Quick answer: In Pakistan, Facebook and Instagram ads can realistically start from around PKR 500–1,500 a day, while TikTok's own minimums push you closer to PKR 5,000+ a day per ad group. Most small businesses should start with Facebook and Instagram, since they allow a smaller test budget and work well for WhatsApp enquiries and leads. TikTok suits visual, lower-priced products once you have a working video and a bigger budget.
If you're deciding where to put your first advertising rupees, the honest answer is: it depends on your budget, your product, and whether you can make short videos. Here's what each platform costs in Pakistan, and how to choose.
How much do Facebook, Instagram and TikTok ads cost in Pakistan?
| Facebook & Instagram (Meta) | TikTok | |
|---|---|---|
| Realistic starting budget | PKR 500–1,500/day | PKR 5,000+/day per ad group (platform minimum) |
| Cost per click (CPC) | Often cited around PKR 5–400+, depending on niche | Often cited around PKR 5–700+, depending on format |
| Cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM) | Often cited around PKR 150–1,100 | Often cited lower than Facebook in several sources |
| Minimum platform rules | No official daily minimum; Meta recommends enough budget to exit the learning phase | Roughly US$20/day per ad group and US$50 per campaign (check your account) |
| Agency management fee (if hired) | Often cited from PKR 20,000–35,000+/month, separate from ad spend | Similar range, sometimes higher |
These are planning estimates compiled from Pakistani marketing agencies and platform documentation, not fixed rates. Your actual cost depends on your industry, audience, creative quality and the time of year.
What's the real difference between the two platforms?
Which platform should a small business start with?
Start with Facebook and Instagram if:
Consider TikTok once you have budget and video if:
Most ecommerce brands eventually use both: TikTok for cheap awareness and video reach, Facebook and Instagram for retargeting and closing the sale.
What should a small business budget to start?
A common starting approach for Facebook or Instagram:
- 1.Week 1: Test 2–3 creatives with one clear offer, around PKR 500–1,500/day
- 2.Week 2: Compare cost per qualified enquiry, not just clicks or likes
- 3.Week 3: Pause weak ads and put more budget behind the best performer
- 4.Week 4: Check how many enquiries became paying customers before deciding to scale
Remember: your ad spend and any agency or freelancer management fee are two separate costs. Ask for both clearly before you commit.
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