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I Bought The First 5 Things TikTok Ads Recommended To Me
Title: I Bought The First 5 Things TikTok Ads Recommended To Me
Hello friends and welcome to another video. This week, I am going to be buying the first five things that TikTok ads recommend to me. That's right, I'm officially giving TikTok even more of my personal information—a questionable move, for sure.
Over the past few years, we've conducted several experiments involving buying products from targeted ads across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat to see if their ad algorithms and analytics could match me with things I might like. A few months ago, I finally downloaded TikTok and, unsurprisingly, discovered a plethora of ads along with the fun videos.
In general, TikTok has become a fertile ground where companies and people interact significantly, making it an excellent marketing opportunity for businesses. Thank you, Little Caesars, for the life-size plush replica of me! In terms of ads, I've seen a wide variety: ads for parks, fake veneers, and even job opportunities at TikTok itself. Some are from small Etsy shops and others from larger corporations. There's a mix of trendy and low-effort ads, with the latter being confusing at times.
I also know that I'm not alone in being bombarded by the same ads repeatedly, like the infamous Hilara mini tennis dress ad. TikTok does have a very targeted algorithm; for instance, I ended up on Edgar Allan Poe TikTok once. So, let's find out if TikTok really knows me by purchasing the first five things they recommend.
Rules for the Experiment
- Big Banner Ads Exemption: I'm ignoring the first ad that appears upon opening the app because these are usually for major brands or companies, like Credit Karma, and they feel less targeted.
- Multiple Sessions: Instead of getting all the ads in one sitting, I'll open the app multiple times throughout the day to more closely replicate my typical TikTok usage.
Let's Ruin My Algorithm
Ad 1: Pizza Hut Tasteware
The first ad I got was for Pizza Hut's new limited edition streetwear line called "Tasteware," featuring items like a tracksuit inspired by their iconic plaid tablecloths and a t-shirt inspired by stained glass chandeliers. Although I am not a massive Pizza Hut fan, I like companies doing quirky PR stuff like this. So, I decided to buy the jumpsuit, t-shirt, slides, and necklace. Sadly, the iconic red cup was sold out.
Ad 2: What the Box?
The next ad was for an electronics mystery box account called "what the boxio." The premise is simple: you buy a box, and you get a surprise selection of electronics, guaranteed to include at least one high-value item like a tablet, MP3 player, or fitness tracker. Given my interest in Amazon return stores and liquidation stores, this seemed interesting.
Ad 3: BeGone Wax
Up next was the "BeGone Wax" earwax remover with a camera. This product has been following me for weeks, promising an inside look at my ear canal to help remove earwax. Given that Tyler, my partner, has crazy earwax, I thought we should give this a try, even if it sounded a bit gross.
Ad 4: Wireless Self-Curling Hair Iron
The fourth ad featured a wireless self-curling hair iron. The idea that it curls hair automatically was intriguing since I'm not very skilled in doing my own hair. The caveat here was that the product seemed potentially knockoff, owing to the ad’s origin. Despite my reservations, I decided to buy it.
Ad 5: Harney & Sons Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Finally, I was targeted with an ad for Harney & Sons Tea Company promoting their butterfly pea flower tea. This tea changes color from blue to pink when you add lemon water. As a millennial and Harry Potter fan, I found this visually appealing enough to buy.
The Haul
Harney & Sons Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
The tea arrived with some extra samples. The flowers create a vivid blue tea that turns pink with the addition of lemon juice. Though the taste was somewhat earthy and not particularly pleasant, it delivered on its visual appeal.
BeGone Wax Ear Cleaner
This device proved to be horrifying and fascinating. It uses a camera to show you the inside of your ear while cleaning, and honestly, seeing inside my ear was disturbing. Though it worked, the experience was off-putting, and the app had questionable features like beautifying filters and relaxing music.
Pizza Hut Tasteware
The loungewear set was fun but not high quality. The tracksuit felt synthetic, and the pockets showed through awkwardly. Nevertheless, it was a blast to wear to Pizza Hut, where I enjoyed the attention and delicious pizza.
Wireless Self-Curling Hair Iron
This product turned out to be a knockoff. While I managed to get some curls, doing so was difficult, and the machine wasn't user-friendly for someone inexperienced with hair styling.
What the Box? Mystery Electronics Box
This box arrived weeks late, containing a wireless mouse, a couple of fitness trackers, a phone case, a dual alarm clock, and Polaroid film. While the financial value exceeded what we paid, the items were not particularly exciting.
Conclusion
While some of the products matched my interests and worked as advertised, others were disappointing. Overall, TikTok's ad algorithm succeeded in reflecting certain aspects of my personality and interests, even if it isn't perfect. It's a curious experiment that makes me wonder about future targeted recommendations.
Keywords
- TikTok Ads
- Targeted Advertising
- Product Experiment
- Harney & Sons
- BeGone Wax
- Pizza Hut Tasteware
- Wireless Hair Curler
- Mystery Electronics Box
FAQ
1. What types of ads did you target for this experiment?
- I targeted standard ads within TikTok's normal ad inventory, excluding movies, TV shows, or large companies typically featured as a first ad upon app opening.
2. Why did you buy these specific products?
- The experiment's goal was to see if TikTok's ad algorithm accurately targets my interests. I bought the first five products recommended to gauge this.
3. How did the BeGone Wax ear cleaner perform?
- The device works but is pretty horrifying to use. The app has a low rating and features like beautifying filters and relaxing music, which seem vaguely disturbing.
4. Was the Pizza Hut Tasteware any good?
- The loungewear was fun but not high quality. It garnered some laughs and attention when worn to Pizza Hut, enhancing the overall experience.
5. How did the wireless self-curling hair iron perform?
- It was a knockoff product. Though it managed to curl my hair, it was cumbersome and difficult to use.
6. What was in the mystery electronics box?
- The box included a wireless mouse, two fitness trackers, a phone case, a dual alarm clock, and Polaroid film. The items were fewer but the combined value exceeded the purchase price.