TikTok isn’t just a social media app anymore – it has become an Ecommerce sensation. Brands that know how to use it win big by tapping into the TikTok’s massive audience of high purchase intent.
But here it gets a bit tricky: TikTok offers multiple Ad formats, and selecting the right one can make all the efforts worthwhile.
The two most talked-about opinions? TikTok Ads and TikTok Shop Ads. You might confuse them together but these are world’s apart in what they do.
Having a decent understanding of the basics will help you decide what path to choose on your TikTok monetization journey.
Let’s break down these two in a way that actually makes sense:
What are TikTok Ads? (The Traditional Advertising Approach)
TikTok Ads are what most people think of when they hear “TikTok marketing”. They help brands get noticed, boost engagement, and drive traffic – whether to a website, app, or a dedicated social media page.
These Ads blend into the TikTok casual experience, and make them feel fun and native, instead of formal and salesman-type in nature.
Types of TikTok Ads:
- In-Feed Ads – Mixes into the regular TikToks but are actually paid promotions. They pop up on “For You” page and prove very valuable for brand awareness.
- TopView Ads – The first thing users see when they open TikTok. These full-screen Ads demand attention (and usually come with a high cost)
- Branded Hashtag Challenges – Want customers to create content for you? This format encourages participation around a specific hashtag, thus boosting organic marketing.
- Branded Effects – Custom stickers, filters, and AR effects that users can apply to their own videos, making your brand a part of their content.
These types are best suited to build awareness, gain followers, and drive external traffic to a website or an app.
What are TikTok Shop Ads?
TikTok Shop Ads take things to the next level, by enabling users to buy products directly within the app.
No more irritating the users by sending them to an external website. They can enjoy the perks of in-app shopping without going anywhere.
Types of TikTok Shop Ads
Product Showcase Tab – The most prominent section and acts as your brand’s storefront. Users can browse and shop directly from your profile.
Live Shopping Ads – You must have seen someone who was showing off a product, and then a “Buy Now” button pops up. This is it. Perfect for real-time selling and impulsive purchasing.
Shoppable In-Feed Videos – Looks like a regular TikTok, but has one big difference: Users can tap and buy instantly without leaving the app. How cool is that!
These types are best suited for Ecommerce brands and sellers looking for generate direct sales instead of just engagement.
TikTok Ads vs. TikTok Shop Ads: The Differences?
| Feature | TikTok Ads | TikTok Shop Ads |
| Main Objective | Brand awareness, engagement, and traffic | Direct product sales within TikTok |
| Ad Format | Videos, hashtags, branded effects | Shoppable videos, product pages, live shopping |
| User Experience | Redirects users to an external website | Allows users to buy directly on TikTok |
| Best Suited for | Businesses focused on branding, app downloads, and external traffic | E-commerce brands selling physical products |
Which One Should You Choose?
Use TikTok Ads if your goal is to:
- Build brand awareness
- Boost Engagement rate
- Drive traffic to an external site
- Sell services, apps, or gain viral exposure
Use TikTok Shop Ads if your goal is to:
- Sell physical products
- Turn TikTok into your personal storefront
- Ideal for E-commerce brands, fashion, beauty, and gadgets
Use Both if:
You want the best of both worlds – brand awareness & direct sales
Your TikTok Strategy Needs an Upgrade — Let’s Make it Happen!
Still can’t decide between TikTok Ads and TikTok Shop Ads? Even if you do understand the difference, but its implementation within your business is a whole different game.
We understand these frustrations. So to keep you at ease and not make you regret by choosing between the two. Shopin Ecom takes a wholesome approach by creating a fusion of both Ad types.
If you leave any one of them, you might simplify your management, but you are leaving money on the table. Shopin Ecom makes sure that you get the best of both worlds — and maximizes your revenue, visibility, and virality.
