Spark Ads codes for creators: what they are and how to share one
A brand asks for "your Spark code." That code is how you give a brand permission to run one of your TikTok posts as a paid ad. Here's what it is, how to generate it, and what to settle with the brand before you send it, using only what TikTok's own help pages say. This is general information, not legal advice; your agreement with the brand is what sets the business terms.
What a Spark Ads code is
TikTok's Business Help Center says Spark Ads let advertisers publish ads using organic posts made by other creators with their authorization, and that views, comments, shares, likes and follows gained while the ad runs are attributed to the original organic post. TikTok calls the code a post code (or video code) and says it authorizes the advertiser to create Spark Ads in TikTok Ads Manager. In plain terms:
One code, one post. You generate it from a specific video's Ad settings.
It has a duration. TikTok's API for Business guide tells advertisers to ask creators to select an authorization duration when they generate the code, and TikTok's Spark Ads page says advertisers can customize the duration to meet campaign needs.
The ad runs on your post, from your account. Engagement lands on your original post, which is why brands like it.
Sharing the code isn't the ad going live. TikTok's API guide says the authorization isn't automatically in effect when the brand gets your code; the brand has to apply it to its ad account.
Before you generate it: agree the terms in writing
The code is a technical permission inside TikTok. It doesn't record the fee, the end date you agreed, or what happens afterward. Settle these in your email or contract first:
The authorization duration you'll select, and the start date.
Who asks for an extension, how, and what it costs.
Whether the brand also gets the raw file to run from its own account. A Spark code covers that one post on TikTok; any other use is set only by your written terms.
How to generate and share a Spark Ads code
TikTok's Business Help Center says creators find the code in the TikTok app by going to the video, tapping the three dots, tapping Ad settings, and tapping Generate. TikTok's API for Business guide lists the same flow in more detail:
Open the TikTok app and tap the three dots on the post you want to share.
In the share drawer, tap Ad settings.
Turn on Ad authorization.
Select an authorization duration. Pick the one that matches what you agreed, from the options your app shows.
Generate and copy the authorization code.
Send it to the brand through the channel your agreement names (email or the campaign platform), not in a public comment.
Menu names can change between app versions and regions. If your screens differ, follow the current wording in your app.
Do these before you send the code
Finalize the caption and disclosure. TikTok says you can't edit a post's caption after it's been authorized as an ad.
Expect the post to stay public. TikTok says a private video becomes public once it's used in a campaign, and its privacy status can't be changed during promotion.
Check for Duets, Stitches and mentions. TikTok's API guide says if a post is a Duet or Stitch of another post, or mentions another video, the advertiser needs authorization from the owners of both posts. TikTok's error list also says Story videos and Duet carousels can't be used for Spark Ads, and that a post that tags multiple posts can't be used.
Turn on content disclosure for paid posts. TikTok Support says content promoting a brand must have the content disclosure setting on; branded content for another business is labeled Paid partnership. See how to disclose brand deals on TikTok.
Other ways a brand can get Spark authorization
Tagging a brand partner. TikTok Support says that when you tag a brand partner in the content disclosure settings, you can grant ads authorization (60 days by default) plus anchor authorization, which lets the brand add its links to the video. TikTok's Creator Academy says a tagged brand can see your video's analytics and access the ad authorization code. So check the authorization setting when you tag, and make sure it matches your deal.
Brand invites through Content Suite. Creator Academy says brands may find organic videos that feature them and send you an invite in your Inbox; you review the brand and terms and tap Accept to give permission. It also says videos are only rewarded when a brand chooses to promote the post, not just when you authorize it.
Spark Opportunity Program. Creator Academy says creators in TikTok One can turn on "Allow brands to use your posts" (TikTok Studio, Creator Marketplace, Profile, Settings), which lets any brand you've mentioned boost those videos as Spark Ads automatically, and that you can turn it off at any time. Only turn this on if that blanket permission fits your existing deals.
Tagging a brand doesn't process payment: Creator Academy says you still handle payment for partnerships directly with the brand.
When the brand says the code doesn't work
TikTok publishes the errors advertisers see in Ads Manager. The ones that come back to you:
What the brand sees
What TikTok suggests
What to do
The post code is incorrect
Verify the code with the creator or generate a new one
Copy it again in full and resend it; don't retype it.
The code has been deleted
Contact the creator to generate a new code
Generate a new code with the agreed duration.
The post is not public
Ask the creator to change visibility to public
Make the post public if your deal covers it.
Authorization expired
Contact the creator to extend the authorization
This is the extension your agreement should already price.
Authorization ends before the ad's end time
Contact the creator to adjust authorization
The brand wants to run longer than you agreed: quote the extension before changing anything.
Video unavailable or deleted / community rule violation
Contact the creator or choose another post
Check the post's status in your app.
When the campaign ends
TikTok's Spark Ads page says videos need to be un-authorized as a Spark Ad before they can be deleted from your account, and the creation guide says a video code can only be deleted once all the ads using it have been deleted in Ads Manager. So if you want a post gone after the deal, ask the brand in writing to delete its ads first, then turn off authorization in the post's Ad settings.
Keep a Spark code log
For every code: brand, post link, date generated, duration selected, end date, fee and extension price. Set a reminder a week before each end date. Grok Bot can read that log each week, flag codes about to expire, and draft an extension note for you to review and send yourself.
Keep every deal and payout in one place. The TikTok Shop Creator Deal & Payout Tracker ($24, Google Sheets) has tabs for deals, videos owed, payments and sample ROI. Want an assistant that runs this for you? Join the Creator OS waitlist, a ready-made Grok Bot setup for TikTok Shop creators.