How to Find Old Ads on TikTok

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, with millions of videos uploaded daily. Given its massive reach, TikTok is also a powerful advertising tool for brands looking to connect with younger audiences. Whether you're a marketer, content creator, or just curious about past trends, finding old ads on TikTok can be useful for various reasons. However, locating these older ads can be a bit challenging if you're unsure where to start. In this article, we will explore effective methods to find old ads on TikTok, from using the app's search features to exploring third-party tools.

Understanding TikTok’s Ad Ecosystem

Before diving into the specifics of finding old ads, it's essential to understand how TikTok's ad ecosystem works. TikTok offers several types of ads, including:

• In-Feed Ads: These are the most common type of ads that appear as you scroll through your TikTok feed.
• TopView Ads: These appear when you first open the app and are often high-impact ads.
• Branded Hashtag Challenges: These encourage users to create content based on a specific hashtag, often resulting in viral trends.
• Branded Effects: These are custom filters and effects that brands create for users to apply in their videos.

Knowing the type of ad you're looking for can help narrow down your search.

1. Use TikTok's Search Feature

The simplest way to find old ads on TikTok is by using the app's built-in search feature. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Open the TikTok app and tap on the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen to access the search page.
• Step 2: Enter keywords related to the ad you're looking for. This could be the brand name, a specific hashtag, or even a general topic related to the ad.
• Step 3: Once the search results appear, scroll through the videos to find the ad you're looking for. If the ad was part of a branded hashtag challenge or used a specific effect, you could also search using these elements.

While this method is straightforward, it may not always yield results, especially if the ad is older or less popular.

2. Explore TikTok’s Ad Library

TikTok recently introduced an Ad Library, similar to the one available on Facebook. This feature allows users to browse ads that have been run on the platform. Here’s how to use it:

• Step 1: Visit the TikTok Ads Library from a web browser. Currently, this feature is only available on the desktop version of TikTok.
• Step 2: Use the search bar to enter relevant keywords, such as the brand name or campaign title.
• Step 3: Browse through the ads listed to find the one you're interested in. The Ad Library provides information on when the ad was run, its performance, and more.

This tool is particularly useful for marketers looking to analyze competitors' ad strategies.

3. Check TikTok’s “Discover” Page

The Discover page on TikTok is another valuable resource for finding old ads. This page highlights trending hashtags, sounds, and effects, which often include sponsored content from brands. To access it:

• Step 1: Open TikTok and tap on the “Discover” icon at the bottom of the screen.
• Step 2: Browse through the trending content. If you’re looking for an older ad, scroll down to explore past trends. You can also use the search bar at the top to enter specific keywords.
• Step 3: Once you find the trend or content related to the ad, click on it to see all associated videos, including the original ad.

This method is effective for finding ads that were part of viral trends or challenges.

4. Use Third-Party Tools and Websites

Several third-party tools and websites can help you find old ads on TikTok. These tools often aggregate TikTok content, making it easier to search through older videos. Some popular options include:

• AdSpy: A comprehensive ad library that includes TikTok ads. You can search by keyword, brand, or even ad performance metrics.
• BigSpy: Another ad library tool that offers a vast collection of TikTok ads. It’s particularly useful for competitive analysis.
• Social Searcher: While not specifically for TikTok, this tool allows you to search for social media content across multiple platforms, including TikTok.

Using these tools can save time and provide more precise search results, especially for older ads.

5. Engage with TikTok Communities

Sometimes, the best way to find old ads is through the TikTok community itself. Engaging with users who are active in niches related to advertising, marketing, or specific brands can lead you to the content you’re searching for. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Join TikTok communities or groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. These groups often discuss trends, ads, and viral content.
• Step 2: Post a request asking if anyone has seen the ad you’re looking for. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible.
• Step 3: Engage with users who respond. Often, community members will have saved videos or can direct you to where you can find the ad.

This method relies on community knowledge and can be particularly effective for finding niche or less-known ads.

6. Search Through TikTok’s Hashtags

TikTok is heavily driven by hashtags, and many ads are associated with specific hashtags. To find old ads, you can:

• Step 1: Go to the search bar in the TikTok app and type in the hashtag related to the ad.
• Step 2: Browse through the videos under that hashtag. Depending on how popular the hashtag is, you may need to scroll for a while to find older content.
• Step 3: Once you find the ad, you can click on the account to see if the brand has posted other ads or content related to the campaign.

This method is particularly useful if the ad was part of a branded hashtag challenge.

Conclusion

Finding old ads on TikTok may require a bit of digging, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. Whether you use TikTok’s native search features, explore the Ad Library, or turn to third-party tools, each method offers a unique way to uncover past content. By understanding the platform’s ad ecosystem and leveraging the community, you can efficiently track down the ads you’re looking for. These methods not only help you find old ads but also provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of TikTok advertising.