Choosing a TikTok ads agency: criteria to compare
To choose a TikTok ads agency, match its platform focus and client type to yours. Check its own site for work like yours. Ask who runs the account, how it reports results and who owns the data. Send every agency the same brief and compare answers side by side.
What does a TikTok ads agency do?
A TikTok ads agency plans and runs TikTok ad campaigns.
It makes or sources short-form video creative.
It works with creators.
It sets up the TikTok pixel and Events API.
It reports results.
Criteria to compare
Use the same points on every agency. The table has no fees.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Native creative | TikTok rewards videos that look made for TikTok. | Ask to see live ads they made. |
| Creator access | Many TikTok ads use creators. | Ask how they find and pay creators. |
| TikTok Shop experience | Shop ads need a catalog and seller setup. | Case studies on the agency's site. |
| Tracking setup | Bad tracking hides real results. | Ask about the pixel and Events API. |
| Account ownership | You keep your data and history if you leave. | The contract and the onboarding plan. |
How much does a TikTok ads agency cost?
Fees depend on scope and spend.
Promethean Research's 2026 Digital Agency Industry Reportfound29%of surveyed agencies bill$175 to $199an hour.
That band is an hourly rate across agencies. It is not a TikTok-only fee.
Ask each agency to price the same scope.
Readwhat a marketing agency costsfor the other public figures. Readretainer vs project pricingfor how the bill is structured.
Questions to ask
- Can you show TikTok ads you made for a brand like ours?
- Who makes the videos, and how many new ones do you test each month?
- How do you find, brief, and pay creators?
- Will you set up the TikTok pixel and Events API?
- Do you run TikTok Shop ads, and do you need seller access?
Red flags
- They reuse Meta ads without editing them for TikTok.
- Creator usage rights are not in writing.
- They hold your ad account.
- Reports show views but not sales or leads.
- They promise a fixed result.
How to compare two or three agencies
Send every agency the same brief.
Ask the same questions.
Compare the answers on the criteria table.
Agency, freelancer, or in-house
Readpaid social agency vs freelancer vs in-housefor the staffing choice.
That guide compares the three ways to staff the work. This page stays on TikTok criteria.
Creator work also sits on UGC and influencer. Readinfluencer agency or UGC agencywhen the job is creators rather than the ad account.
The wider channel is on paid social.
Browse TikTok ads agencies A to Z
Open TikTok ads agencies. The list is A to Z. Position is not a rank.
TikTok keeps a separate list calledTikTok Marketing Partners. This directory is not that list. A place on either list is not a rank.
FAQ
How do I choose a TikTok ads agency?
To choose a TikTok ads agency, match its platform focus and client type to yours. Check its own site for work like yours. Ask who runs the account, how it reports results and who owns the data. Send every agency the same brief and compare answers side by side.
What does a TikTok ads agency do?
A TikTok ads agency plans and runs TikTok ad campaigns, makes or sources short-form video creative, works with creators, sets up the TikTok pixel and Events API, and reports results.
How much does a TikTok ads agency cost?
Fees depend on scope and spend. Promethean Research found 29% of surveyed agencies bill $175 to $199 an hour. Ask each agency to price the same scope.
What should I ask a TikTok ads agency?
Can you show TikTok ads you made for a brand like ours? Who makes the videos, and how many new ones do you test each month? How do you find, brief and pay creators?
Who owns the creator videos?
Your contract decides. Get usage rights, length of use and paid-ad permission in writing before any video runs.
Does Listed Agencies rank TikTok ads agencies?
No. Listings are unpaid and sorted A to Z. Each one shows facts from the agency's own site.
Related guides
- Choosing a Meta ads agency: criteria to compare
- Paid social agency vs freelancer vs in-house: how to decide
Next step
Browse TikTok ads agencies A to Z and pick two or three to contact.