If you run a Shopify store and you are not advertising on TikTok yet, you are leaving money on the table. According to ExplodingTopics, TikTok reached roughly 1.94 billion users in early 2025, giving you massive reach in one place.
Social commerce in the US is on track to top 100 billion dollars by 2026, and TikTok Shop is already driving tens of billions in GMV according to eMarketer forecasts.
The best part for you as a store owner is that Shopify’s official TikTok app makes the setup straightforward, from catalog sync to conversion tracking.
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In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to run TikTok ads for Shopify from connecting Shopify and setting up accurate tracking to launching conversion-focused campaigns that turn views into orders.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Official TikTok App: The official TikTok app in the Shopify App Store is the command center for this integration. It is the easiest and most effective way to install the TikTok Pixel and sync your product catalog.
- Maximum Data Sharing is Non-Negotiable: During the Pixel setup, choosing the Maximum data-sharing option is critical for accurate conversion tracking, powerful audience building, and effective ad optimization.
- The Goal is Conversions: To boost sales, you must run a Conversions campaign with Complete Payment selected as your optimization event. This tells the TikTok algorithm your exact goal.
- Syncing Your Catalog Unlocks Superpowers: Automatically syncing your Shopify product catalog enables powerful ad formats like Product Shopping Ads and makes it easy to tag products in your videos.
- Retargeting is Key to Profitability: Your most valuable audiences are users who have already visited your store. Use the integration to easily create custom audiences of users who added to their cart but didn’t purchase, then target them with specific offers.
Before You Begin: The 3 Essentials for Success
Before diving into the technical setup, ensure you have these three foundational elements in place:
- An Optimized Shopify Store: Your store must be ready for traffic. This means high-quality product photos, clear and persuasive descriptions, and a mobile-first design that loads quickly.
- A TikTok for Business Account: You cannot run ads without one. If you only have a personal TikTok account, go to the TikTok for Business website to create your business and ad accounts.
- Engaging Video Content: Have your ad creatives ready. Remember the TikTok golden rule: Don’t make ads, make TikToks. Your content should be authentic, engaging, and feel native to the platform.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Running TikTok Ads for Your Shopify Store
Follow this clear, actionable 7 steps guide on how to run TikTok ads for Shopify to set up your campaigns correctly, track conversions accurately, and maximize your store’s sales potential with minimal wasted spend.
Step 1: Install the Official TikTok App on Shopify
This app is the bridge between your store and the TikTok ad platform.
- From your Shopify Admin dashboard, go to Apps.
- Click Visit the Shopify App Store.
- Search for TikTok and select the official app developed by TikTok.
- Click Add app and approve the installation.
Step 2: Connect Your Accounts & Set Up the TikTok Pixel
The Pixel is a small piece of code that tracks user actions on your website, providing invaluable data for ad optimization.
The app makes this installation foolproof.
- Open the TikTok app from your Shopify dashboard.
- You will be prompted to connect your TikTok for Business account. Log in and authorize the connection.
- Next, you will set up your Pixel. The app will automatically find or create a Pixel for you.
- You will be asked to choose a data-sharing level. It is critical that you select Maximum. This enables the advanced matching and Events API, giving TikTok the richest possible data to find new customers and accurately attribute sales to your ads, all while respecting user privacy settings.
Step 3: Sync Your Shopify Product Catalog
This step automatically makes your products available to use in your TikTok ad campaigns.
- Within the TikTok app in Shopify, navigate to the catalog section.
- The app will automatically sync all your approved Shopify products to create a new catalog in your TikTok Business Center.
- This process usually takes a few minutes. Once complete, you can use these products in various ad formats.
Step 4: Create Your First Conversions Campaign
Now, head over to your TikTok Ads Manager to build the campaign that will drive your sales.
- Click Create an Ad.
- Under Advertising Objective, choose Website Conversions.
- In the campaign settings, select the TikTok Pixel you just installed via the Shopify app.
- For the Optimization Event, choose Complete Payment. This tells the algorithm to find users who are most likely to buy something.
Step 5: Define Your Audience
Who do you want to see your ads?
- At the Ad Group level, set your target location, gender, age, and languages.
- Use Interest & Behavior targeting to reach relevant users. For example, if you sell skincare, you might target users interested in “Beauty & Personal Care” who have watched videos with the #skincare hashtag. 👉 Create hashtag for TikTok ad
- Pro-Tip: Once you have some traffic, create Custom Audiences based on your Shopify Pixel data. Your most powerful audience will be “Added to Cart – last 30 days” for retargeting.
Step 6: Choose Your Ad Format and Upload Creative
- Choose Video Shopping Ads (VSA) as your format.
- Upload your pre-made, authentic video creative.
- Write your ad text and select a compelling Call-to-Action (CTA), like Shop Now.
- Click the “+ Add Product” button. Because your catalog is synced, you can now easily browse and link specific products from your Shopify store directly to your ad.
Step 7: Launch, Monitor, and Measure Your Results
After you launch your campaign, give the algorithm 3-5 days to exit its learning phase.
Then, start monitoring your performance, focusing on the metrics that matter most for an eCommerce store:
- Cost Per Purchase (CPA): How much you’re spending on ads to get one sale.
- Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): Your total revenue from ads divided by your total ad spend. A ROAS above 2.0 is a common benchmark for profitability. 👉 Calculate TikTok ROAS
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Advanced Strategies to Maximize Your Shopify Sales
Once you’ve mastered the basics, implement these strategies to scale your results:
- Retarget Abandoned Carts: Create a specific campaign that targets the Added to Cart custom audience. Use a creative that offers a small discount code (e.g., “COMEBACK10”) to entice them to complete their purchase.
- Launch Dynamic Product Ads (DPAs): Now that your catalog is synced, you can run powerful DPA campaigns. These ads automatically show specific products to users who have previously viewed or engaged with those same products on your website.
- Build Lookalike Audiences: Once your Pixel has recorded at least 1,000 “Complete Payment” events, create a Lookalike Audience. TikTok will analyze the characteristics of your past buyers and find a massive new audience of people with similar traits.
More useful article for you:
👉 How to Optimize TikTok Shop Ads: 9 Proven Tips to Boost Sales
👉 11 TikTok Ads Best Practices for eCommerce & SaaS
👉 9 Actionable Tips to Create Winning TikTok Ads That Actually Convert
👉 TikTok Advertising Cost: Budget, CPC, CPM & ROI Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
How to do TikTok ads for Shopify?
To run TikTok ads for Shopify, install the official TikTok app from the Shopify App Store, connect your TikTok Business account, sync your product catalog, set up TikTok Pixel for tracking, and launch conversion-focused campaigns directly in TikTok Ads Manager.
Can I advertise my Shopify store on TikTok?
Yes. Shopify integrates directly with TikTok, allowing you to create shoppable video ads, sync products, and run campaigns targeting TikTok’s massive audience. This makes it easy to advertise your Shopify store and drive traffic or sales.
How much does it cost to run TikTok ads?
TikTok ads typically start at $20 per day for campaign-level budgets or $50 per day for ad group-level budgets. Costs vary depending on targeting, bidding strategy, and competition. Many Shopify stores see strong results with budgets as low as $30–$50 per day.
Are TikTok ads worth it for Shopify?
Yes. TikTok ads are highly effective for Shopify stores because of TikTok’s engaged user base and “shoppertainment” culture. With the right creative and targeting, brands often achieve lower cost-per-clicks and higher ROI compared to other ad platforms.
How do I link TikTok to Shopify?
You can link TikTok to Shopify by installing the free TikTok for Shopify app from the Shopify App Store. Once installed, connect your TikTok Business account, sync your catalog, and enable the TikTok Pixel for tracking sales and conversions.
Do TikTok ads work for small businesses?
Yes. TikTok ads work well for small businesses, thanks to low entry costs, viral potential, and advanced targeting. Even small Shopify stores can drive sales and brand awareness by running creative, short-form video ads.
What is a good ROAS for TikTok ads for a Shopify store?
This varies by your product margins and industry. However, a common benchmark for a healthy, profitable campaign is a ROAS of 2.0 or higher. This means for every $1 you spend on ads, you generate $2 in revenue.
Conclusion: Bridge the Gap Between Entertainment and Commerce
The integration of TikTok and Shopify has transformed social commerce, making it easier than ever to turn viral content into real sales.
With the barriers between discovery and purchase virtually gone, every Shopify store owner has the opportunity to convert attention into revenue.
By following this step-by-step guide, installing the official TikTok app, enabling Maximum Data Sharing, syncing your product catalog, and crafting authentic, conversion-focused ad creatives, you’ll set your store up for measurable growth.
Remember: success doesn;t come from running ads blindly; it comes from combining flawless setup with creative storytelling that resonates with TikTok’s engaged audience.
Now is the time to stop chasing views and start capturing loyal customers.
With TikTok ads fueling your Shopify sales funnel, you can build a scalable, future-proof eCommerce business in 2026 and beyond.