Have you ever been scrolling your for you page and noticed an advertisement or sponsored post pop up? TikTok has become a mighty social media platform for brands and marketers to target their customers and boost sales. But are TikTok ads safe to buy from? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the stats, user experiences, and safety measures to help you navigate TikTok shopping confidently and avoid online scams. 

Are TikTok Ads Safe?

Like many things online, some sales, stores, and products may look too good to be true. However, TikTok has a wealth of safety measures to ensure that users and stores can build positive relationships and that both parties have confidence throughout the transaction.

The Numbers

TikTok is massive, with over a billion users worldwide and about 17 million in the UK. Many well-known brands target Gen Z on TikTok, making it a prime ad spot. Statistics show that 49% of Gen Z users make purchases on TikTok, and 71.2% of TikTok shop users buy something after seeing it in their feed. 

Safety Measures

In November 2022, TikTok launched its shopping feature that enabled brands and business owners to generate income by selling and shipping their products to customers. Sellers have to verify their shop front, and TikTok will analyse them and ensure that they are legit and safe to buy from, so make sure you look out for a verified badge on a shop before you make a purchase.

Advertisers on TikTok are usually legit and safe and offer a positive experience to their audience. However, some manage to worm their way onto TikTok to advertise fake products in large numbers, including replicating legitimate reputable companies. 

So below is a top tip from the team at Soar With Us, who have mastered TikTok Ads for ambitious businesses in various industries.

Always inspect the URL of retailer websites when viewing an ad and clicking through to a website.

User Experiences

When it comes to buying from TikTok shops and ads, it's normal to be apprehensive. From our experience, the more you dig and understand the green flags from the brands and businesses advertising to you, the more favourable your experience will be. Overall, the experience from ad to purchase, be it through the app or website, is likely to be good. 

Although in some cases, as TikTok grows in popularity, shipping isn't as speedy as it once was, or could be, this could be due to factors like demand or some businesses being based across the seas.

(Hyperlink bold text to 'Are TikTok Ads Profitable for E-Com Brands?' once live.

TikTok Ads Tips for Customers

Shopping from a new place, online store, or app can be a little scary for consumers. So, we've provided 4 helpful tips to ensure you can remain safe when shopping online.

Read the Reviews

We always recommend reading the reviews of a brand or their product outside of TikTok to gauge whether you can trust this brand or product to invest in. Remember to consider both positive reviews and negative reviews, if any, to make an informed decision.

Look Out for Verification

Look for verified shops, brands, and advertisers whose profiles allow you to trust their legitimacy. 

Use Secure Payment Methods

Always use secure payment methods like PayPal or credit cards that offer buyer protection in case of any issues.

Think Before You Buy

If an ad or product sounds too good to be true, it probably is, so be vigilant when making purchases online.

Are you looking to make an impact on TikTok through social media ads but unsure how to advertise safely and build a trusting relationship with your audience? Enlist an innovative, successful TikTok Ads agency like Soar With Us.

See our recent blog post, 'Are TikTok Ads Worth It Using an Agency' for more.

Our Final Thoughts

So, are TikTok ads safe to buy from? Generally, yes, but be smart about it. Stick to the verified advertising profiles and stores, and be mindful of some teething problems when it comes to purchasing from brands overseas. The platform's safety measures and the option for verified shops add a layer of security and trustworthiness to brands. Still, as a consumer, you should always do a little bit of homework and use secure payment methods to protect yourself. 

Our TikTok growth specialists create and implement a dynamic TikTok strategy that focuses on growth and measurable ROI. View our TikTok Ads services today!

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