If you’re a UK-based advertiser or content creator looking to crack the United States TikTok market in 2025, knowing the ad rates across different categories is half the battle won. TikTok’s ad ecosystem in the US is a beast of its own — fast-moving, diverse, and highly competitive. As of June 2025, with marketing budgets tightening and ROI sharper than ever, understanding the latest ad rates and trends is a must-have in your toolkit.
Let’s break down what you need to know, straight from the trenches, with a UK lens on how to play and pay smart when going Stateside.
📢 Marketing Trends in 2025 June United Kingdom and US TikTok Scene
By June 2025, TikTok remains king for grabbing eyeballs, especially for brands targeting Gen Z and millennials. UK brands like Gymshark and BrewDog have been dabbling in US TikTok campaigns with mixed results—but the key takeaway is the pricing structure varies wildly by content type and category. UK advertisers often pay in GBP but must factor in currency exchange to USD, which is the native currency for US TikTok ad buys.
Payment methods typically include major credit cards and PayPal, but for larger agencies or influencers, direct invoicing and wire transfers are common. The UK’s strict advertising standards also mean creatives must be spot-on with compliance when localising for the US market to avoid costly rejections.
📊 2025 United States TikTok Ad Rates by Category
Here’s the lowdown on the most typical ad formats and average costs you’ll face in the US market:
| Ad Category | Average CPM (Cost Per Mille) USD | Average CPC (Cost Per Click) USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion & Beauty | $10-$25 | $0.50-$1.20 | Big spenders like ASOS often dominate here |
| Tech & Gadgets | $12-$28 | $0.60-$1.50 | High competition, need sharp creatives |
| Food & Beverage | $8-$20 | $0.40-$1.00 | Local chains and startups very active |
| Fitness & Health | $9-$22 | $0.45-$1.10 | Influencers like Joe Wicks-style thrive |
| Entertainment & Media | $7-$18 | $0.35-$0.90 | Highly viral content often drives costs |
| Automotive | $15-$30 | $0.75-$1.80 | Big budgets but long sales cycles |
Note: CPM = Cost per 1,000 impressions; CPC = Cost per click
The UK advertiser looking to enter the US TikTok market should expect to pay premiums on categories where brand loyalty and innovation are intense (think tech and automotive). Conversely, food and entertainment can be more affordable but require viral-worthy content to move the needle.
💡 Practical Tips for UK Advertisers Entering the US TikTok Market
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Localise Creatives Fully: US audiences expect different slang, humour, and references. Just translating UK English won’t cut it.
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Work with US-Based Influencers: Platforms like BaoLiba make it easier to find verified US creators. Collaborations can be negotiated in USD, but ensure contracts clearly state payment terms and tax responsibilities.
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Mind Time Zones: Posting times matter. US East Coast prime hours differ from UK evenings, so schedule accordingly.
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Budget for Testing: Start small with different ad types — In-Feed ads, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and TopView ads — to find what moves your needle before scaling spend.
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Use GBP to USD Hedging: Currency fluctuations can hit your bottom line. Consider financial tools or agencies that offer hedging solutions.
📈 People Also Ask
What are typical TikTok ad rates in the United States for 2025?
As of June 2025, TikTok ad rates in the US vary by category but generally range from $7 to $30 CPM and $0.35 to $1.80 CPC depending on the sector and ad format.
How can UK advertisers pay for TikTok ads targeting the US?
Most platforms accept international credit cards and PayPal. Larger spends may require wire transfers or third-party payment services. Currency exchange rates and fees should be factored in.
Are TikTok ad costs higher in the US compared to the UK?
Yes, generally the US market commands higher ad rates due to larger audience size and competition, especially in categories like tech and automotive. UK advertisers should budget accordingly.
❗ Risks and Compliance Notes
UK advertisers must be aware of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines on influencer marketing and advertising disclosures. Failure to comply can result in fines or content removal. Also, beware of cultural faux pas in content — something that might fly in the UK could backfire in the US.
Final Thoughts
Cracking the US TikTok market from the UK in 2025 is absolutely doable but demands a sharp eye on ad rates and category-specific trends. Keep your budgets flexible, localise like a pro, and partner with US influencers to maximise impact.
BaoLiba will continue to update the United Kingdom on evolving influencer marketing trends, so keep an eye on us to stay ahead of the curve.
