How to generate a Spark Ads code (creator)
On the video: three dots, Ad settings, agree to the advertising terms, turn on Ad authorization, generate the code, choose the duration and copy it.
Allow ad authorization on your account
In the TikTok app, go to Settings and privacy, or Me and then Creator tools, and allow authorized posts.Open the video
Pick the post the brand wants to run.Tap the three dots, then Ad settings
Agree to the advertising content terms when asked.Turn on Ad authorization
The toggle sits in that post’s Ad settings.Generate the code and pick a duration
7, 30, 60 or 365 days. The ad stops when the time runs out.Copy the code and send it
Tap Copy Code and send it to the brand.
Steps as the TikTok Ads Manager Help Center gives them, October 2026. If you tag the brand as a partner on the post, it is pre-authorized for Spark Ads for 60 days by default.
How to use a Spark Ads code (advertiser)
In TikTok Ads Manager: Tools, Creative library, Spark ads posts, Apply for Authorization. Paste the code, Search, Confirm. The post is then available when you build the ad.
Go to Tools
In TikTok Ads Manager.Open Creative library
Under the Creative tab.Click Spark ads posts, then Apply for Authorization
This opens the code search.Paste the code and click Search
Up to 20 codes at a time when you add them inside an ad.Review the post and click Confirm
It now shows in the TikTok posts tab of every ad.
For Duets and Stitches you need a code from both creators: enter the second creator’s code first, and when Ads Manager confirms a dual-creator post, enter the original creator’s code. Setting up the ad itself is on TikTok Spark Ads.
How long does a Spark Ads code last?
7, 30, 60 or 365 days, chosen by the creator. Brand-partner tagged posts default to 60 days, authorization requests sent from Content Suite default to 365, and Branded Buzz videos get 180.
| How the post was authorized | Window |
|---|---|
| Video code from the app | 7, 30, 60 or 365 days, the creator picks |
| Brand partner tag on the post | 60 days by default |
| Request sent from Content Suite | 365 days by default |
| Branded Buzz video | 180 days from approval |
Plan the flight inside the window. If the ad is scheduled to run past it, Ads Manager refuses with "Authorization ends before the ad’s end time." A calendar of every code and its end date is the boring part that saves the winner. How to agree the window in the deal is in influencer whitelisting.
Spark Ads without codes
Link the creator’s whole account in Business Center with the Existing posts permission, or request authorization from TikTok One or Content Suite. Or skip creators and spark your own account’s posts.
- Business Center. Accounts, Add a TikTok Account, Link an existing TikTok account, Send a QR code. The creator scans it; turn on Existing posts.
- TikTok One. Request authorization on a creator’s post and sync it to Ads Manager.
- Your own account. No codes at all. The catch is making posts good enough to spark every week.
Director by Sprites is a full creative team for your startup. Every Monday you get finished, on-brand video ads, reviewed by a human. You never write a prompt.
Spark Ads code errors and fixes
Most code errors mean the post changed: it was deleted, made private, flagged, or the authorization ran out. The fix is almost always a new code from the creator.
| What Ads Manager says | What it means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Authorization expired." | The code’s 7, 30, 60 or 365 days are up | Ask the creator to extend it |
| "Authorization ends before the ad’s end time." | The ad is scheduled past the code | Shorten the ad or get a longer code |
| "The post code is incorrect." | A typo, or a partial paste | Re-copy it, or ask for a new one |
| "The code has been deleted." | The creator removed the authorization | Ask for a new code |
| "The post is not public." | The video is private | Ask the creator to make it public |
| "The video has been deleted and cannot be used to create ads." | The post is gone | Pick another post |
| "Story videos can’t be used for Spark Ads." | It was posted as a Story | Repost it as a normal video |
| "Duet carousels can’t be used for Spark Ads." | Duet plus carousel | Use a single-creator post |
| "This post can’t be used for ads because it tags multiple posts." | The post tags other posts | Pick another post |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a Spark Ads code on TikTok?
Open the video, tap the three dots, then Ad settings. Agree to the advertising terms, turn on Ad authorization, generate the code, choose 7, 30, 60 or 365 days and tap Copy Code.
Where do I put a Spark Ads code?
In TikTok Ads Manager: Tools, Creative library, Spark ads posts, Apply for Authorization. Paste the code, click Search, then Confirm. You can also add codes inside an ad from the TikTok posts tab.
Why is my Spark Ads code not working?
Usually the post is private, deleted, flagged or a Story, the code was mistyped, or the authorization expired. Ask the creator to fix the post or send a new code.
Can a creator cancel a Spark Ads code?
The creator controls the post’s ad authorization. Once a code is gone, Ads Manager reports "The code has been deleted" and you need a new one.
Do Spark Ads codes expire?
Yes. Each code lasts the 7, 30, 60 or 365 days the creator chose. When it expires the ad stops and Ads Manager shows "Authorization expired."
Want organic-looking ads without chasing codes?
Every creator means a brief, a contract and a code that expires. Director by Sprites is a full creative team for your startup, in private beta. Every Monday you get finished, on-brand video ads, reviewed by a human. You pick the winners. Sprites ships the campaigns.