Reddit Ads vs TikTok Ads: Platform Comparison

Reddit ads vs TikTok ads represents a choice between two platforms that reach younger audiences in fundamentally different ways. TikTok dominates short-form video with algorithm-driven discovery, while Reddit hosts in-depth community discussions organized around shared interests. Both platforms offer alternatives to traditional social advertising with distinct advantages.

This guide compares both platforms to help you choose the right fit.

Platform Overview

TikTok Ads

• User base: 1.5+ billion monthly active users
• Content: Short-form video (15 seconds to 10 minutes)
• Discovery: Algorithm-driven For You Page
• Strengths: Viral potential, creative engagement, Gen Z reach
• Best for: E-commerce, apps, brand awareness, trendy products

Reddit Ads

• User base: 850M+ monthly active users
• Content: Text, images, video in community context
• Discovery: Interest-based communities and feeds
• Strengths: Engaged niche audiences, authentic discussions
• Best for: B2B, tech, gaming, considered purchases

Audience Comparison

TikTok Audience

• Age: Heavily Gen Z, growing Millennial presence
• Behavior: Passive scrolling, entertainment-focused
• Engagement: Quick reactions, shares, follows
• Mindset: Discovery, entertainment, trends
• Session length: Many short sessions throughout day

Reddit Audience

• Age: Millennials and Gen Z, educated, tech-savvy
• Behavior: Active participation, reading, commenting
• Engagement: Upvotes, comments, discussions
• Mindset: Research, community, depth
• Session length: Longer, focused sessions

Cost Comparison

Average CPM

Platform	Average CPM	Range
TikTok	$8-15	$5-25+
Reddit	$2-8	$1-15

Reddit offers lower CPMs, particularly for niche B2B audiences.

Average CPC

Platform	Average CPC	Range
TikTok	$0.50-2.00	$0.20-5.00
Reddit	$0.30-1.50	$0.10-3.00

Costs are relatively comparable, though Reddit trends lower for technical audiences.

Cost Per Conversion

Conversion costs vary significantly by vertical:

• E-commerce: TikTok often delivers lower CPAs for impulse purchases
• B2B/SaaS: Reddit typically delivers 30-50% lower CPL
• Apps: Both platforms competitive for mobile app installs

Content Format Differences

TikTok Content

Requirements:

• Video-first (required for most ad formats)
• Vertical format (9:16 aspect ratio)
• Native, creator-style content
• Quick hooks (first 3 seconds critical)
• Sound-on environment

What works:

• Trend participation
• Creator partnerships
• Before/after demonstrations
• Quick product showcases
• Entertainment-first approach

Reddit Content

Formats:

• Text posts with images or video
• Image ads with copy
• Video (optional, not required)
• Carousel (multiple images)
• Native post appearance

What works:

• Educational content
• Problem-solution framing
• Authentic, non-promotional tone
• Detailed explanations
• Community-relevant messaging

Creative Production Comparison

TikTok Creative

Investment required:

• Video production capability (smartphone acceptable)
• Understanding of trends and native style
• Rapid creative iteration
• Creator partnerships for authenticity
• Multiple variations for testing

Production velocity:

• Creative fatigues quickly (days to weeks)
• Trend-responsive content needed
• High volume testing essential
• Lo-fi often outperforms polish

Reddit Creative

Investment required:

• Strong copywriting
• Relevant imagery or video
• Understanding of community culture
• Authentic voice and messaging

Production velocity:

• Creative has longer lifespan
• Quality over quantity
• Less trend-dependent
• Fewer variations needed

Reddit requires less creative production infrastructure than TikTok.

Use Case Comparison

E-commerce

TikTok advantage: Viral product discovery, TikTok Shop integration, impulse purchase behavior, visual product demonstration.

Reddit value: Authentic product discussions, detailed reviews, reaching research-phase buyers.

Recommendation: TikTok for viral potential and impulse; Reddit for considered purchases.

Mobile Apps

TikTok advantage: High app install volume, gaming success stories, visual app showcases.

Reddit value: Quality installs with higher retention, gaming community reach, lower CPI for some categories.

Recommendation: Test both; TikTok for volume, Reddit for quality users.

B2B/SaaS

Reddit advantage: Technical communities, professional discussions, lower costs, authentic expertise sharing.

TikTok challenge: B2B content less native to platform, though B2B TikTok is emerging.

Recommendation: Reddit primary for B2B; TikTok experimental for brand awareness.

Brand Awareness

TikTok advantage: Massive reach, viral potential, cultural relevance, younger audiences.

Reddit value: Engaged community awareness, authentic brand discussions, longer content consumption.

Recommendation: TikTok for broad awareness; Reddit for targeted community awareness.

Targeting Comparison

TikTok Targeting

• Interest and behavior targeting
• Custom audiences (customer lists, website visitors)
• Lookalike audiences
• Demographic targeting
• Device and connection targeting
• Creator marketplace for partnerships

Reddit Targeting

• Subreddit targeting (specific communities)
• Interest categories
• Custom audiences (retargeting)
• Basic demographics
• Geographic targeting
• Community Intelligence for behavior signals

TikTok offers broader behavioral targeting; Reddit offers unique community-based targeting.

Algorithm and Discovery

TikTok For You Page

• Algorithm prioritizes engagement signals
• Content can go viral regardless of follower count
• Ad content competes with organic in same feed
• Discovery-driven (users don't choose what they see)

Reddit Feed

• Users choose communities to subscribe to
• Voting surfaces quality content
• Ads appear in context of chosen interests
• Intent-driven (users actively select topics)

TikTok's algorithm creates viral potential; Reddit's structure ensures relevant audience reach.

Integration Strategy

Complementary Use

TikTok for:

• Broad awareness and viral reach
• Visual product demonstration
• Entertainment-driven engagement
• Trend participation

Reddit for:

• Targeted community engagement
• Educational content distribution
• Research-phase influence
• Authentic discussion generation

Budget Allocation

Business Type	TikTok	Reddit
E-commerce (trendy products)	70%	30%
E-commerce (considered purchase)	40%	60%
B2B/SaaS	20%	80%
Mobile gaming	60%	40%
Tech products	30%	70%

For more comparisons, see Reddit Ads vs Facebook Ads and Reddit Ads vs Instagram Ads.

FAQs

Which is better for Gen Z marketing: Reddit or TikTok?

TikTok has larger Gen Z reach and dominates short-form video. However, Reddit also has strong Gen Z presence, particularly for gaming, tech, and hobby communities. TikTok works better for broad Gen Z awareness; Reddit works better for reaching Gen Z interested in specific topics.

Do I need video production for Reddit ads?

No. Unlike TikTok where video is required, Reddit supports text, image, and video formats. Many successful Reddit campaigns use static images with strong copy. Video can improve performance but isn't essential, making Reddit more accessible for advertisers without video capabilities.

Which platform has better conversion tracking?

Both platforms offer pixel-based conversion tracking. TikTok's Events API and Reddit's Conversions API provide server-side tracking options. TikTok's attribution is more mature due to longer e-commerce focus. Reddit's tracking has improved significantly in 2025-2026.

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Key Takeaways

• TikTok excels at video-driven discovery and viral potential
• Reddit offers lower-cost access to engaged niche communities
• TikTok requires video production; Reddit accepts multiple formats
• E-commerce and apps favor TikTok; B2B favors Reddit
• Consider both platforms for full-funnel coverage

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