Unlocking tik tok: How brands can thrive on this dynamic platform

Believe it or not, TikTok is considered a diversified social media platform. Many people only know TikTok as a social media tool utilised by the younger generation, but it can also be used by businesses to promote their brands.

What is TikTok?

TikTok, a video-based social media app, was launched in September 2016 as a lip-syncing platform. TikTok allows users to create, view, and share short videos ranging from a few seconds to ten minutes long. It is regarded as one of the most downloaded social media apps, with 2.7 billion users worldwide making the apps engagement high-level. Since the launch TikTok has evolved into a platform that not only focuses on entertainment but also focuses on marketing for brands to build a strong network and community.

Who is TikTok’s target audience?

TikTok’s primary target audience was younger generations known as GenZ, yet it has recently garnered users such as millennials, brands, and businesses. TikTok is expanding and becoming a platform that older generations can utilise, therefore businesses can use this as an opportunity to market their brand while ensuring they are reaching their target audience.

What are TikTok ads?

Many social media platforms enable businesses to promote their brands. TikTok ads are one of the platform’s newest features, allowing businesses to increase visibility by engaging with current and new users, to raise brand awareness and sales. There are five TikTok ads that brands can use:

1. Hashtag challenge

Hashtag challenge ads encourage users to use a personalised hashtag that brands have created. A brand may usually get the best results from a hashtag challenge if they collaborate with content creators, as creators assist in influencing users to do the same thing. Viral challenges will contribute to increased participation, community, and brand visibility.

2. Brand Effects

Brand effects allow brands to develop their own filters, which users may use in their TikTok videos. Users who use the brand filters help to boost brand awareness.

3. TopView

TopView ads enable businesses to advertise in a non-intrusive manner to users by marketing their brand above other postings in a feed. TopView can be posted for 60 seconds and will play immediately with sound if audio is present in the video.

4. In-feed ads

In-feed ads enable businesses to publish videos or carousel ads that include a link that, when clicked, takes users to a landing page or webpage.

5. Brand Takeover

Brand takeover occurs when a business advertises its brand on the user’s TikTok app as soon as it is opened. The ad will appear on the app as a full-screen video, either as an image, GIF, or video, with a clickable link directing the user to a specific website that the brand wishes them to visit.

What are the benefits of TikTok for businesses?

Although TikTok marketing is still expanding, the social media platform offers businesses the potential to market their brand on a platform that connects and reaches new audiences through narrative and innovation. There are a few benefits for brands when using TikTok:

1. Enhance Brand Awareness

With TikTok being so popular, brands may reach a varied audience while also increasing visibility by publishing videos.

2. Expand your Audience

Brands may build their audience on TikTok because users come from all over the world, helping them to broaden their reach.

3. Gain New Customers

TikTok assists brands by developing new strong relationships with users through the creation of original content, increasing the likelihood of turning audiences into customers.

4. Promote Merchandise

When using TikTok marketing, it is important to understand that it does not always feel like marketing because there are various ways a brand can promote their product without being intrusive, such as partnering with a content creator that users trust and creating both helpful and entertaining videos.

TikTok is more than just an entertainment platform; it’s also an effective tool for businesses trying to interact and expand their audience. Businesses may effectively create brand exposure, foster community, and drive sales by using TikTok’s emphasis on creativity. The platform’s viral potential and inventive marketing possibilities may revolutionise how brands connect with their audiences, making it critical for businesses looking to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry. For those prepared to take the risk, the benefits can be enormous, paving the path for growth and a stronger connection. So, whether you are just starting out or looking to improve your current strategy, now is the time to see what TikTok can do for your business.

Feeling inspired and ready to get your business on TikTok? Contact us by email hello@polkadotdigital.co.za, phone 064 8077 268 or fill in the form at www.polkadotdigital.co.za/contact/