longer just the app for kids to watch funny videos on, it is the fastest growing platform in the world. Countless brands and businesses are growing by cultivating engagement on TikTok. If you can follow trends and make relatable content that applies to your brand, you can tap into an entirely new demographic.

Stats You Should Know

TikTok has over 800 million active users (Forbes).
TikTok has been downloaded over 2 billion times on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (Sensor Tower).
TikTok is ranked #2 globally (AppTrace).
TikTok is available in 141 of the 155 countries (AppTrace).

How To Utilize Tik Tok For Promotion

If you have a target audience of ages 16-30, TikTok can be a perfect avenue to gain exposure.

Making a video on TikTok doesn’t require any fancy filming or editing skills. In fact, it will be more beneficial to make your videos the same way most users do: on your iPhone through the TikTok app. This way, your viewers will relate to you and feel more connected, rather than feeling like they’re watching an ad.

Let Your TikTok BE YOUR AD!

If your team can make engaging videos that highlight the brand personality, then viewers will be attracted to that authenticity. You could even have a little fun and participate in challenges or dance trends. It’s all about giving a face to the company. It doesn’t only have to be trendy content either. For example, you can include animated text in a dance video that gets your message across.

In-Feed Ads

Now, if you would like to actually make an Ad, TikTok has paved the way so that your ad can seamlessly blend in with user-generated content on the “For You” page. It is important to make your ad in the form of a TikTok similar to what typical users make. A traditional ad will be disruptive to the user’s experience and it will stand out (in a bad way).

“Unlike typical digital marketing, successful branded content on TikTok doesn't wrench user attention away from native content, it sits alongside the videos created by other users – everyone from A-list celebs and musicians to students, nurses, firefighters, builders, cosmetics enthusiasts and sportspeople. It integrates seamlessly within the TikTok experience.”
-Campaign

User Engagement

TikTok is a collaborative, creative space. Users will engage with your video through comments, duets, stitched videos, or using your product hashtags. It is important to check these and reply to users to keep them interested.

Influencers

Another avenue is to have influencers or popular “TikTokers” promote your product or brand. These influencers have thousands to millions of followers who have built trust with them. If your product is promoted by an influencer, you will see a whole new route for exposure opened up.

Big Brands That Are Thriving on TikTok

Some brands have already capitalized on this massive market of youths.

Nike

Nike started its #MagicBoots campaign, encouraging users to film their best soccer tricks in their Nike shoes. They used an influencer, Ben, to promote the campaign. The #MagicBoots campaign now has over 1.1 Billion views.

Gymshark

Gymshark makes its TikTok page relatable and funny, which has piled up a good 2.4 million followers. They have a multitude of influencers and athletes whom they sponsor that make content for them. They also post gym memes and workout challenges that engage their audience.

Chipotle

Chipotle always goes above and beyond with their challenges and initiatives. In April, 2020, famous YouTuber, David Dobrik, launched a campaign with chipotle giving away five cars that offer you free chipotle. The challenge inspired users to make their best video on why they should be chosen, using the #ChipotleSponsorMe hashtag.

I’ll admit, even I threw my hat in the ring for this one.

Why You Should Be Using TikTok to Market Your Brand