What are the results of TikTok ads for coffee shops?

Aug 17
5 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

A practical guide to understanding the real impact of TikTok campaigns on cafes

In recent years, coffee shops no longer rely solely on geographical location or quality of coffee to attract customers, but rather... Social media platforms An essential element in building a strong fan base.

Among all the platforms, an application stood out TikTok As an effective tool that is surprising in its ability to transform a simple café into a popular destination overnight.

But the question that many café owners ask:

Are TikTok ads worth the investment? What are the actual results that can be achieved? Do they bring actual visits to the place or just views?

In this article, we will carefully analyze the results of TikTok ads for coffee shops, supporting the talk with real-life examples, and tips for the best use of advertising campaigns on the platform.

First: Why TikTok specifically for coffee shops?

TikTok is distinguished from other platforms by several elements that make it very suitable for the café sector:

✅ 1. Enjoyable visual character

The content on TikTok is based on short videos, which gives the café an opportunity to showcase the coffee, the atmosphere, the method of serving, the décor, and even the sound of making espresso!

✅ 2. The power of spontaneous content

Viewers on TikTok prefer “real content” over official ads. This is suitable for cafes that depict scenes from everyday reality.

✅ 3. Rapid viral spread

If a video or ad is successful, it can spread to thousands or even millions of people within hours, without the need for huge budgets.

✅ 4. The target audience exists

The majority of TikTok users are young people (18-35 years old), and they are the group that visits the most cafes in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

Second: Types of TikTok ads that are suitable for coffee shops

1. In-Feed Video Ads:

They appear within users' videos, and can be scrolled like any regular content, making them less annoying.

2. Top View Ads:

They appear first thing when you open the app, and guarantee high views, but at a higher cost.

3. Custom Audiences ads:

It allows you to retarget previous visitors or those who watched previous videos.

4. Influencer Engagement Ads (Spark Ads):

The most effective types. It's based on a post from a real local influencer, which is then converted into a paid ad.

Third: Actual results observed from TikTok campaigns for cafés

✅ 1. Increase in the number of actual visits to the place

A coffee shop in Riyadh launched a TikTok ad for a week worth 700 riyals, focusing on:

The scene of the barista slowly pouring coffee
The decor of the place and its night atmosphere
A simple voiceover says: “If you want to escape the crowds... this is your place.”

Results in just 3 days:

More than 170 thousand views
45% increase in the number of visitors
60% increase in external orders
Automated photography from new visitors who posted about the café (free of charge)

✅ 2. Increase followers on TikTok and Instagram

TikTok campaigns not only impact traffic, they also build a long-term audience:

Cafes that invested in TikTok ads saw followers increase by 30% during their first successful campaign.
This audience later turns into regular visitors or customers.

✅ 3. Increase brand awareness

Even if viewers do not visit the café on the same day, the campaign implants in their minds the existence of the café and its features, and it will be on their list of choices later.

Fourth: Are advertising campaigns on TikTok really profitable?

✔️ Cost-benefit analysis:

Item

Value (estimated)

Campaign cost

500 - 1000 riyals

Number of views

80,000 – 200,000

Number of new visitors

100 - 300 visitors

Average spend per visitor

20 - 35 riyals

Approximate total return

2000 - 9000 riyals

ROI (return on investment)

From 4x to 9x in some cases

💡Important note:

Results vary depending on:

Video quality
Publication timing
Clarity of presentation or message
Whether there is an interaction or not

Fifth: What makes a successful TikTok ad for a coffee shop?

✅ 1. The first 3 seconds = everything

Attention on TikTok is fleeting. If the first scene isn't exciting, the video is skipped immediately.

Examples:

The sound of the coffee machine working
Close-up of milk foam forming
Warm lighting scene in the evening

✅ 2. Do not rely on text only – use sound and music

Choose popular music or a sound that reflects the store's identity. TikTok is primarily an audio-visual platform.

✅ 3. Make the video look natural

Spontaneous content trumps polished ads. For example: a video from the customer’s perspective, not from a professional camera.

✅ 4. Add a clear CTA (call to action)

“Try it yourself!”
“Come and take your first free cup!”
“Say the password and get a 15% discount.”

Sixth: Common mistakes in TikTok campaigns for coffee shops

❌ Use the same Instagram ad on TikTok

Content on TikTok has a flair, and anything that looks “refined or over-polished” loses its impact.

❌ Absence of a clear message

Just beautiful scenery is not enough. The viewer must know what to do next.

❌ Ignore the importance of geographical location

Without carefully defining your audience, your ads may reach other cities that don't serve your business.

❌ Ignore campaign analytics

Not following up on campaign results means not knowing what worked and what needs to be improved.

Seventh: How do you start your first TikTok advertising campaign for a coffee shop?

📌 Steps:

Set your goal: Do you want visits? Followers? Mark awareness?
Shoot an engaging video: Short, real, exciting.
Create an ad account in TikTok Ads Manager.
Specify the exact geographical location (for example: 10 km around the café).
Target the appropriate age group (18-35 years).
Set a daily budget (for example, 100 riyals for 5 days).
Add a clear CTA at the end of the video.
Start and continue analytics daily.

Eighth: What do coffee shop owners say about TikTok ads?

Ninth: The best types of videos for cafes on TikTok

Video type

Its effect

Coffee preparation shots

High – Stimulates the senses

Before and after decoration

Average – especially if there is a striking change

Customer opinions and photography

High – Increases confidence

Light entertainment clips from the barista

High – Builds rapport with the audience

Exclusive offers on TikTok only

Very high – encourages immediate visit

Tenth: Are TikTok ads worth the investment for a new coffee shop?

The answer: Yes - strongly, provided that:

The campaign must be set up correctly
Real and appropriate content for the platform should be filmed
The campaign should be part of an ongoing strategy, not just a random experiment

Even new cafes with no followers can go viral in a short time if TikTok is used smartly.

Summary of the article

TikTok ads are no longer just a means of entertainment, but rather a powerful tool for café owners looking to:

Rapid spread
Real interaction
Actual visits to the place
Content that publishes itself automatically

Start small, experiment affordably, learn from each campaign, and connect with your audience honestly and spontaneously.