TikTok has expanded its agency badging program from one tier to two: Agency Partner and Premier Agency Partner. The standard badge recognizes qualified agencies with demonstrated performance, operational capability and certified expertise. Premier status is reserved for a smaller group of partners with proven business results, deep platform specialization and TikTok-first execution. TikTok announced the program on 16 September 2026.

Advertisers can search the TikTok Partner Directory for badged agencies. TikTok also states that past performance does not guarantee future results, an important limitation when a badge is used during procurement.

Certification enters the agency decision

Platform badges can reduce uncertainty by showing that a team has completed training and met operational criteria. They may also signal better familiarity with newer ad products, creative standards and platform support. They do not prove that an agency understands a specific market, category, customer journey or commercial target.

For agencies, the program encourages investment in certified talent, documented processes and measurable outcomes. For advertisers, it adds one data point rather than replacing due diligence.

GCC relevance

A partner managing Saudi or UAE campaigns should demonstrate Arabic creative capability, local conversion tracking, consent-aware lead handling and experience with regulated categories. Healthcare advertisers need a process for reviewing claims and protecting account access, regardless of badge level.

Karim’s strategic takeaway

Use the program as a capability roadmap for Khepresh: build certification coverage, document TikTok-first creative tests and connect media results to qualified leads and revenue. When selecting a partner, ask for comparable GCC cases, measurement methodology, account ownership and approval controls. The badge can open the conversation; evidence should close the decision.