Key takeaways
- TikTok launched its Academy to help brands of all shapes and sizes understand the platform, what it offers, and how to better reach their goals.
- TikTok Academy is virtual, self-service, and free to use.
- There are currently multiple academies and courses on offer, including TikTok basics, Build brand awareness, and Drive website conversions.
TikTok now has 1.5 billion monthly users. It's a highly engaging platform with a 2.5% average engagement rate, compared to Instagram's 0.5%.
The benefits of TikTok: Connecting with Gen Z via content creators
TikTok is one of the most popular channels for younger demographics. In 2024, 76% of web users aged between 15 and 24 used the app. But it’s not just the user numbers that are impressive, it's also the time spent on platform. Users in the same age group spend nearly 30 hours per month on the app.
With a strong Gen Z and Millennial audience, who spent significant time engaged with the platform, it’s no wonder creators, businesses, and brands are keen to up their TikTok game and connect with audiences that will soon dominate spending demographics.
Because the platform is important to users and brands, TikTok needs to provide proper guidance. That's why it set up the “TikTok Academy”.
What is the TikTok Academy?
Think of the TikTok Academy like a school, except the focus is purely on mastering everything TikTok has to offer.
As the platform puts it: “TikTok Academy is an always-on, curated learning experience designed to educate global audiences on how to best utilize TikTok for Business so that we continue to inspire joy and creativity around the world.”
This bio tells us a lot about what exactly users can expect from the TikTok Academy.
- It’s self-service, virtual, and can be accessed at any time.
- It’s educational and attainment-driven—users complete courses on specific TikTok subjects for badges and rewards.
- It provides practical advice for businesses and inspiration on generating the most creative content possible.
It sounds more fun than a two-hour math lesson, that’s for sure.
Who is the TikTok Academy for?
The TikTok Academy is a training tool that helps business-minded users create content that inspires and connects with their audiences.
Here are some of the ways TikTok Academy helps different businesses:
- Smaller businesses and brands still developing their social media strategies and audience maps might find the app's overview and features a good starting point.
- Larger companies already established on TikTok might find the notes on trends and behaviors useful as they expand or launch new campaigns.
- TikTok Academy is also useful as an internal tool. Virtual rewards are given when individuals complete courses, which can be taken selectively. This means companies can set their staff goals to improve their social media knowledge, and employees can use rewards to prove new skills and development efforts.
The offerings are broad enough to benefit businesses of all shapes and sizes, and there is content for both junior and senior employees.
What is TikTok Creator Academy?
The Creator Academy is part of the TikTok Academy and helps creators master the platform. Unlike the TikTok for Business Academy, which focuses on brands and advertisers, the Creator Academy supports influencers looking to improve their content creation skills, grow their audiences, and maximise their impact on the platform.
What will users get from enrolling at the TikTok Business Academy?
In recent years, the TikTokification of content has been undeniable. It's the birthplace of many noteworthy trends, including dances, lip sync challenges, and historical deep dives.
TikTok wants to keep growing and for brands to use it for commerce, which is why programmes like the Academy are accessible.
That’s what’s in it for them. But what about users who complete the courses?
The real takeaways for users are the key insights that help creators and brands boost their creativity and improve their TikTok tactics. Gaining a broader technical understanding of the app or discovering previously unused features opens up new possibilities and enhances the performance of TikTok ads.
That said, your TikTok education should also cover what’s trending, how it relates to your brand, and competitor activities.
How much is TikTok Academy?
Crucially, the TikTok Academy is free. However, you may need to pay to obtain certifications.
Getting started with TikTok training
The TikTok Academy is easy and intuitive.
Here’s how it works:
- Users register for their desired course after setting up an account on the official TikTok Academy website.
- This account requires the user to input their job title, company, and a verified email address—and that’s it. Users do not have to open a TikTok for a business account to gain access.
- Once set up, users receive an overview plan via email, breaking down exactly what each course offers.
- Once they’ve made their choice, users select the module they wish and receive more information about the virtual rewards on offer.
In terms of user experience, the TikTok Academy is in keeping with the site's style: fun, high-energy, and game-like.
Rather than dumping information on users, courses are divided into interactive quizzes and experiences, to make learning as enjoyable as possible.
What TikTok Academy courses are available?
At the time of writing, there are multiple courses available. Let's explore a few below.
What's the TikTok Creative program?
The TikTok Creative Agency Academy module teaches you how to create an inspired marketing strategy. And creativity is essential to success on social media.
TikTok's Creative Agency Academy includes key sections:
- Planning: Learn how to define objectives and plan strategies, including organic and paid campaigns
- Concepting: Discover more about narrative structures and TikTok products that promote storytelling
- Production: Improve storytelling and production
Each module contains video content, which can be accessed after you sign in.
TikTok Ads Academy Courses
If your focus is ads, there are three key courses: Promote your TikTok Shop, TikTok basics, and Drive website conversions.
The basic course helps you get started with each feature.
Promote your TikTok Shop teaches you about TikTok Shop and how to promote products via ads. Its modules include:
- Intro to TikTok Shop Ads
- TikTok Shop Ads formats
- Measurement for TikTok Shop Ads
Each module is short and explains how to create the most effective ads for your TikTok Shop.
The website conversions course modules include:
- Intro to Video Shopping Ads
- Connect your product catalog to TikTok
- Set up a Video Shopping Ads campaign.
TikTok also holds regular webinars, such as "5 tools to boost efficiency in TikTok Ads Manager" and "Build Breakthrough Brands on TikTok: From Scroll to Sale." These webinars are usually one hour long.
What is TikTok LIVE Academy?
TikTok LIVE Center is your go-to hub for everything related to going live. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve, it’s packed with tips, tools, and insights.
Going live on TikTok can feel overwhelming at first. You might be wondering how to grow your audience, what features you can use, or how to maximise earnings through gifts and diamonds. LIVE Center has the answers. It breaks down key strategies, offers step-by-step guides, and provides real-time analytics to help you refine your live-streaming skills..
The platform is regularly updated with new features and insights, so checking back often ensures you stay ahead.
What is TikTok Shop Academy?
TikTok Shop Academy is an educational platform designed to help sellers, brands, and creators succeed on TikTok Shop.
It gives you step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and best practices for setting up a shop. It also teaches you how to optimise product listings and increase sales through TikTok's ecommerce tools.
Whether you're a business owner looking to sell products or a creator exploring affiliate marketing, TikTok Shop Academy covers everything from product promotion strategies to LIVE selling techniques. It also breaks down TikTok’s shopping features, such as in-feed product links, shoppable videos, and live-stream shopping.
There are a number of courses, and the majority are suitable for beginners.
Do you get a TikTok Academy certification?
Yes, TikTok Academy offers badges and certifications when you complete certain courses or exams. For example, earn the TikTok Media Buyer certificate by taking a two-hour exam.
These certifications help you showcase your TikTok marketing expertise. However, you may need to pay to receive formal certification.
Is it worth it? Tiktok Academy reviews
The TikTok academy is free, so it's a low-risk investment. Users also enjoy interactive elements like quizzes and video modules. They also like the curated learning paths which are tailored to business objectives. This helps you focus on specific areas, such as content creation, ads, or reporting.
Users appreciate the variety of courses and the platform's flexibility. However, some would like a more of a support system, such as a discussion forum.
What are rival platforms doing?
The creation of the TikTok Academy continues a growing trend for social media platforms to provide businesses with tools to promote success.
Here are each platform's educational offerings:
- Meta Blueprint: A selection of free courses covering Facebook and Instagram marketing, including ads, content strategy, and analytics
- YouTube Creator Academy: Guides on growing a channel, monetisation, and best practices for content creation
- X (Twitter) Flight School: Learn how to run Twitter ads, drive audience engagement, and improve campaign strategies
- LinkedIn Learning: Courses on personal branding, LinkedIn marketing, and professional networking
- Snapchat Focus: Discover more about Snapchat ads, ecommerce, and mobile games
Whether you're a creator, marketer, or business owner, these academies provide valuable insights into social media platforms, from advertising to content production. They're usually free, so it's worth giving them a try. They could even elevate your strategy.