TikTok Ads Not Running: Error Solutions 🚀📱
Running ads on TikTok is one of the fastest ways to reach a young, highly engaged audience. But nothing is more frustrating than preparing a campaign, setting your budget, clicking Publish, and then… nothing. Ads don’t run, they stay “Pending,” or you see error messages you don’t understand. 😩
The good news? Almost every TikTok ads issue has a fix. In this guide, we’ll go over the most common reasons TikTok ads fail to run, provide step-by-step solutions, include a handy troubleshooting table, real-world examples, a diagram, and wrap up with an FAQ section so you know exactly how to get your campaigns back on track.
Why TikTok Ads Might Not Run
- Ad Disapproval (Policy Violation)
TikTok has strict Advertising Policies. If your creative, wording, or landing page violates them, your ad won’t run. - Payment Issues
Expired credit cards, insufficient balance, or billing errors can freeze your campaigns. - Pending Review
TikTok manually reviews ads. If stuck “in review,” your ad may be delayed due to high volumes or policy checks. - Targeting Errors
Using disallowed targeting options, conflicting settings, or very narrow audiences can block ads. - Budget & Bid Problems
If your daily budget is too low, or your bid is below TikTok’s system threshold, ads may not deliver. - Account-Level Restrictions
Accounts under verification, suspended, or flagged for suspicious activity can’t run ads. - Technical Glitches
Outdated app/browser, cache issues, or temporary server downtime.
Comparison Table: Error vs. Fix 🧪
| Error/Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| “Ad Rejected” | Policy violation | Review TikTok Ad Policies, adjust content, resubmit |
| “Pending Review” for days | Manual review delay | Edit slightly and resubmit; contact support if >48h |
| “Payment Failed” | Card expired/insufficient funds | Update payment method, clear balance |
| Ads approved but not spending | Low budget or bid | Raise daily budget or CPC/CPM bid |
| “Account Suspended” | Multiple violations | Appeal through TikTok Ads Support |
| Error loading dashboard | Cache/app glitch | Clear cache, update app, try Chrome incognito |
Step-by-Step Fixes 🛠️
1. Check Policy Compliance 📜
- Review TikTok’s Ad Policy Guide.
- Common violations: misleading claims, prohibited products (e.g., tobacco, weight loss pills), unsafe landing pages.
- If disapproved, fix the creative/landing page and resubmit.
2. Confirm Payment Details 💳
- Make sure your card or PayPal is valid.
- Check for unpaid invoices in Ads Manager.
- If your balance is negative, clear it before relaunching campaigns.
3. Adjust Budget and Bids 💰
- TikTok won’t deliver ads with ultra-low budgets.
- Set at least $20/day for testing.
- If using manual bidding, increase bid slightly above TikTok’s recommendation.
4. Fix Targeting Issues 🎯
- Avoid overly narrow audiences (e.g., stacking too many filters).
- Start broader and refine after data comes in.
5. Troubleshoot Pending Reviews ⏳
- Normal reviews take 24 hours.
- If it’s >48 hours, duplicate the campaign and resubmit.
- Contact support if delays persist.
6. Solve Technical Errors 🛠️
- Clear browser cache/cookies.
- Use Chrome incognito or another device.
- Update the TikTok Business app.
7. Appeal Account Restrictions 🚫
If your account is suspended, go to Ads Manager → Notifications → Appeal. Provide documents or clarifications.
Example Story 🎥
A fashion brand launched a campaign for new leggings but saw “Ad Rejected.” The reason? Their landing page mentioned “lose weight instantly,” which violated TikTok’s policy on misleading health claims. After rewording to “comfortable stretch leggings for workouts,” they resubmitted and got approved within 12 hours.
Troubleshooting Flow Diagram 🧩
Ad not running → Check policy compliance → Fix/re-submit
↓
Payment issue? → Update card/Pay balance
↓
Pending too long? → Duplicate campaign → Contact support
↓
Still stuck? → Clear cache/update app/browser
↓
Final step → Appeal to TikTok Ads Support
Pro Tips to Keep Ads Running Smoothly 🌟
- Use clear, honest copy to avoid policy violations.
- Always keep a backup payment method on file.
- Submit ads at least 48 hours before launch to account for review time.
- Regularly monitor Notifications in Ads Manager.
- Bookmark TikTok’s Ad Policy Center.
Conclusion ✨
If your TikTok ads aren’t running, don’t panic. It’s usually one of three things: policy, payment, or technical errors. By systematically checking compliance, updating payment info, adjusting bids/budgets, and troubleshooting technical issues, you’ll resolve most problems quickly. And if all else fails, TikTok Ads Support can review your case directly.
FAQs ❓
1. How long do TikTok ads take to get approved?
Usually within 24 hours, but sometimes up to 48 hours.
2. Why are my ads approved but not spending?
Your budget or bid is too low, or the audience is too narrow.
3. What happens if my payment fails?
Your campaigns pause until you fix your payment method.
4. Can I appeal a rejected ad?
Yes. You can edit and resubmit or file an appeal via Ads Manager.
5. Why is my dashboard not loading?
It’s often a browser cache issue. Use Chrome incognito or update the app.
6. What if my account is suspended?
Check the violation notice and file an appeal with documentation.
7. Does using VPN affect ads?
Yes. TikTok may flag suspicious logins. Always use your true business region.
8. Can I change my targeting after submitting?
Yes, but you’ll need to resubmit for review.
9. Why do my ads stay in “Review” forever?
System backlog. Duplicate and resubmit, or contact support.
10. Who do I contact if nothing works?
TikTok Ads Support inside Ads Manager → Help → Contact Support.