Unlike Gandalf, TikTok doesn’t want to keep its secrets.

Here’s a cheat sheet: TikTok has published a 40-page small to medium business creative guide, covering everything from content strategies to AI-powered optimization tools.

You'll find research tools like TikTok Trends and Ads Showcase, ad structure best practices, tips for effective hooks, and guidance on creator partnerships.

If you're running TikTok campaigns, this guide gives you a clear framework for what actually works on the platform. And it highlights newer AI tools you might not be using… yet.

You’ll want to give this a read, too: TikTok updated its US Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to reflect its operations through the TikTok USDS Joint Venture.

The updates clarify state privacy law requirements for sensitive personal information, including user-generated content that mentions topics such as health or orientation. Good to know.

TikTok also announced a forthcoming opt-in precise location feature for users 18+ that will be off by default, but could eventually unlock new hyper-local targeting opportunities.