How To Setup and Connect Your Dealership's TikTok Profile to Your TikTok Ad (Mobile-Only Guide)

TikTok is now requiring that all TikTok advertiser accounts be connected to a TikTok profile in order to launch new campaigns. (Think like how Instagram needs to have a Facebook account!)

TikTok is expecting to roll out this new process July 1st, but Dealers United Partners have been “safe listed” until July 31st — meaning that new TikTok ads can be created until then, but not after, unless you’ve made the profile connection.

This guide walks dealers through how to connect their organic TikTok profiles.

What’s Changing for TikTok Advertisers

• All TikTok ad accounts must be linked to a TikTok profile to launch new ads
• This change takes effect at the end of July (we will keep you updated and notify you when the change officially takes effect)
• TikTok profile creation can happen via mobile or desktop
• TikTok profile linking to the Business Center must be done on mobile
• Dealers United will still manage campaigns, but dealerships must complete the initial account linking

👉 Need more info? TikTok outlines this change in their official support article: How to Link a TikTok Profile with a TikTok for Business Account

How To Set Up Your Dealership’s New TikTok Profile

If you are currently running TikTok ads and have a TikTok profile for your dealership, you can skip this step and move directly to linking your profile.

If you are not currently running TikTok ads OR do not already have a TikTok profile for your business, please walk through the following steps:

On Mobile:

• Download the TikTok app from the App Store or Google Play
• Tap “Sign Up” and follow prompts

On Desktop:

• Visit tiktok.com and click “Sign Up”
• Follow the steps to create an account

Use a Recommended Email Address

To protect long-term access, we strongly suggest:

• Company Email
  e.g., bob@abcdealership.com, ceo@dealershipname.com
• Department or Shared Email
  e.g., marketing@abcdealership.com, tiktok@yourdealership.com

🔒 Pro Tip: Avoid using personal Gmail accounts like robin123@gmail.com. If that employee leaves, the business risks losing access.

How to Link Your Dealership’s TikTok Profile to Your TikTok Ad Account

Linking must be completed using the mobile TikTok app, so if you don’t already have it on your device: go to the app store on your phone, type in “TikTok” and download the app. 

Watch this loom video walkthrough here and follow the instructions below: 

Steps:

1. Open the TikTok app and log in
2. Tap Profile (bottom right)
3. Tap the Add Friends logo (top left)
4. Tap the scan QR code icon (top right)
5. Scan Dealers United’s unique QR code (below!) 

QR Code for Dealers United Dealer Partners to scan:

🎯 That’s it! Once scanned, your dealership can begin running new ads on TikTok and Dealers United can manage them.

Manual Invitation Option (If QR Code Doesn’t Work)

If scanning the QR code isn’t possible, contact your Performance Manager and Dealers United can manually invite the TikTok profile via Business Center!