It’s not new! TikTok has been thriving under the influence of GenZ/millennials, fueled by UGC, influencer content and a scroll-stopping algorithm. And to be honest, both brands and creators are cashing in on the hype. At the heart of its advertising success is Spark Ads, a native ad format that lets brands boost organic content...
It’s not new! TikTok has been thriving under the influence of GenZ/millennials, fueled by UGC, influencer content and a scroll-stopping algorithm. And to be honest, both brands and creators are cashing in on the hype.
At the heart of its advertising success is Spark Ads, a native ad format that lets brands boost organic content created by real users. Unlike traditional ads, Spark Ads feel natural, authentic, and personal, exactly what modern consumers want.
According to TikTok, Spark Ads deliver 142% higher engagement rates and 43% higher conversion rates than standard In-Feed Ads. Why? Because they don’t disrupt the feed, they blend in. It is driven by content people already trust that is User-Generated Content (UGC).
What Are TikTok Spark Ads?
TikTok Spark Ads are a native ad format that allows brands to promote existing organic content, either from their own account or a creator’s. Instead of creating new branded content, brands can amplify authentic TikTok videos that have already been published keeping the original creator’s identity and engagement intact.
This is what makes Spark Ads different from traditional In-Feed Ads:
- They appear as part of a user’s natural ‘For You’ feed.
- They carry over the original likes, comments, and shares.
- They showcase the creator’s real profile, not a sponsored handle.
- Viewers can click through to the creator’s profile or the brand’s landing page.
Why Spark Ads Outperform Traditional Ads
Spark Ads are built on authenticity and that’s exactly why they perform so well. According to TikTok for Business, Spark Ads generate a 142% higher engagement rate compared to standard In-Feed Ads. They also drive a 43% higher conversion rate, largely because they don’t feel like ads at all. On average, viewers spend 24% more time watching Spark Ads, thanks to their native, scroll-stopping nature. Plus, since they carry over real comments, likes, and shares from the original post, they deliver stronger social proof that builds trust and drives action.
In short, Spark Ads combine the credibility of UGC with the reach of paid advertising making them one of the most effective tools in the TikTok ad arsenal.
How Do Spark Ads Work?
Spark Ads work by using a Spark code, a special authorization generated by a TikTok creator that allows a brand to promote their video.
Here’s how the process works step-by-step:
- The Creator Publishes a Video
A creator posts organic content featuring your product often as part of a gifting campaign or brand collaboration.
- You Request Their Spark Code
If you want to promote that content as an ad, you ask the creator for a Spark code from TikTok (this gives you temporary ad access to their video). On platforms like Skeepers, this process is automated and streamlined within your campaign dashboard.
- You Launch the Ad Using Their Video
Once you receive the Spark code, you can create an ad that runs from the creator’s account, complete with their handle, comments, likes, and video performance intact.
- The Ad Reaches New Audiences
Spark Ads are served to your selected audience segments, just like a typical paid campaign, but with all the social proof and authenticity of UGC.
- You Track Results Like Any Other Paid Campaign
You get performance insights and can optimize for reach, engagement, or conversions depending on your campaign objective.
Why Will a Creator Agree to Do This?
Creators benefit from Spark Ads too. Their content gets more exposure, they retain ownership, and they can build credibility as performance-driving partners. That’s why they’re often happy to collaborate when approached.
Why UGC is the Secret Weapon in Spark Ads
Consumers trust people more than brands, especially on TikTok. That’s why UGC is the engine behind high-performing Spark Ads.
UGC feels real, relatable, and unfiltered, exactly what today’s shoppers are drawn to. When brands amplify creator content using Spark Ads, they tap into authenticity, credibility, and social proof that polished brand ads simply can’t match.
The results speak for themselves:
- UGC-led ads see a 43% increase in conversion rates
- TikTok users are 2.4x more likely to trust user content than brand-created content
How to Source UGC That’s Ready for Spark Ads
Before you can amplify creator content with Spark Ads, you need the right UGC such as videos that feel genuine, engaging, and aligned with your brand. Here’s how to source it effectively:
Partner with Influencers & Micro-Creators
Work with creators who align with your audience. Micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) often have higher engagement rates and more trust from their communities making their content ideal for Spark Ads.
Run Product Seeding or Gifting Campaigns
Send your product to creators in exchange for honest reviews or unboxing videos. Use platforms like Skeepers to scale gifted collaborations and collect high-quality UGC efficiently.
Identify Top-Performing Organic Content
Track which influencer videos are already getting traction such as high views, comments, and shares are clear signals that a piece of content is Spark Ad–worthy.
Running Spark Ads Campaigns on the Skeepers Platform
Managing Spark Ads doesn’t have to involve endless back-and-forth with creators or juggling spreadsheets. With Skeepers, everything you need to launch and manage Spark Ads is built right into the platform — making the entire process faster, clearer, and more scalable.
Here’s How It Works Step-by-Step:
1. Identify Eligible Content
Navigate to the Reports > Content tab in your Skeepers dashboard. Filter by campaign and performance metrics to spot high-performing TikTok videos from creators you’ve collaborated with.
2. Request Spark Codes
With one click, you can request a Spark Code for any published video. The creator receives a notification, and can either approve or decline directly within the platform.
3. Manage Creator Approvals
No chasing via DMs or emails. You can track pending approvals, send reminders, and receive Spark Codes, all in one centralized view. Request Spark codes from as many TikTok creators as you like and scale your reach with ease.
4. Launch and Track Campaign Performance
Once you have the Spark Code, integrate it into your TikTok Ads Manager to boost the video. You can monitor ad performance, including engagement and conversions, and compare against other UGC-driven ads right inside your campaign analytics.
Why Use Skeepers for Spark Ads?
- Centralized Workflow: Manage influencer selection, content, and ad boosting in one place
- Faster Turnaround: No need to leave the platform to get Spark Code permissions
- Transparency: Track creator approvals and campaign status in real time
- Seamless Collaboration: Clear communication flows between your team and the creators
- Scalability: Easily request the Spark codes from as many TikTok video content creators as you like
Skeepers turns Spark Ads into a streamlined, scalable UGC engine, helping you boost performance while building stronger creator relationships.
Conclusion
In a world where consumers crave authenticity and skip past anything that feels overly polished, UGC + TikTok Spark Ads is the winning formula for building trust and driving results.
Spark Ads let brands meet audiences where they are in the feed, with content they already love. And when that content comes from real creators, not ad studios, the impact is exponentially greater.
Now more than ever, it’s time to invest in creator content that performs, and to do it in a way that’s efficient, scalable, and transparent. With Skeepers, you can manage everything from creator collaboration to Spark Code approvals and campaign tracking, all in one place.
