Can you run a creator's TikTok video as an ad?
Short answer: Yes, through TikTok Spark Ads. The creator turns on "Ad authorization" for the video, picks a duration and generates a code for the brand. The brand applies the code in its ad account. The video stays on the creator's account and keeps its likes and comments. Before you hire, agree the authorisation period, the fee for ad use, and that the creator won't delete or hide the video while ads are running.
Why this matters for convenience-store products: if a creator's video saying "you can get it at the 7-Eleven near you" does well organically, you can boost it straight away in areas where the product is in stock, without reshooting.
The steps, per TikTok's documentation
From the TikTok API for Business page and ad tools that use the same flow:
- The creator opens the video, taps the three dots and chooses Ad settings.
- They switch on Ad authorization and pick a duration.
- They tap Generate code and send it to the brand.
- The brand applies the code in TikTok Ads Manager. Authorisation only takes effect once the code is applied.
TikTok's documentation adds that duets and stitches also need a code from the original post's owner. Sprinklr lists 7, 30, 60 or 365 days as duration options; check the current app before you agree terms, because options can change.
What the creator agreement should say
| Topic | Spell out |
|---|---|
| Authorisation period | How many days, and whether it can be extended |
| Fee | Content fee and ad-usage fee, separate or combined |
| Deleting or hiding | Not allowed while authorisation is active |
| On-screen claims | Product name, price and where to buy are correct; what happens if the price changes |
| Edits | Whether the brand may cut or add text |
Which videos to boost
Don't pick by views alone. Pick videos that actually lead to buying: comments asking where to buy, people saying they bought it, or sales moving in that area. A funny video that never says where to buy will mostly buy you more views.
Before boosting, target areas where stores have stock and set aside control stores so you can read the result.
Limits
- Steps and in-app options change with TikTok updates; check the app.
- There is no standard rate for ad-usage fees, so none is given here.
- Check TikTok's commercial music rules for any track in a video you plan to boost.
FAQ
How is this different from downloading the video and posting it on the brand account? Spark Ads run the post from the creator's account directly, engagement stays on the original, and you don't need the raw file.
What does the creator get? Besides the agreed fee, TikTok's Creator Academy says creators can be rewarded when brands promote their posts through TikTok's programme.
Does Flowup do this? Flowup runs TikTok work tied to 7-Eleven store sales, including picking which creator videos to boost in areas with stock.
Sources
- TikTok API for Business, Apply an authorization code: https://business-api.tiktok.com/portal/docs/apply-an-authorization-code/v1.3
- Sprinklr Help Center, Spark Ads from authorised posts: https://www.sprinklr.com/help/articles/create-tiktok-spark-ads/create-spark-ads-using-authorized-tiktok-posts/63f0cd5fe024591337249ae0
- TikTok Creator Academy, brand tagging and Spark Ads authorisation: https://www.tiktok.com/creator-academy/en/article/brand-tagging-and-spark-ads-authorization
- Run TikTok ads only where the stock is: https://www.flowupth.com/en/insights/tiktok-ads-where-stock-is
Related guide: Listed in 7-Eleven Thailand but Not Selling?
Next step: Not sure where your product should start? Send the Flowup team your product and where it sells today, on LINE or by email.
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