TikTok for Business—Advanced SRN integration setup

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At a glance: TikTok for Business (tiktokglobal_int), is an advanced Self-Reporting Network (SRN) providing app owners the ability to measure click and view-based mobile attribution with AppsFlyer. This includes app installs coming from app and non-mobile TikTok campaigns.

 Note

Note:

  • On January 30, 2023, the new TikTok for Business—Advanced SRN integration tiktokglobal_int was added. The [Legacy] TikTok for Business integration bytedanceglobal_int was gradually phased out and officially deprecated on March 20, 2024. The transition is handled by TikTok and they will notify you when you can delete the old integration. To avoid any data loss, make sure to keep both integrations live during the transition phase. Learn more in the bulletin.
  • AppsFlyer supports the measurement of app activity for non-app campaigns. 

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Overview

An Advanced SRN integration means that all dual-consented traffic is attributed and reported as regular SRN traffic. For non-consented traffic, AppsFlyer is able to attribute and measure attribution based on clicks and impressions coming from TikTok, in accordance with privacy restrictions. The integration supports click and impression attribution, cost, ad revenue, and audiences.

Note:

The integration supports the attribution of mobile app installs from any type of ad on TikTok for Business, such as web campaigns. To measure installs from non-mobile campaigns, when 

Setting up TikTok for Business

Prerequisite: Before setting up the integration, make sure you contact the partner and open an account with them.

To activate or edit the integration:

  1. To activate: In AppsFlyer, from the side menu, select Collaborate> Partner Marketplace.
    To edit: In AppsFlyer, from the side menu, select Collaborate > Active Integrations.
  2. Search for the TikTok for Business and select it.
  3. Click Set up integration. You’re directed to the integration setup page.
  4. In the Integration tab, select the app for the integration and turn Activate partner on.
    Note:The toggle must be on (activated) for as long as you work with the partner.
  5. Complete the configuration using the relevant tabs, as described below.

The configuration window includes the following tabs: Integration, Attribution link, Cost, Ad revenue, and Permissions. The Attribution link tab is not available for TikTok for Business, the remaining tabs are optional.

 Note

  • Some settings differ for iOS and Android devices.
  • When setting up a campaign, the campaign name shouldn't start from or end with a white space, as it may cause discrepancies in dashboards and reports. Learn more on how to set up a campaign on TikTok
  • Ads coming from the TikTok Search Ads Toggle are included within all TikTok attribution. AppsFlyer doesn't receive data on specific search terms or keywords.

Integration tab

The Integration tab includes a number of sections, as described below.

Activate partner

To configure the integration, you must first turn on the Activate partner toggle. Learn more about activating and deactivating partner integrations. 

Advanced Privacy

For iOS apps only: Your control over data shared with the partner via postbacks and reports depends on the Advanced Privacy (for iOS 14.5+ and later) toggle state:

Advanced Privacy: On Advanced Privacy: Off

Postbacks are sent only for events attributed to the partner

Postbacks are sent according to your configuration:

  • All media sources, including organic
  • This partner only

Postbacks are sent according to the Advanced Privacy template 

  

Aggregated and anonymous data is shared with the partner, meaning no user-level data (device ID) is shared.

  

 Note

  • When activating the integration (tiktokglobal_int), the Advanced Privacy toggle is turned on by default.
  • When migrating from the legacy integration (bytedanceglobal_int) and activating the new integration (tiktokglobal_int), the Advanced Privacy toggle is turned on by default, regardless of its state before the migration.
  • According to TikTok for Business, keeping the Advanced Privacy toggle on may result in underreported campaign events and limit improvements to future campaign performance on TikTok

General settings

TikTok App ID

A unique code generated in TikTok Ads Manager and used by TikTok to confirm advertiser ownership of their apps. Although not mandatory, it's recommended to enter app IDs for each of your apps. This helps you better control your data at TikTok for Business and unlock additional products.

To add your app IDs:

  1. [Optional] Enter your TikTok App ID, available at your TikTok Ads dashboard.
  2. [Optional] To add more app IDs:
    1. After entering the first app ID, press enter.
    2. Enter your next TikTok App ID.

 Note

  • Configuring a TikTok App ID doesn't impact your data in AppsFlyer
  • When migrating to the new integration (tiktokglobal_int), any values from the legacy integration (bytedanceglobal_int) are auto-populated in this field.
  • Learn more about TikTok App ID requirements for iOS 14

Default postbacks

This section is only relevant for non-consented traffic. Consented traffic is sent directly to TikTok for Business via SRN mode. 

Configure how to send postbacks for app Installs. For Rejected installs and Re-engagements, postbacks are sent to TikTok for Business only.

  • This partner only [Default]: Send postbacks only when the event is attributed to this partner—meaning, the user who performed it came from this partner.
  • All media sources including organic: Send postbacks for events attributed to any partner and for organic events—meaning, when the user who performed it came from any media source. TikTok for Business recommends changing the selection to All media sources including organic for better optimization

 Note

  • For iOS apps only: Your control over data shared with the partner via postbacks and reports depends on the Advanced Privacy (for iOS 14.5+ and later) toggle state.
  • When migrating from the legacy integration (bytedanceglobal_int) and activating the new integration (tiktokglobal_int), the default selected state of postback installs is This partner only, regardless of its state before the migration.

Install attribution

Set the different attribution windows to attribute new installs (first launches) of users who viewed, clicked, or engaged with your ad. Note that only installs within the lookback window may be attributed to TikTok for Business. At this stage, the [Beta] engaged attribution types are for beta customers only.

Note: Attribution for reinstalls (any install that isn’t the initial setup on the device) isn’t supported.

  1. Set the Install click-through lookback window to either 1-23 hours or 1-30 days.
    Note: TikTok for Business recommends aligning with them by setting the Install click-through lookback window to 7 days.
  2. [Beta] Set the Install engaged click-through lookback window to either 1-23 hours or 1-7 days.
    Note: TikTok for Business recommends aligning with them by setting the Install engaged click-through lookback window to 2 days.
  3. [Optional] Turn on Install view-through attribution and set the lookback windows:
    • [Beta] Install engaged view-through lookback window to either 1-23 hours or 1-7 days.
      Note: TikTok for Business recommends aligning with them by setting the Install engaged view-through lookback window to 2 days.
    • Install view-through lookback window between 1-24 hours.
      Note: TikTok for Business recommends aligning with them by setting the Install view-through lookback window to 1 day.

 Note

  • TikTok for Business is using advanced data privacy measures to protect people using their services. Starting October 23, 2021, TikTok for Business is providing advertisers with limited view-through attribution data at the device level. For user-level sources, such as raw data reports, Push API messages, Pull API reports, Export data page, and Data Locker, only the following fields are populated:
    • Media source (bytedanceglobal_int)
    • Channel
    • Attributed touch type (impression)
    • Attributed touch time (reported as date only - "dd/mm/yyyy")
    • Campaign is reported as "restricted"
      This data isn't available in GCD.Aggregate data reports continue to display view-through conversions.
  • When migrating from the legacy integration (bytedanceglobal_int) and activating the new integration (tiktokglobal_int), the lookback window settings (click-through and view-through) are set to the default values, regardless of their state before the migration. You can update these settings.

Re-engagement attribution

Set the different attribution windows to attribute re-engagements of your existing users who viewed, clicked, or engaged with your ad. Note that only re-engagements within the lookback window may be attributed to TikTok for Business. At this stage, the [Beta] engaged attribution types are for beta customers only.

  1. Set the Re-engagement click-through lookback window to either 1-23 hours or 1-30 days.
    Note: TikTok for Business recommends aligning with them by setting the Re-engagement click-through lookback window to 7 days.
  2. [Beta] Set the Re-engagement engaged click-through lookback window to either 1-23 hours or 1-7 days.
    Note: TikTok for Business recommends aligning with them by setting the Re-engagement engaged click-through lookback window to 2 days.
  3. [Optional] Turn on Re-engagement view-through attribution and set the lookback windows:
    • [Beta] Re-engagement engaged view-through lookback window to either 1-23 hours or 1-7 days.
      Note: TikTok for Business recommends aligning with them by setting the Re-engagement engaged view-through lookback window to 2 days.
    • Re-engagement view-through lookback window between 1-24 hours.
      Note: TikTok for Business recommends aligning with them by setting the Re-engagement view-through lookback window to 1 day.
  4. Set the Re-engagement window to either 1-23 hours, 1-90 days, or Lifetime.

 Important!

When migrating from the legacy integration (bytedanceglobal_int) and activating the new integration (tiktokglobal_int), the Re-engagement toggle is turned off by default, regardless of its state before the migration. If your legacy integration has retargeting campaigns, to ensure continuity, make sure to turn it on in the new integration. 

Learn more about re-engagement rules and windows.

Ignore active users for retargeting

Set a window timeframe to ignore re-engagements and re-attributions of users who launched your app. This means their activity during the window timeframe isn't recorded in AppsFlyer. 

 Note

Re-engagement and re-attribution conversions of users who were dormant in the set timeframe are recorded. 

  1. Turn on Ignore active users for retargeting.
  2. Set the Inactivity window.

In-app event postbacks

This section is only relevant for non-consented traffic. Consented traffic is sent directly to TikTok for Business via SRN mode.

Configure mapping of in-app events with TikTok for Business events, sent via postbacks: 

  1. Turn on In-app event postbacks.
  2. Click Add event to add an SDK or server-to-server event to the list. The following table describes the fields to complete:
    Parameter name Description
    AppsFlyer event

    The name of the event, as received by AppsFlyer either from the SDK integrated into your app or from server-to-server events.
    Tip: Don't see the event you are looking for?

    • Make sure to activate the event on a device with a non-organic installation, and recheck.
    • Type it in AppsFlyer event, then click Create custom. Read more about custom event mapping.
    mapped to partner event

    The unique name or ID of each event, as defined on the partner's side. Possible mapping configurations are:

    • Text field: Get the corresponding event ID from the partner.
    • Drop-down box: Select the most suitable pre-defined AppsFlyer event.
    • As is: Send the events as they are, without name mapping.
    for users from

    Select the sending option for the event:

    • This partner only (default): Send postbacks only when this event is attributed to this partner.
    • All media sources including organic: Send postbacks for events attributed to any partner, as well as organic events. TikTok for Business recommends selecting All media sources including organic for better optimization.
    including
    • No values & no revenue (default): Send only the event itself without any event values.
    • Values & no revenue: Send all the parameters excluding the revenue value.
    • Values & revenue: Send all the event parameters, including the revenue value (if exists in the event). TikTok for Business recommends selecting Values & revenue for better optimization.
  3. [Optional] Click the Add conditionconditional-iae-postbacks-icon.pngicon to set conditions for an event.
  4. Click Save integration.
  5. [Optional] After saving the integration, while remaining on the configuration page, you can integrate more of your apps with the partner:
    1. From the top-left corner, under the partner name, click the app name to open the list of apps. 
    2. Select a different app from the drop-down list.
    3. Repeat the integration steps for the selected app.

 Note

  • For iOS apps only: Your control over data shared with the partner via postbacks and reports depends on the Advanced Privacy (for iOS 14.5+ and later) toggle state.
  • When migrating to the new integration (tiktokglobal_int), all postback events configured at the legacy integration (bytedanceglobal_int) are auto-populated with the same configuration.
    • If an event is mapped to the [Legacy] TikTok for Business Pay event, when migrating to the new integration this event name is automatically changed to Purchase. 

Attribution link tab 

Attribution links aren't relevant for SRNs or Advanced SRNs.

SRNs perform attribution in their own platform. Attribution for Advanced SRNs is performed by combining their engagement data with data from AppsFlyer—using the attribution settings you defined in the Integration tab.

Cost tab (for cost, clicks, and impressions)

This integration provides aggregated data on cost, clicks, and impressions for your campaigns, adsets, ads, and geos/countries. See the ad network cost integration table for full details on the supported dimensions, metrics, and features.

Note: Data on clicks and impressions is included in the integration. However, cost data requires an ROI360 subscription.

To enable the API connection for cost, clicks, and impressions with TikTok for Business:

  1. Go to the Cost tab and turn on Get cost data.
  2. Click Log in to TikTok Ads. 
  3. From the TikTok window that opens, log into your TikTok account and confirm the needed permissions.
  4. After a success message appears in the TikTok window, close it. Your TikTok account details now appear under Connected accounts.
  5. From Advertiser account IDs > Advertiser ID: Enter the TikTok advertiser account ID, and click Add.

     Note

    • To get your Advertiser ID from your TikTok business account: Go to Users > Members, and under the Advertiser account, you can see the ID.
    • Make sure the Advertiser ID you add is associated with the TikTok account you connected in step 2, as this is the account from which data will be collected. 
    • Connect at least one Advertiser ID. You can add up to 30.
  6. Click Save Cost.

For ROI360 subscribers

  • Advertisers and agencies that have the cost API enabled in both the legacy bytedanceglobal_int and the current tiktokglobal_int integrations may see duplicated cost data. To avoid this, go to the bytedanceglobal_int integration > Cost tab, and turn off the toggle.
    However, when enabling the new cost integration, cost data from 5 days preceding the transition day is automatically collected. This means the new integration is expected to show duplicated cost data for those 5 days. For example, if the old cost integration was disabled on January 15th and the new cost integration was enabled on the same day, duplicate cost data is seen in the new cost integration between January 10th to 14th, even though it was only enabled on January 15th.
  • See the ad network cost integration table for full details on the supported dimensions, metrics, and features.
  • View your cost API status and the last time AppsFlyer managed to pull matching cost data in either the cost (and ad revenue) integration status dashboard, or in the individual ad network dashboard.
  • Learn more about enabling the Cost API.

Ad revenue tab

To send your ad revenue data to TikTok for UA optimization, you can configure ad revenue postbacks or UA signals.

To get ad revenue data from Pangle, use the TikTok for Business partner integration.

Permissions tab

In this section, you can select permissions to grant TikTok for Business access to your data and perform various actions.

Note that even after the integration is deactivated, when the TikTok for Business permissions toggle is on, permissions are still granted. 

Learn more about granting permissions. 

Deep linking with TikTok for Business

TikTok supports deep linking and deferred deep linking for multiple campaign objectives on the ad level when creating a campaign, ad group, and ad. Creating deep links for the user to navigate to specific content enables you to serve customized content based on the user's engagement with your TikTok ad.

Accessing TikTok conversion data via AppsFlyer's GCD API for deep linking

AppsFlyer provides a number of solutions for deferred deep linking:

  • GCD (Get Conversions Data) API: This is the recommended option to access TikTok user conversion data in real time, directly at the SDK level. The data returned in the GCD API includes the af_dp parameter, which holds the actual deep link destination (user destination within the app).
  • Using conversion data parameters: You can create custom logic to navigate the user to your content using other parameters, such as the Campaign name, Adset name, or any other field that is returned as part of the attribution data for TikTok installs.

 Note

While the UDL (unified deep link) API is the default method for deferred deep linking with AppsFlyer, this API isn’t applicable when the install is attributed to an SRN, as with TikTok for Business.

Measuring app activity for non-app campaigns

AppsFlyer supports measurement of app activity (installs, re-engagement, and in-app events) for non-app campaigns attributed to TikTok for Business. To enable this measurement, follow the steps below on TikTok's platform.

  1. Go to the TikTok ad campaign page, and click Edit ad.
  2. Under Tracking > App events, select your app.
  3. Click Save.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 for all your ads. 

Setting up TikTok for Business for agencies

Agencies working on behalf of advertisers can turn on the TikTok for Business integration and start getting attribution for their campaigns. However, this integration has some limitations when it comes to agencies.

Agency limitations

  • An agency can access the TikTok for Business integration only after the advertiser they work with has activated it on their side.
  • Starting January 1, 2024, attribution parameters showing on the agency's integration page are inherited from the advertiser's integration in view-only mode. This means the agency can see how the advertiser configured the attribution lookback windows but can't configure them on their own. 
  • An agency can't turn on the Advanced Privacy setting (even when granted permission)—this is limited to the advertiser only.
  • When granted permission by the advertiser, an agency can configure in-app event postbacks.
  • When mapping in-app event postbacks, we recommend making sure the mapping configuration is identical for both the agency and the marketer.

To set up TikTok for Business for agencies:

  1. In AppsFlyer, under Configuration go to Partner Marketplace. 
  2. Find TikTok for Business and select it.
  3. Enter the TikTok App ID.
  4. Enter your agency TikTok Account ID. This identifies agency traffic and distinguishes it from the advertiser's. 
  5. Click Save Integration.

    tiktok_agency_account_id.png

 Warning

TikTok for Business account IDs MUST NOT be shared between the advertiser or the agency. If they are shared, ALL the advertiser's installs are automatically attributed on the agency's dashboard.

See also