TikTok has become one of the most powerful platforms for brands to reach massive audiences through video ads. Among its premium ad placements, Top Feed TikTok stands out for its ability to deliver predictable reach and strong visibility.
This guide explains what TikTok Top Feed Ads are, their key benefits, specs, setup steps, and how they compare to TopView Ads — so you can decide if they fit your campaign strategy.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Explain what TikTok Top Feed is — the first in-feed ad users see when opening TikTok, offering guaranteed reach and visibility.
- Highlight its key benefits: prime placement, predictable delivery, cost efficiency vs. TopView, and interactive creative options.
- Provide setup guidance in TikTok Ads Manager using Reach & Frequency buying type and contextual targeting.
- Compare Top Feed vs. TopView to help brands choose the right format based on goals, budget, and desired exposure.
What is Top Feed TikTok?
TikTok Top Feed is a premium Reach & Frequency (R&F) placement that allows your ad to appear as the first in-feed video users see when they open TikTok and start scrolling the For You page.
Unlike auction-based placements, Top Feed guarantees predictable delivery — advertisers know exactly how many impressions their campaign will generate and how frequently it will reach each user.
Top Feed Ads are designed to help brands achieve maximum exposure at the very start of a user’s TikTok journey, offering a blend of high visibility, controlled delivery, and measurable reach.
In short: TikTok Top Feed = first in-feed ad + predictable reach + premium visibility.
Benefits of Top Feed Ads for Brands
Choosing Top Feed over standard in-feed ads gives brands several strategic advantages:
1. Prime Placement for Maximum Impact
Top Feed Ads appear as the first video users encounter in their For You feed. This position helps your message stand out from the start, leading to higher recall and engagement.
2. Predictable Reach and Frequency
With Reach & Frequency buying, advertisers can control how often their ad appears to each viewer and forecast total impressions in advance. This ensures a consistent user experience and stable campaign delivery.
3. Cost-Effective Alternative to TopView
While TopView offers the absolute first impression (full-screen ad upon app launch), it comes at a much higher cost. Top Feed provides similar visibility at a lower CPM, making it a smart choice for brands with awareness-focused objectives but limited budgets.
4. Enhanced Creative Options
Top Feed supports Interactive Add-Ons like stickers, pop-ups, or voting cards, allowing advertisers to build engagement directly from the ad without leaving the feed.
Use Top Feed for brand awareness, product launches, and limited-time offers — where first impression and frequency control can significantly boost performance.
TikTok Top Feed Specs
As mentioned above, TikTok Top Feed is the ‘first’ In-feed Ad that appears on the For You Page like any other organic content. Therefore, it must fulfill the following specifications to pass TikTok Ad Review Checklist.
To ensure your video delivers effectively within the Top Feed slot, your ad should meet TikTok’s technical requirements below:
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 (recommended), 1:1, or 16:9 |
| Resolution | ≥540×960px, ≥640×640px, or ≥960×540px |
| File Format | MP4, MOV, MPEG, 3GP, AVI |
| Duration | Up to 60 seconds (TikTok recommends 9–15 seconds) |
| File Size | ≤500 MB |
| Sound | Strongly recommended (auto-play enabled) |
| Captions | Up to 100 characters, avoid excessive hashtags |
| CTA Options | Shop Now, Learn More, Download, Contact Us |
Pro Tip: Keep your message clear and visually engaging in the first 3 seconds — that’s when most users decide whether to keep watching.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Top Feed Ads
After signing in to TikTok Ads Manager with your TikTok ad agency account, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a new ad campaign.
On the Dashboard, click Create an Ad to make a new ad campaign.
Step 2: Change buying type.
On the Campaign setup, switch the default order type from Auction to Reach & Frequency and select the appropriate ad objective.
Step 3: Select Contextual Targeting.
You can fill in the other settings as usual. However, in the News Feed Type section, switch to Top Feed. Then, off you go! Your completed ad will show as Top Feed TikTok.
Top Feed vs. Top View: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Top Feed | TopView |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | First in-feed ad on the For You Page | Full-screen ad shown immediately upon app launch |
| Ad Experience | Appears like organic content, scrollable | Full-screen takeover |
| Cost Model | Lower (Reach & Frequency based) | Higher (reservation-based) |
| Predictability | High — controlled delivery and forecasted reach | Highest — reserved exposure |
| Best For | Cost-efficient awareness campaigns | Maximum brand visibility and impact |
Advertisers should carefully consider their campaign objectives and budgets when choosing between Top Feed and TopView Ads.
While TopView delivers stronger visual impact and immediate brand exposure, it also comes with a higher cost due to its full-screen placement.
In contrast, Top Feed uses the Reach & Frequency buying type, allowing advertisers to predict reach, control ad frequency, and optimize budget. This makes it particularly effective for brand awareness campaigns that aim to balance cost efficiency and visibility.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your campaign goals and available resources. Regular performance monitoring and optimization remain key to achieving consistent results.
Note: Top Feed and TopView are premium ad placements available under specific eligibility conditions. If you don’t see these options in your TikTok Ads Manager, contact a TikTok Partner Agency like Mega Digital for support in activating and managing them.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of TikTok advertising, standing out at the right moment can make all the difference. Top Feed Ads give brands that opportunity — appearing as the first in-feed video users see, with predictable reach and controlled delivery through Reach & Frequency campaigns.
By choosing the right ad format — whether Top Feed for cost-efficient visibility or TopView for maximum impact — advertisers can align their campaigns with specific goals and budgets. The key is to keep testing, analyzing results, and refining strategies to maintain consistent performance.
However, access to premium placements like Top Feed often depends on your account eligibility. That’s where working with a TikTok Partner Agency truly pays off.
At Mega Digital, we help brands and advertisers:
- Unlock advanced placements such as Top Feed, TopView, and Branded Effects.
- Run Reach & Frequency campaigns for predictable performance.
- Optimize creatives and targeting for maximum ROI on TikTok.
>>> Read more: All 9 TikTok Ad Types You Need to Know [2025 Updated Guide]
