Should Businesses Explore TikTok in 2025? Yes, Probably.

Ahmed Ismail, Digital Advertising Strategist at Foundery

As digital marketing changes quickly, it’s crucial for businesses to keep up with new trends and platform features. TikTok, with its massive global reach and innovative advertising tools, remains a powerful channel for businesses to explore in 2025.

The Power of TikTok’s Audience

TikTok has cemented itself as a cultural and advertising phenomenon, particularly with younger demographics. Its user base, exceeding one billion active users, offers businesses a vast and engaged audience. For brands looking to connect with Gen Z and Millennials, TikTok is often unparalleled in its ability to drive organic engagement and foster brand loyalty through creative storytelling.

Innovative Advertising Features

TikTok’s new search ads and Smart+ tools are making advertising easier and more effective for businesses. These features give advertisers better control over where their ads appear, improve targeting, and simplify campaign management. When paired with in-feed ads, TikTok claims search ads can boost conversions by up to 20%, often at a lower cost per acquisition (CPA).

TikTok also offers a variety of ad formats, such as in-feed ads and branded hashtag challenges. These ads allow businesses to include clear calls to action, like directing users to websites, prompting app downloads, or increasing organic reach.

The search ads feature is particularly exciting because it targets users actively searching for products or services. Since 57% of TikTok users use the search function—23% within just 30 seconds of opening the app—this tool helps brands connect with audiences who are ready to take action.

Search ads are easy to set up and adjust in real-time, letting businesses fine-tune their campaigns for better results. This flexibility helps advertisers reach high-intent audiences at the perfect moment, ensuring their ads stay relevant and effective.

Adapting to Potential Challenges in TikTok Marketing

TikTok is revolutionizing how brands connect with consumers, but businesses should be aware of potential challenges. Ongoing legal uncertainty, including the possible TikTok ban in the U.S. and Canada, could disrupt marketing strategies. With 170 million U.S. users, TikTok’s future is uncertain as the government’s divestment mandate and legal cases continue. Marketers must monitor these developments and consider diversifying their marketing efforts.

TikTok’s algorithms and audience behaviours are also constantly evolving. Marketers need to adapt and optimize campaigns to stay relevant. Fortunately, TikTok’s tools, such as keyword search ads, allow for real-time campaign adjustments, ensuring brands reach the right audience when it counts. Staying flexible will help businesses navigate these challenges while maximizing TikTok’s potential.

TikTok’s Impact on Brand Visibility and Sales

TikTok’s unique short-video format encourages dynamic brand storytelling. Its algorithm favours engaging, authentic content, allowing even small businesses to go viral without huge budgets. Beyond the app, TikTok influences broader trends across the digital landscape.

For businesses, TikTok offers strong ROI potential. With a reach of over 945 million adults, its advanced tools like Smart+ optimize ad placements, bidding, and targeting, improving ROAS by 52%. TikTok is also a key revenue driver, generating $16.1 billion in 2023, with 44% of users making direct purchases. By blending social commerce with viral trends, TikTok supports long-term brand success.

Why You Should Consider TikTok in 2025

TikTok is a powerful marketing tool that businesses should explore in 2025. By focusing on authentic engagement and innovative strategies, brands can tap into TikTok’s global community to drive growth and build meaningful connections. Staying adaptable and using TikTok’s evolving tools will help maximize campaign success.

Ready to grow your brand on TikTok?