Paid MediaIndustry Trends

TikTok Bans AI-Generated Endorsements in Ads

Filip Ivanković·19 April 2026·1 min read

1 min read

What changed

TikTok's 2026 ad policy explicitly prohibits AI-generated endorsements in advertising content

TikTok is phasing out its Custom Identity option for advertisers

All advertisers must now run ads via a verified TikTok profile

What it means

If you've been using AI-generated avatars or deepfake-style testimonials in TikTok ads, those campaigns will be rejected. The verified profile requirement means you can't run ads from throwaway accounts. TikTok is tightening authenticity standards post-sale, likely to rebuild advertiser and user trust.

What to do

Audit any TikTok ad creative using AI-generated faces or voices. Replace with real creator content or UGC.

If you're running ads from a non-verified profile, start the verification process now.

For AU businesses spending on TikTok, the verified profile requirement is the more urgent action item.

Source: TikTok official ad policy updates

ShareLinkedIn X

Debrief

Get the next one

No spam. No fluff. Just the next article, straight to your inbox.

Filip IvankovićFounder, New Rebellion

10+ years leading performance marketing across agencies and in-house teams in Australia. Writes about the gap between marketing activity and commercial outcomes, and what it takes to close it.

LinkedInAll articles →

Keep reading

All articles →

Industry Trends / Conversion

42% of Australian Advertisers Increased Affiliate Spend This Year

IAB Australia's State of the Nation report shows affiliate and partnership marketing investment is climbing, with 95% advertiser satisfaction on ROI delivery.

2 min readRead →

Paid Media

Google PMax Gets A/B Asset Testing. Here Is How It Works.

PMax has always been a black box for creative. Asset experiments crack it open.

2 min readRead →

Paid Media / Industry Trends

Meta Wants Your TV. CTV Expansion Is Its Next Growth Play.

Meta is pushing its performance advertising machine onto connected TV screens, chasing the last major channel it does not dominate.

2 min readRead →

Industry Trends / Conversion

42% of Australian Advertisers Increased Affiliate Spend This Year

IAB Australia's State of the Nation report shows affiliate and partnership marketing investment is climbing, with 95% advertiser satisfaction on ROI delivery.

2 min readRead →

Paid Media