TikTok launches new ad tools to help small businesses in MENA region

The social media application logo TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone. (AFP / Olivier Douliery)
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Updated 11 July 2020
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TikTok launches new ad tools to help small businesses in MENA region

Video app TikTok has launched new advertising options it says will help small and mid-size businesses (SMB) in the Middle East grow their brand by tapping into the creativity of the TikTok community.

At a time when small businesses in particular have been severely affected by the COVID-19, TikTok is also introducing a $100 million “Back-to-Business” advertising credit program to help companies rebuild.

TIKTok bosses said the developments mark a significant milestone in the evolution of TikTok For Business, including the introduction of self-serve tools designed to support advertisers throughout the campaign-creation process.

“TikTok’s immersive, short-form videos give businesses a platform to participate and engage with a community known for its creativity, ingenuity, and joy,” said Blake Chandlee, TikTok’s vice president of global business solutions.

“As our marketing solutions scale and evolve, we’re continuously building for the future and aiming to meet the growing needs of our partners. We’re excited to continue supporting our community by providing the tools and resources for SMB owners to navigate these challenging times.”

Shant Oknayan, TikTok parent company ByteDance’s general manager of global business solutions in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey said: “The MENA region is a big focus for TikTok’s efforts in the (SMB) space. SMBs play a vital role in communities across the region and we are working very hard to ensure that those businesses can leverage the power of the platform to further build brands in a new, authentic and engaging way.

“Brands will also have the flexibility to expand their reach beyond the current media ecosystem and tap into those consumers and opinion leaders that cannot be reached on other platforms.”

The new TikTok advertising tools include: a suite of creative tools and resources such as TikTok AdStudio, which help brands present the most authentic version of their brand; TikTok Ads Manager, which accommodates flexible budgets by allowing businesses to adjust their spending at any time; intelligent targeting of new audiences; and business accounts with additional tools for performance analysis and engagement.


DCO and Arab News agree to exchange expertise in media and AI

Updated 58 min 29 sec ago
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DCO and Arab News agree to exchange expertise in media and AI

KUWAIT CITY: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the international Saudi newspaper Arab News have signed a Letter of Engagement aimed at strengthening knowledge and expertise exchange on the impact of artificial intelligence in the media sector, as well as leveraging expert insights to develop best practices to combat online misinformation amid accelerating technological advancements.

DCO said this step aligned with its efforts to strengthen collaboration with international media institutions to support responsible dialogue around digital transformation and contribute to building a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital media environment.

Commenting on the agreement, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, said: “At a moment when AI is reshaping how truth is produced, distributed, and trusted, partnership with credible media institutions is essential.”

She added that “working with Arab News allows us to bridge technology and journalism in a way that protects integrity, strengthens public trust, and elevates responsible innovation. This collaboration is about equipping media ecosystems with the tools, insight, and ethical grounding needed to navigate AI’s impact, while ensuring digital transformation serves people and their prosperity.”

Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, emphasized that the partnership enhances media institutions’ ability to keep pace with technological shifts, noting that engagement with representatives of DCO Member States enables deeper understanding of emerging technologies and regulatory developments in the digital space.

He added: “DCO’s commitment to initiatives addressing online content integrity reflects a clear dedication to supporting a responsible digital environment that serves societies and strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem.”

The Letter of agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Fifth DCO General Assembly held in Kuwait City under the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI”, alongside the second edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum, held from 4–5 February, which brought together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives from more than 60 countries to strengthen international cooperation toward a human-centric, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.