E-Commerce Best Practices for TikTok and Snapchat: Driving Sales Through Engaging Creatives

With the rapid evolution of social commerce, TikTok and Snapchat have become crucial platforms for e-commerce brands looking to engage users and drive sales. These platforms offer unique advertising opportunities that leverage short-form video, immersive experiences, and direct-response marketing. To maximize ROI, brands must create compelling creatives that capture attention, drive engagement, and convert viewers into customers.

In this article, we explore best practices for e-commerce marketing on TikTok and Snapchat, using successful campaigns from Autodoc as case studies.

1. High engagement & virality

Both platforms prioritize short, engaging content that encourages user interaction. TikTok’s algorithm boosts engaging videos, while Snapchat’s immersive ad formats (such as Collection Ads and Dynamic Ads) drive direct conversions.

2. Mobile-first shopping experience

Consumers on these platforms are accustomed to discovering and purchasing products seamlessly via mobile. Features like TikTok Shop and Snapchat’s in-app shopping tools make social commerce a powerful strategy.

3. Younger demographic with high purchase intent

Both platforms attract Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, demographics known for their digital-first shopping behaviors. Brands tapping into these audiences with the right creatives can drive significant revenue.

Creative 1:

Why It Worked:

• Immediate visual hook: The video starts with a clear display of the product (tires and other auto parts), immediately signaling relevance to the target audience.
• Retail store atmosphere: The setting in a physical store creates a subconscious buying signal, making viewers feel like they are in a familiar shopping environment.
• Seamless digital transition: Instead of purchasing in-store, the creative subtly shifts the purchase journey to the app without breaking the natural shopping flow.
• Audio & subtitle strategy: A strong voiceover (“Buy auto parts at the best prices”) paired with subtitles ensures engagement for both sound-on and sound-off users.
• Price comparison as a trigger: The video highlights the cost benefits of purchasing through the app, motivating users to take action.

Creative 2:

Why It Worked:

• Innovative scanning concept: This creative borrows elements from gaming and interactive ads, using a scanning effect to “detect” auto parts, making the process engaging and unique.
• On-location filming: A real car in a parking lot establishes context and authenticity.
• Curiosity-driven engagement: The scanning effect makes users wonder, “What will happen next?”—helping retain attention in the critical first few seconds.
• Targeted product selection: The video showcases high-demand, frequently replaced auto parts (brake pads, headlights, bumpers) to maximize conversion potential.
• Price transparency: Clear price display reinforces trust and removes uncertainty from the buying process.

Creative 3:

Why It Worked:

• Branding elements: Logos, professional attire, and workshop backgrounds reinforce Autodoc’s credibility.
• Product demonstration: The step-by-step installation of brake discs, oil filters, and other parts adds educational value and builds trust.
• Strong price messaging: Clearly displayed pricing helps drive immediate purchase decisions.
• Familiarity & trust: The combination of an authoritative tone and clear visuals positions Autodoc as a reliable e-commerce destination.

Creative 4:

Why It Worked:

• In-store vs. online price comparison: The video visually contrasts the high in-store price with the lower app price, leveraging cognitive bias to influence purchase decisions.
• Minimal verbal communication: Instead of direct messaging, the creative uses clear visuals to tell the story—ideal for international scalability.
• Diverse product showcase: Featuring multiple auto parts broadens appeal and attracts different customer segments.
• Call-to-action (CTA): The video concludes with a strong visual CTA, encouraging users to explore the app.

1. Capture Attention in the First 3 Seconds

Platforms like TikTok and Snapchat thrive on short attention spans. The most successful creatives immediately showcase the product or an engaging action to hook viewers.

2. Use UGC and Real-Life Footage

Authenticity wins over polished ads. Autodoc’s best-performing creatives used real workshop environments and mechanics, making the content relatable.

3. Leverage Price Anchoring

Showing a high price first, then revealing a lower price in the app, plays into psychological pricing strategies that drive conversions.

4. Create Visual Triggers Instead of Heavy Text

Many ads performed well because they relied on strong visuals rather than too much text or voiceovers, making them adaptable for multiple markets.

5. Implement Interactive and Unique Concepts

The scanning effect in one of Autodoc’s creatives added an element of curiosity, increasing engagement. E-commerce brands should explore gamification and interaction.

Mobihunter specializes in mobile advertising for e-commerce brands, leveraging data-driven strategies to maximize performance on TikTok, Snapchat, and other key platforms. Our expertise in creating engaging, conversion-focused creatives has helped brands like Autodoc achieve outstanding results.

Our Approach:

Creative Excellence: Developing high-impact visuals that drive engagement and conversions.

Data-Driven Optimization: Continuously testing and refining ads to improve performance.

Multi-Platform Scaling: Adapting successful creatives for multiple markets and geographies.

E-commerce success on TikTok and Snapchat depends on creative storytelling, price positioning, and authentic engagement. Autodoc’s top-performing creatives offer valuable insights into what works, from leveraging UGC to implementing interactive elements.

With the right approach, brands can drive significant ROI on these platforms. If you’re looking to scale your mobile advertising strategy, Mobihunter is here to help.

📢 Ready to boost your e-commerce sales? Contact Mobihunter today!