If you’re still on the fence about TikTok ads, let me be blunt – you’re leaving money on the table.

I’ve worked in digital marketing for years, watching platforms come and go. I’ve seen Facebook’s golden days, Instagram’s rise, and the LinkedIn resurgence. But TikTok? It’s in a league of its own. It’s no longer just for Gen Z dance trends. It’s an advertising powerhouse, and UK businesses that aren’t leveraging it are missing out – big time.

Let’s talk about why.

Your Audience Is Already There—And Engaged

First, let’s kill the myth that TikTok is just for teenagers. Sure, it started that way, but the platform has evolved. In the UK, TikTok is packed with users across all demographics, with a strong presence of 18–34-year-olds. And the best part? They’re engaged. Unlike passive scrollers on Facebook, TikTok users actively consume and interact with content.

Think about it: how often do you mindlessly scroll through Instagram stories? Now compare that to how TikTok sucks you in, serving up one captivating video after another. That’s the difference. Your ads aren’t just “seen” on TikTok—they’re watched.

Organic Reach Is Insane (And Ads Perform Even Better)

Remember when Facebook and Instagram let you grow your brand organically? Those days are gone unless you have deep pockets. But TikTok? It’s still the Wild West. Even small brands with zero followers can go viral overnight if they post the right content.

Now, pair that organic potential with a smart paid strategy, and you’ve got a serious growth engine. TikTok’s ad platform allows you to hyper-target the right audience based on interests, behaviours, and even how they interact with other content. And because TikTok’s algorithm favours fresh, engaging content, well-made ads don’t just blend in – they perform exceptionally well.

It’s Cheaper Than Facebook and Instagram Ads

One of the biggest reasons UK businesses should be running TikTok ads? The cost.

Facebook and Instagram CPMs (cost per thousand impressions) have shot through the roof in the past few years. TikTok, on the other hand, still offers competitive pricing. Many brands we work with are seeing lower costs per click (CPC) and better engagement rates compared to other platforms.

And here’s where it gets even better – TikTok content feels more native. People don’t go on TikTok to be sold to. They go to be entertained. So when you craft an ad that looks and feels like regular content – not a polished, corporate-looking sales pitch – it gets way more engagement.

TikTok Drives Real Sales (Not Just Views)

Let’s be honest, views are great, but if they don’t translate into sales, they’re just vanity metrics. The good news? TikTok sells.

We’ve seen it first-hand with clients. One UK fashion brand started running TikTok ads, leaning heavily into organic-looking content rather than traditional ads. Within months, they were seeing higher ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) on TikTok than on Instagram and Facebook combined.

Another small business selling home décor went viral with a single TikTok ad, selling out their entire stock in days. Why? Because TikTok users buy when they discover something they love.

Brands That Get In Now Will Win Big

Here’s the thing—right now, TikTok ads are still underpriced. But that won’t last forever. If history has taught us anything, it’s that platforms get more expensive as more advertisers jump on board. Facebook was cheap once. Instagram was a goldmine. Then, big brands flooded in, and costs skyrocketed.

The same thing will happen to TikTok. Right now, smart UK businesses have a huge opportunity to get in early while competition is still relatively low. The brands that act now will be the ones dominating later.