So, you’ve spent ages crafting what you believe is the perfect TikTok ad. You’ve brainstormed ideas, filmed slick video clips, and edited it all together. You hit publish, buzzing with excitement, only to get that dreaded notification: “Ad Rejected”. It’s a real kick in the teeth, right?
Don’t panic. Getting an ad rejected on TikTok is a common hurdle, even for seasoned pros. The platform has a strict set of rules designed to keep its community safe, and if you unknowingly cross a line, your ad won’t see the light of day.
The first thing you need to do is figure out why your ad was turned down. This guide is here to walk you through the common pitfalls, show you how to fix them, and help you get your campaigns approved and making you money.
Understanding TikTok’s Ad Review Process
When you hit ‘submit’ on your ad, it doesn’t just go live. It enters a review queue where it’s checked against TikTok’s policies. This process is handled by both automated systems and real people, and while most ads are reviewed within 24 hours, it can sometimes take a bit longer.
The review team looks at several key parts of your campaign to ensure everything is above board:
Audience Targeting: Who you’ve chosen to show your ad to.
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Why Your TikTok Ads Get Rejected
TikTok Ads Rejected is a phrase that many advertisers encounter. TikTok’s review process is pretty thorough, combining AI detection with manual checks. Most ads are reviewed within 24 hours. If your ad gets flagged, it’s usually for one of the following reasons.
Prohibited and Restricted Products
This is a big one. TikTok has a long list of products and services that are either completely banned or heavily restricted. If your ad features anything from this list, it’s a guaranteed rejection.
Inappropriate or Offensive Content
TikTok is all about creating a positive user experience, so ads with inappropriate content are quickly shown the door. This includes:
Misleading Claims and Deceptive Info
Your ad must be truthful. Making exaggerated or false claims is a fast track to rejection. TikTok’s system is on the lookout for:
Intellectual Property (IP) Infringement
You can’t use someone else’s stuff without permission. This is a huge reason for ad rejections and can get you into serious trouble.
Poor Video and Audio Quality
TikTok is a visual platform, and they expect ads to meet a certain standard. Low-quality content creates a bad user experience and will be rejected.
Landing Page Problems and Inconsistencies
The ad review doesn’t stop at your video creative; it extends to your landing page. Everything needs to line up.
Incorrect Targeting
Even a perfectly crafted ad can be rejected if it’s aimed at the wrong audience.
Failure to Disclose AI-Generated Content
This is a newer rule, but it’s a big deal. Under the 2025 policies, any ad that uses AI-generated visuals, voices, or text must be clearly disclosed to the user. Skipping this label is an easy way to get penalised, especially since the detection system is automated.
How to Fix a Rejected Ad and Get It Approved
Okay, so your ad was rejected. It’s annoying, but it’s not the end of the world. Here’s a step-by-step plan to fix it.
Check the Rejection Reason
First, find out what went wrong. Go to your TikTok Ads Manager dashboard and check your notifications. TikTok will usually give you a reason for the disapproval, which will point you in the right direction.
Review and Edit Your Ad Creative
Once you know the problem, it’s time to fix it. Open the rejected ad and make the necessary changes.
- If it’s a prohibited product, remove it from the ad and landing page.
- If you made a misleading claim, rephrase your ad copy to be truthful and transparent.
- If you used copyrighted music, swap it for a track from TikTok’s Commercial Music Library.
- If your video quality is poor, re-export it at a higher resolution or re-shoot it.
- If your landing page is the issue, make sure it’s functional and consistent with your ad.
Go through the official TikTok Ad Review Checklist to ensure you haven’t missed anything else.
Resubmit the Ad
After you’ve edited your ad and saved the changes, it will automatically be sent back to the review queue. The review process will start over, so give it up to 24 hours to be checked again. You can monitor the status in the ‘Campaign’ tab of your Ads Manager.
File an Appeal if You Disagree
Sometimes, the system gets it wrong. If you’re confident your ad follows all the rules and was rejected by mistake, you can file an appeal.
- In the TikTok Ads Manager, find the disapproved ad. You should see an Appeal button next to the rejection reason.
- Click it and a window will pop up. You’ll need to write a clear reason for your appeal (up to 2,000 characters). Explain why you believe your ad is compliant.
- You can also upload supporting documents (like licenses for content or product certifications) to strengthen your case.
Grab a TikTok for Business Coupon to Kickstart Your Campaign
Before we wrap up, here’s a tip to get more bang for your buck. TikTok for Business often runs promotions for new advertisers, giving you free ad credits to get started.
These offers change, but they often look something like this:
These deals are a brilliant way to test different ad formats and find what works without risking a huge budget.
Final Thoughts: Play by the Rules to Win
Dealing with a rejected TikTok ad is frustrating, but it’s a learning experience. The platform’s rules aren’t there to punish you; they’re there to create a better and safer experience for everyone.
The key to long-term success is to stop guessing and start understanding the guidelines.
- Be Proactive: Read the advertising policies before you create your next campaign.
- Be Transparent: Avoid hype and misleading language. Clear, honest ads perform better and build trust.
- Be Consistent: Make sure your ad, copy, and landing page all tell the same story.
In 2025 and beyond, being compliant is a huge creative advantage. If you can build your strategy around clarity and responsibility, TikTok will reward you with reach. Now, go get those ads approved.
About the author
Jordan Blake
A digital advertising specialist with years of experience in optimizing ad spend and leveraging promotional credits across platforms like Google Ads, Meta Ads, and more.
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