TikTok Ads vs Facebook Ads: Cost Comparison (2025)
Published July 5, 2026
TikTok Ads vs Facebook Ads: Cost Comparison (2025)
Choosing between TikTok and Facebook for advertising often comes down to cost and audience. While Facebook has a mature, data-rich platform, TikTok offers lower costs per click and high engagement, especially among younger users. This comparison uses 2025 benchmarks from AdBacklog (aggregator) to help you decide where to invest.
TikTok Ad Costs by Industry (2025)
TikTok's cost-per-click (CPC) and cost-per-mille (CPM) vary by industry. Here are approximate benchmarks:
| Industry | CPC (USD) | CPM (USD) | CPA (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance & Insurance | $3.00 | $11.00 | $750+ |
| Retail & E-commerce | $1.95 | $9.00 | $325 |
| Beauty & Skincare | $2.10 | $8.00 | $350 |
| Food & Beverage | $1.85 | $7.80 | $260 |
| Technology & Gadgets | $2.50 | $9.50 | $500 |
| Travel & Tourism | $1.90 | $7.70 | $380 |
Key takeaway: TikTok tends to have lower CPCs for consumer goods (food, retail) and higher costs for finance. CPMs are generally under $12, making it a cost-effective option for brand awareness.
TikTok Ad Costs by Format (2025)
Different ad formats on TikTok come with different cost structures:
| Format | CPC (USD) | CPM (USD) | CPA (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Feed Video Ads | $0.50–$1.00 | $4–$10 | ~$100 |
| Spark Ads (Boosted UGC) | ~$0.40 | ~$4 | ~$60 |
| TopView (Homepage takeover) | ~$0.10* | ~$10 | ~$100+ |
| Brand Takeover | ~$0.15* | ~$10 | ~$150+ |
| Branded Hashtag Challenge | — | — | — |
*Note: Low CPC for TopView and Brand Takeover is due to high CTR (8–14%) but these formats require high minimum spend (often $100k+).
How Facebook Ads Compare
Facebook ads generally have higher CPCs than TikTok for many industries. While exact Facebook benchmarks are not provided here, historical data shows Facebook's average CPC across all industries is around $1.72 (2024), with CPM around $10–$15. TikTok's CPCs for in-feed ads ($0.50–$1.00) are often lower, but Facebook offers superior targeting and conversion tracking.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
- Choose TikTok if: You want low CPCs, high engagement, and target a younger audience (Gen Z, millennials). It's great for viral content, product demos, and brand awareness.
- Choose Facebook if: You need precise audience targeting, retargeting, and proven conversion paths. Facebook's mature ad system often yields better ROAS for B2B, finance, and complex sales.
Final Thoughts
TikTok ads are generally cheaper per click and impression, but Facebook may offer better conversion rates for certain industries. Test both platforms with small budgets to see which delivers the best CPA for your specific goals.
Data source: AdBacklog 2025 Ads Benchmarks (aggregator) (2025).