How to Allowlist TikTok Creator Content for Spark Ads (+ agency tips)

Brands and agencies can allowlist TikTok creator content for Spark Ads either by using a Spark Ads authorization code for a specific post or by linking a TikTok account to an advertiser account through TikTok Business Center for ongoing access.

TikTok Spark Ads have become a major part of influencer and UGC campaigns, with TikTok reporting up to 142% higher engagement rates and 43% higher conversion rates compared to non-Spark Ads.

But before agencies can scale creator content through Spark Ads, they first need access.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how influencer allowlisting for Spark Ads works and the two main ways agencies can get access to creator content.

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Summary

If you already know which TikTok Spark Ads access method you need, feel free to jump directly to the relevant section below.

Method 1: Get access to specific TikTok posts — creators generate a code for a specific TikTok post that agencies can use in TikTok Ads Manager.

Method 2: Get ongoing Spark Ads access — creators or brands connect their TikTok account to an agency’s advertiser account for ongoing Spark Ads access and campaign management.
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What is influencer allowlisting for TikTok?

Influencer allowlisting (also called whitelisting or creator authorization) on TikTok is when a creator gives a brand or marketing agency permission to use their TikTok content and identity in paid ads through Spark Ads.

This lets marketers run ads using:

• The creator’s original post
• The creator’s TikTok identity
• The original engagement on the post (likes, comments, shares, follows)

There are two main ways agencies can get access to creator content for Spark Ads:

1. Getting permission to use specific TikTok posts through authorization codes
2. Linking their TikTok account to an advertiser account for ongoing Spark Ads access

What are TikTok Spark Ads?

TikTok Spark Ads are a native ad format that allows brands and agencies to promote posts from creators' TikTok accounts instead of using standalone ad creatives.

For example, brands can use influencer posts to run ads through the creator’s TikTok account rather than a separate brand ad account.

Unlike regular TikTok ads, Spark Ads stay connected to the original post during promotion, allowing users to naturally like, comment, share, follow the creator, visit their profile, and interact with existing engagement.

And because Spark Ads use real TikTok posts and identities, they often feel more native within the For You feed than standard ads.

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Why allowlist influencers for Spark Ads?

Marketing agencies and brands often use TikTok Spark Ads to turn influencer or UGC content into paid campaigns without losing the authenticity of the original post.

Aesthetics brand One Doc X Hair Doc reported an 88% reduction in CPA after using Spark Ads with creator-led content as part of a full-funnel TikTok campaign. The brand used multiple creators and Spark Ads to scale authentic before-and-after style content while reaching new audiences more efficiently.

Spark Ads are especially useful for:

• Scaling high-performing organic content
• Running influencer campaigns through creator accounts
• Keeping social proof attached to ads
• Making campaigns feel more native within the TikTok feed
• Reducing the need to constantly create new ad creatives

This makes creator campaigns feel more trustworthy and engaging than traditional branded ads.

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What permissions does an agency get with Spark Ads access?

When a creator authorizes their TikTok content for use in Spark Ads, marketers can promote that content using the creator’s TikTok identity through TikTok Ads Manager.

Depending on the setup, this access can happen through:

1. A Spark Ads authorization code for a specific post
2. Linking TikTok accounts through TikTok Business Center for ongoing access

The level of access depends on the method used, but in both cases, creators are granting advertising permissions - not sharing their TikTok login credentials or transferring ownership of their account.

What marketers can do

Once access is approved, brands and agencies can:

✅ Promote authorized TikTok posts as ads

✅ Use the creator’s TikTok identity in Spark Ads campaigns

✅ Access approved creator content inside TikTok Ads Manager

✅ Add call-to-action buttons to ads

✅ Send traffic to landing pages, product pages, or apps

✅ Target specific audiences through TikTok Ads Manager

✅ Track campaign performance and engagement metrics

✅ Scale influencer or UGC content through paid promotion
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What marketers cannot do

Spark Ads-only authorization does not give marketers full control of the creator’s TikTok account. Unless the creator separately grants broader account-management permissions, marketers cannot:

❌ Log in to the creator’s TikTok account

❌ Change profile settings

❌ Access private messages

❌ Publish or manage unrelated organic content

❌ View sensitive account information

There are also some creative limitations. For example:

❌ Captions cannot be edited after a post is authorized for Spark Ads

❌ Posts that violate TikTok’s policies, have been banned or do not meet Spark Ads eligibility requirements cannot be used

❌ Authorization is time-limited and can be removed by the creator. Marketers should ensure authorization remains valid for the intended campaign period

Method 1: Get access to specific TikTok posts

With this method, creators generate a Spark Ads authorization code for a specific TikTok post and share it with the agency. The agency can then use that post in paid campaigns through TikTok Ads Manager.

This only gives advertisers access to the specific post that the creator authorizes, so it’s best for:

• One-off influencer campaigns
• Short-term creator partnerships
• Testing creator content before committing to a longer partnership
  
  

How to generate a Spark Ads code

If the creator is unsure how to generate a Spark Ads authorization code, they can follow these steps:

1. Open the TikTok post you want to authorize.
2. Tap the three dots on the video.
3. Tap "Ad settings."
4. Agree to TikTok’s Advertising Content Terms of Service, if prompted.
5. Turn on Ad authorization.
6. Choose the authorization duration: 7, 30, 60, or 365 days.
7. Tap "Generate."
8. Tap "Copy code" and send it to the brand or agency.

This code is what the agency will use to add the creator’s post to TikTok Ads Manager.

💡 Agency tip: Ask creators to choose an authorization duration that covers the full campaign timeline, including setup, review, testing, and any possible extensions.

For example, if a campaign is scheduled to run for 30 days, a 30-day authorization may not be enough because the code could expire before testing or optimization is complete. In that case, requesting 60 or 365 days may be safer.

How agencies can use a Spark Ads code in TikTok Ads Manager

Once the creator sends the code, the agency can add the post to TikTok Ads Manager.

To do this:

Step 1. Log in to TikTok Ads Manager @ https://ads.tiktok.com/

Step 2. In the left-hand sidebar, expand Assets, then click Creative Library.

Step 3. Click the Add code button next to Add authorized TikTok post. 

Step 4. Paste the creator’s video code into the search bar.

Before clicking Confirm, make sure:

• The creator sent the correct code for the exact post you plan to promote
• The post is public
• The caption is final, since captions cannot be edited after authorization
• The authorization duration covers the full campaign period
• The post does not use unsupported formats, such as some Story or carousel/duet formats
• The content follows TikTok’s advertising and community guidelines

Step 5. Review the post details and click Confirm.

Once confirmed, the authorized post can be selected when building a Spark Ads campaign.

❗ Note: If you want to test multiple creator posts, the creator will need to generate a separate authorization code for each video. TikTok also supports batch authorization for up to 20 video codes at a time, which can help agencies manage larger influencer campaigns more efficiently.
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Method 2: Get ongoing Spark Ads access

With this method, your agency requests access to a creator’s TikTok account through TikTok Business Center. Once the creator approves the request, you can link their TikTok account to your advertiser account and use it for Spark Ads without requesting a new authorization code for every campaign.

This method is best for:

• Long-term creator partnerships
• Ongoing influencer campaigns
• Agencies managing multiple Spark Ads campaigns at scale

Before you get started

Before linking a creator TikTok account to your advertiser account, make sure:

• You have Admin access to your agency's Business Center

Step 1: Request access to the creator’s TikTok account

In TikTok Business Center [https://business.tiktok.com/], go to Accounts > TikTok accounts > Add a TikTok account.

Then select Link an existing TikTok account.

Step 2: Select “Deliver ads” and choose the permissions

Select Deliver ads as your permission level. This option lets your agency use the creator’s TikTok account for advertising without granting broader account-management access.

Next, choose what your agency can do with the account. To use it for Spark Ads, turn on:

• Existing posts: Lets you use the creator’s published videos in ads.
• Publish and manage new videos: Lets you upload new content through an advertiser account linked to the creator’s TikTok account.

If you enable Publish and manage new videos, choose how that content can appear:

• Only show as ads: Videos receive paid traffic but remain hidden from the creator’s public profile.
• Show on TikTok profile and as ads: Videos can appear publicly on the creator’s profile and receive both organic and paid traffic.

Other available permissions cover features LIVE videos, Showcase, Messaging Ads, Series and account insights, but they aren’t necessary for a standard Spark Ads campaign.

After selecting the appropriate permissions, click Next. TikTok will generate a QR code for the creator to scan.

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Step 3: Send the QR code to the creator for approval

TikTok won’t add the creator’s account immediately. The creator must authorize the connection by scanning the QR code while logged into the TikTok account you want to use for Spark Ads.

Download the QR code and send it to the creator, along with these instructions:

1. Open the TikTok mobile app and go to Profile.
2. Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Your QR code.
4. Tap the scanner icon, then scan the QR code provided by your agency.
5. Review and approve the access request.

Once they approve the request, their account will appear under Accounts > TikTok accounts in your Business Center.

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Step 4: Link the TikTok account to your advertiser account

The creator’s approval adds their TikTok account to your Business Center, but it doesn’t automatically make the account available in TikTok Ads Manager. You now need to link it to the advertiser account that will run the Spark Ads.

1. From the left-hand menu in TikTok Business Center, go to Accounts > TikTok accounts. Find the creator’s account and click View in the Action column.

2. Open the Linked accounts tab and click Link accounts.

3. Select Advertiser accounts, then choose the account that should be allowed to use the creator’s TikTok account for Spark Ads. Anyone with access to those advertiser accounts will be able to use the linked TikTok account as a Spark Ads identity inside TikTok Ads Manager.

Once the account is linked, your agency will haveongoing access to use it for Spark Ads, based on the permissions the creator approved. You won’t need to request a new video authorization code for each campaign.

Unlinking a TikTok Account from an advertiser account 

If a creator partnership ends, an agency changes, or a brand wants to remove Spark Ads permissions, TikTok accounts can be unlinked inside TikTok Business Center.

To do this:

1. Log in to TikTok Business Center @ https://business.tiktok.com/
2. Go to Accounts > TikTok accounts.
3. Find the TikTok account you want to remove access from and click “View.”
4. Open the Linked accounts tab.
5. Click “Advertiser accounts” to view connected advertiser accounts.
6. Click “Remove” next to the advertiser account you want to unlink, then click “Confirm.”

Once removed:

• The advertiser account can no longer use that TikTok account for new Spark Ads campaigns
• Users connected to that advertiser account will lose access to the TikTok identity inside Ads Manager
• Existing Spark Ads campaigns using that identity may be affected

Because of this, it’s a good idea to review or pause active campaigns before removing access.

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Common TikTok Spark Ads errors (+ how to fix them)

Even though TikTok Spark Ads setup is fairly straightforward, agencies can still run into issues that can delay campaigns or prevent ads from launching altogether.

In most cases, Spark Ads errors happen because:

• Authorization expired
• The wrong code was shared
• The post is no longer public
• The content format is not supported for Spark Ads

Here are the most common Spark Ads issues agencies deal with and how to fix them.

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Authorization expired (auth_code_expired)

This error happens when a creator’s Spark Ads authorization period has ended.

For example, if a creator selected a 30-day authorization window and the campaign is still active after those 30 days, the ad can no longer run unless access is renewed.

How to fix it

Ask the creator to:

1. Open the TikTok post
2. Go to “Ad settings”
3. Generate a new authorization code or extend the authorization period

💡 Agency tip: To avoid campaign interruptions, many agencies request 60- or 365-day authorization upfront, especially for evergreen or scalable campaigns.

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Incorrect or invalid Spark Ads code (auth_code_format_error)

This error usually happens when:

• The creator copied the wrong code
• The code was pasted incorrectly
• Extra spaces or characters were added
• The code belongs to a different TikTok post

How to fix it

1. Ask the creator to copy the authorization code directly from TikTok again
2. Double-check the code inside TikTok Ads Manager
3. Generate a new code if needed

❗ Note: Spark Ads codes are tied to specific TikTok posts, not the creator’s entire account. If you want to advertise multiple creator videos, you’ll need a separate authorization code for each post.

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Video is not public (not_public_video)

Spark Ads only work with public TikTok posts.

If a creator changes a post to private after authorizing it, the ad may stop working or fail during setup.

How to fix it

Ask the creator to:

1. Switch the video back to public
2. Confirm they authorized the correct post

💡 Agency tip: This issue is especially common with creators who are new to Spark Ads. Before launch, it’s worth confirming:

✔️ The post is public

✔️ The video will remain public during the campaign

✔️ The creator understands how Spark Ads authorization works

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Unsupported post format (story_video_not_supported and similar errors)

Some TikTok post formats currently do not support Spark Ads.

This can include:

• Certain Story videos
• Some Duet or Stitch formats
• Posts involving multiple tagged videos

How to fix it

Choose another TikTok post that supports Spark Ads.

💡 Agency tip: If you already know content will be used for paid promotion, it’s a good idea to confirm Spark Ads compatibility before creators publish the post. This can help avoid reshoots or campaign delays later.

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Spark Ads vs. non-Spark Ads: what’s the difference?

Spark Ads are popular for influencer, creator, and UGC campaigns where authenticity and social proof matter.

Non-Spark Ads are often better for faster launches, creative testing, and campaigns that don’t rely on creator identities.

Tips for managing TikTok Spark Ads access at scale

#1. Review content before creators publish

Once a post is authorized for Spark Ads, the caption cannot be edited inside Ads Manager.

Before the creator publishes, review the caption, disclosures, CTA, product claims, and music usage. This helps prevent issues with unclear messaging, missing disclosures, or content that performs well organically but causes problems in paid campaigns.

#2. Track codes, expiration dates, and permissions centrally

As campaigns scale, Spark Ads access can quickly become hard to manage.

Use a spreadsheet, CRM, or project management tool to track:

• Creator name and TikTok handle
• Authorized post links
• Authorization codes
• Expiration dates
• Linked advertiser accounts
• Campaign status

This makes it easier to avoid expired codes, missing permissions, and last-minute launch delays.

#3. Create a simple creator onboarding process

Many delays happen because creators don’t know how Spark Ads authorization works.

Give creators a short checklist, tutorial, or message template that explains:

• How to generate a Spark Ads code
• What permissions they’re giving
• How long authorization lasts
• What the ad will look like

The easier the process is for creators, the faster campaigns move.

#4. Build an internal Spark Ads SOP

A workflow that works for one campaign can get messy across dozens of creators and clients.

Create a repeatable process for requesting access, reviewing content, storing codes, checking permissions, monitoring expiration dates, and troubleshooting errors. This helps agencies launch faster and avoid preventable campaign interruptions.

💡 Bonus tip: If your agency regularly requests TikTok advertiser or Business Center access from clients, using a dedicated client onboarding tool like Leadsie can help simplify the process.

Instead of manually walking clients through TikTok Business Center setup, agencies can request TikTok Business Center and ad account access through a single approval link. The same link can also be used to request access to 14+ other client platforms, including Meta, Google Ads, LinkedIn, and Shopify.