Running TikTok ads can be a powerful way to reach your ideal audience, boost brand visibility, and drive conversions. But before your ad can go live, it needs to be approved by TikTok’s ad review system, and that’s where many advertisers hit a roadblock.
TikTok has clear advertising guidelines in place to protect its user experience, and even minor violations can lead to ad disapproval. Whether you’re a small business, agency, or creator, a rejected ad can stall your campaign and cost you valuable time and budget.
The good news? Most TikTok ad rejections are easy to fix once you know what to look for. So if your ad gets rejected, don’t panic! Here are some of the most common TikTok ad rejection reasons and how to fix them.
1. Non-compliant content
TikTok has strict ad policies to ensure content is safe and appropriate. Ads featuring tobacco, weapons, adult content, or misleading health claims will be rejected.
Fix: Review TikTok’s Advertising Policies to ensure your ad content is compliant. Avoid restricted or sensitive topics and ensure your message aligns with community guidelines.
2. Poor-quality video or audio
TikTok prioritises native, high-quality content. If your video is blurry, shaky, or has distorted audio, it could be flagged.
Fix: Use high-resolution video (at least 720p), clear sound, and proper lighting. TikTok favours authentic, creative content, so think mobile-first and user-centric.
3. Text errors or unapproved language
Spelling mistakes, grammar issues, or the use of excessive symbols/emojis can trigger rejection. Offensive or slang terms may also cause problems.
Fix: Proofread your copy before submitting. Keep your language professional, clear, and relevant to your audience.
4. Landing page issues
Your ad’s destination URL must function properly, be mobile-friendly, and match the offer shown in the ad. If the page takes too long to load or shows unrelated content, your ad may be disapproved.
Fix: Ensure your landing page is mobile-optimised, fast-loading, and consistent with the ad’s message. Avoid pop-ups or misleading redirects.
5. Brand infringement
Using logos, trademarks, or copyrighted music/images without permission can result in an instant rejection.
Fix: Only use content you own or have licensed. TikTok’s Commercial Music Library is a great resource for ad-safe sounds.
6. Improper ad formatting
Using the wrong aspect ratio, video length, or missing required elements like a call-to-action (CTA) can get your ad flagged.
Fix: When setting up TikTok ads, follow TikTok’s ad specs. Use vertical 9:16 video format, keep your message short and snappy (15-60 seconds), and always include a clear CTA.
Getting your TikTok ad approved starts with understanding the platform’s policies and best practices. By staying compliant and creating content that feels native to the platform, you’ll increase your chances of approval and see better results from your campaigns. If you’re running into repeated ad rejections or just want to improve performance, it might be time to bring in expert support.
At Digital 24, we help brands create high-performing, compliant TikTok ads that actually convert. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, our team will take the stress out of the setup so you can focus on growing your business.
