← All comparisons Paid Ads

TikTok Ads vs Meta Ads

The two big social ad platforms. Different creative rules, different audiences.

TikTok is creative-first: native, UGC-style wins. Meta is more flexible but rewards produced creative less than it used to. TikTok skews younger; Meta skews older.

At a glance

TikTok AdsMeta Ads
AudienceSkews 18-34Broader demographics
CreativeNative UGC essentialUGC or produced
TargetingAlgorithm-led (broad)Mix of broad + interest
CPMsCompetitiveHigher for narrow targeting

When to pick TikTok Ads

Younger audience, visual/entertainment product, creative-heavy team.

When to pick Meta Ads

Broader demographics, DTC workhorse, more creative formats.

My verdict

Most DTC brands run both. Meta is the anchor; TikTok is increasingly required for younger-skewing products.

Further reading