TikTok is sunsetting Custom Shop Ads (PSA, VSA, LSA) by Q3 2025 and transitioning fully to GMV Max — an automated ad solution that combines both paid and organic traffic to optimize for ROI. While GMV Max offers better stability and long-term performance, it currently lacks manual controls like retargeting and budget allocation. However, new features are expected in Q2–Q3 2025 to address these gaps. Sellers and agencies are encouraged to prepare early for a smoother transition and to stay competitive in the evolving TikTok ads landscape.

As a creator running TikTok ads, it’s essential to understand the difference between Standard Commission and Shop Ads Commission. The Shop Ads Commission is what you earn when a sale is made directly through ads you run. While sellers typically offer lower commissions for Shop Ads to cover ad costs, you can negotiate for a higher rate. Be proactive and ask the seller to adjust the commission to match or exceed the Standard Commission, especially since you're covering the ad expenses. This way, you ensure that your efforts are rewarded fairly.

Launching your brand on TikTok? Don’t make the same mistake most new brands do—jumping straight into Product Shopping Ads (PSA) or Video Shopping Ads (VSA) without building audience trust first. In this guide, I’ll share a smarter, step-by-step strategy to warm up your audience, boost engagement, and maximize your ad spend. By strategically introducing your brand over 3-4 weeks, you’ll turn passive viewers into loyal customers—without wasting money on ads that don’t convert. Ready to scale your TikTok brand the right way? Let’s dive in.

The first 3 seconds of your TikTok content determine whether viewers stay or scroll away. A strong hook isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about what they see. A bad hook? A monotone voice with a still background. A good hook? Fast cuts, engaging facial expressions, and on-screen text that sparks curiosity.

Testing different hooks through A/B testing and analyzing viewer retention can help refine your strategy. And don’t forget the CTA—whether it’s clicking the Beg Kuning or joining a live session, guiding your audience to take action is just as important as keeping them engaged.

When I first started creating video content, I didn’t realize the importance of pacing and variety. My static shots and long POVs led to low viewer engagement and high scroll-away rates. It wasn’t until I discovered the concept of visual fatigue and experimented with dynamic scene cuts—like 5-10 POV shifts in the first 3 seconds—that my completion rates soared. This simple yet powerful adjustment not only captured attention but also boosted sales conversions. If you want your TikTok videos to stand out, mastering pacing and creating an engaging hook is the key to success.

Most consumers judge a product by its price rather than its quality. Without expertise, it's hard to distinguish between a RM100 coffee and a RM10 one—until the price is revealed, shaping our perception of taste and value. In business, quality alone isn’t enough to win customers; the real game-changer is storytelling. Just like Mount Kinabalu and Mount Everest captivate with their legends, a compelling brand story makes a product stand out. Price wars fade, but the brands that tell the best stories leave a lasting impact.