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TikTok Shop: A New Way to Shop on the Popular Social Media Platform

TikTok Shop Launches in the US. Learn how this affects your ecommerce business.

 Claire Oswald
Claire Oswald
product marketing manager
Claire Oswald
product marketing manager
September 13, 2023
-
1
min

TikTok, the popular social media platform known for its short-form videos, has launched its e-commerce product, TikTok Shop, in the United States. With over 150 million users in the US alone, TikTok Shop provides a new way for merchants and creators to showcase and sell their products to the TikTok community.

TikTok Shop allows users to discover and purchase products directly through the app, creating a complete in-app shopping experience. The platform provides three native ways to shop, including live shopping, where users can shop directly from a live video by tapping on pinned products or browsing the shopping basket icon. Shoppable videos also allow users to purchase products featured in videos directly from the app.

After months of testing, TikTok Shop has officially launched in the US, offering a range of products from beauty items to clothing and other goods featured in videos. With the launch of TikTok Shop, TikTok is further expanding its reach and influence beyond just entertainment and into the e-commerce market. As TikTok continues to grow in popularity, it will be interesting to see how TikTok Shop will shape the future of social media and e-commerce.

the launch of TikTok Shop

After months of testing, TikTok has officially launched its e-commerce product, TikTok Shop, in the United States. The company is betting big on e-commerce, and it hopes to translate its cultural relevance among young consumers to sales.

The launch of TikTok Shop comes after the company announced its plans to enter the e-commerce space earlier this year. The platform has been testing various shopping features, including a "Shop Now" button that directs users to a website where they can buy products. The company has also been testing a feature that allows users to add links to products in their videos.

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With the launch of TikTok Shop, users can now browse and buy products directly from the app. The platform has partnered with several brands, including Walmart, to offer a wide range of products, from fashion and beauty to home goods and electronics.

TikTok Shop is not the only e-commerce platform to launch this year. Instagram and Facebook have also launched their own shopping features, which allow users to buy products directly from their feeds. However, TikTok's e-commerce push is unique in that it is entirely focused on in-app shopping, which could be a game-changer for the industry.

Overall, the launch of TikTok Shop is a significant move for the platform. It is a clear indication that the company is taking e-commerce seriously and is willing to invest in new features to attract more users and drive sales. With its massive user base and growing popularity, TikTok Shop has the potential to become a major player in the e-commerce space.

what is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is a new e-commerce feature on the TikTok app that allows users to browse and purchase products directly within the app. The Shop Tab is located at the bottom of the screen, alongside the Home, Discover, and Inbox tabs.

The Shop Tab displays a variety of products, including fashion, beauty, home goods, and more. Users can browse products by category, brand, or creator. Each product listing includes a photo, description, price, and link to purchase.

TikTok Shop also features a "Favorites" section where users can save products they are interested in for later. Additionally, users can follow their favorite brands and creators to stay updated on new products and promotions.

TikTok Shop is currently only available in the United States, but there are plans to expand to other countries in the future. It is an exciting new addition to the app that makes shopping more accessible and convenient for users.

user experience on TikTok Shop

The shopping experience on TikTok Shop is personalized to each user's preferences and interests. The "For You" feed displays products that are tailored to the user's browsing and purchase history. The feed is curated based on the user's interests, location, and other factors.

TikTok Shop also provides product recommendations to users based on their browsing and purchase history. The recommendations are based on the user's preferences and interests, and they are designed to help users discover new products that they might be interested in.

The product showcase on TikTok Shop is designed to be visually appealing and engaging. Merchants can showcase their products in three main ways:

  1. In-feed videos: creators can tag products to make it easier for users to buy the products they are talking about
  2. Live shopping events: users can watch the videos and interact with the merchants in real-time, making the shopping experience more interactive and engaging.
  3. TikTok Store: TikTok has partnered with Shopify, but also offers integrations with other e-commerce partners like WooCommerce, Salesforce, BigCommerce, Zendesk, Gorgias, and more. More on this later because we love ecommerce 🤩
  4. Dedicated Tab feature, which lets users search for different products, discover recommendations, and browse different categories

Overall, the user experience on TikTok Shop is designed to be intuitive, personalized, and engaging. Users can easily find products that they are interested in, discover new products, and interact with merchants in real-time. The shopping experience is seamlessly integrated into the app, making it easy for users to shop while browsing through their favorite videos.

TikTok Shop and ecomm platforms

We promised we’d talk a bit more about this, so let’s dive into some of the different ecommerce platforms already available on TikTok. TikTok Shop is not the first e-commerce platform to exist in the market. There are several other e-commerce platforms available, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud– just to name a few. These platforms are designed to help businesses of all sizes to build and manage their online stores.

Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, providing a complete solution for building and managing online stores. It offers a wide range of features, such as customizable storefronts, secure payment processing, and inventory management.

WooCommerce is another popular e-commerce platform that is built on top of WordPress. It offers a wide range of features, such as customizable storefronts, payment processing, and shipping options.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an enterprise-level e-commerce platform that provides a complete solution for building and managing online stores. It offers a wide range of features, such as customizable storefronts, payment processing, and inventory management.

So, what do these ecommerce platforms have to do with TikTok Shop? Well, TikTok Shop is expected to compete with these e-commerce platforms by providing a unique shopping experience for the TikTok community. Trending hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt has already gained billions of views. It will be interesting to follow how TikTok Shop grows especially with early adoption from Gen Z consumers being able to purchase directly through the app. 

TikTok Shop from a seller's perspective

Sellers are excited about the launch of TikTok Shop as it offers them a new platform to showcase their products to millions of users. The platform provides an opportunity for brands, creators, and merchants to reach a wider audience and increase their sales.

TikTok Shop Seller Center is a centralized hub for sellers to manage their merchandise sales, inventory, and orders. The Seller Center provides detailed analytics and insights on the performance of their products, enabling them to make informed decisions about their sales strategy.

Brands and merchants can leverage the trendsetting power of TikTok to promote their products and increase their sales. The platform's algorithm identifies the most popular products, which can be a great way for sellers to gain visibility and increase their sales. 

Creators can also benefit from TikTok Shop by partnering with brands and promoting their products to their followers. This can help them monetize their content and increase their commission earnings.

Sellers can also use TikTok Shop to offer exclusive discounts and promotions to their customers, which can help increase customer loyalty and sales.

TikTok Shop provides a unique opportunity for sellers to reach a wider audience and increase their sales. The platform's user base and algorithm can help brands, creators, and merchants gain visibility and promote their products to millions of users.

impact of TikTok Shop on e-commerce

TikTok Shop is set to have a significant impact on the world of online shopping. With its massive user base and popularity among young consumers, TikTok's entry into the e-commerce space is expected to create a ripple effect across the industry.

One of the most significant impacts of TikTok Shop is on businesses. The platform offers a new way for companies to reach consumers and promote their products. With the ability to create shoppable videos and product catalogs, businesses can now leverage TikTok's trendsetting power to drive sales. This opens up new opportunities for small businesses and independent creators to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.

In terms of sales, TikTok Shop has the potential to drive significant growth. The platform's seamless shopping experience allows users to discover and purchase products without leaving the app. This reduces friction in the buying process and makes it easier for consumers to make purchases. As a result, businesses can expect to see increased conversion rates and higher sales.

TikTok Shop's social commerce features also make it an attractive platform for U.S. consumers. With its emphasis on creativity and product discovery, the platform offers a unique and engaging shopping experience that is different from traditional e-commerce sites. This is particularly appealing to younger consumers who are looking for a more personalized and interactive shopping experience.

TikTok Shop has the potential to transform the e-commerce landscape. Its innovative approach to social commerce and product discovery is likely to set a new standard for online shopping. As more businesses and consumers adopt the platform, we can expect to see significant growth in the e-commerce industry.

affiliate program and commissions for TikTok creators

TikTok Shop also launched its affiliate program, allowing popular influencers and creators to earn commissions by promoting products available on the platform. The program is an excellent opportunity for content creators to monetize their content and earn a percentage of the sales they generate through their affiliate links.

To participate in the TikTok Shop affiliate program, sellers must first log in to the TikTok Shop Seller Center and create an affiliate plan based on their needs. They can then click the "Affiliate Marketing" button at the top and start promoting products through their affiliate links.

The affiliate program is a win-win for both sellers and creators. Creators can earn commissions on products they promote, while sellers can expand their reach and generate more sales. With the rise of the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend, affiliate videos and UGC videos have become increasingly popular.

But, TikTok Shop's affiliate program is not limited to just videos. Creators can also promote products through live streams and earn commissions on the sales generated during the stream. The program is another outlet for creators to monetize their content and generate revenue while promoting products they love.

TikTok Shop as a global offering

TikTok Shop is the latest addition to the social media giant's platform, offering a new shopping experience for users. The service is currently available in the United States and Southeast Asia, with plans to expand to other regions in the coming months.

TikTok Shop is owned by Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok, and is designed to integrate seamlessly with the app's existing features. The service allows users to browse and purchase products from their favorite creators, including fashion and beauty products, home goods, and more.

In the United States, TikTok Shop has already made a splash, with over 150 million people using the platform for entertainment and inspiration. The service has been in testing for several months, and the official launch has been highly anticipated.

In Southeast Asia, TikTok Shop has also been well-received, with users in Indonesia and other countries embracing the new shopping experience. The service is expected to continue expanding throughout the region, with plans to launch in other countries in the near future.

As TikTok Shop continues to grow and expand, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and adapts to different regions and markets. With its unique blend of social media and e-commerce, the platform has the potential to revolutionize the way people shop online.

soona is your ultimate TikTok Shop partner

If you’re ready to open and start a TikTok Shop for your ecommerce biz, high-quality content is the first step in beginning your journey. soona creates the best content for commerce, and we are experts in creating eye-catching and scroll stopping product photos & videos

Did you know that soona is also integrated with Shopify? Knowing that TikTok has long partnered with Shopify, we know exactly the type of content, and specs, you need to build and grow Shopify storefront. 

TikTok Shop is a huge opportunity for merchants, sellers, and brands. Book your shoot with soona today to unlock a world of professional ecommerce content that is tailor-made for your TikTok Shop’s success. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TikTok Shop and how does it work?

TikTok Shop is an e-commerce platform that allows TikTok users to buy products directly within the app. It works by allowing sellers to create a storefront within the app and list their products for sale. Users can then browse through the products, add them to their cart, and purchase them using a variety of payment methods.

What are the benefits of having a TikTok Shop?

Having a TikTok Shop can help sellers reach a wider audience and increase their sales. TikTok has over 150 million users in the United States alone, and many of these users are actively looking for new products to buy. Additionally, TikTok's algorithm can help promote products to users who are most likely to be interested in them, making it easier for sellers to find new customers.

Can anyone open a TikTok Shop or are there requirements?

In order to open a TikTok Shop, sellers must meet certain requirements. They must be at least 18 years old, have a valid business license, and be based in the United States. Additionally, they must have a TikTok Creator Fund account and meet certain performance metrics, such as having at least 100,000 followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days.

What types of products can be sold on TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop allows sellers to list a wide variety of products, including fashion and beauty products, home goods, electronics, and more. However, there are certain restrictions on what can be sold. For example, sellers cannot list products that are illegal, dangerous, or counterfeit.

Is TikTok Shop available in all countries?

Currently, TikTok Shop is only available in the United States. However, TikTok has plans to expand the platform to other countries in the future.

How do I set up a TikTok Shop and become a seller?

To set up a TikTok Shop and become a seller, users must first apply to join the TikTok Creator Fund. Once they have been accepted, they can create a storefront within the app and list their products for sale. They can then promote their products to their followers and other TikTok users, and manage their orders and payments through the app.

TikTok, the popular social media platform known for its short-form videos, has launched its e-commerce product, TikTok Shop, in the United States. With over 150 million users in the US alone, TikTok Shop provides a new way for merchants and creators to showcase and sell their products to the TikTok community.

TikTok Shop allows users to discover and purchase products directly through the app, creating a complete in-app shopping experience. The platform provides three native ways to shop, including live shopping, where users can shop directly from a live video by tapping on pinned products or browsing the shopping basket icon. Shoppable videos also allow users to purchase products featured in videos directly from the app.

After months of testing, TikTok Shop has officially launched in the US, offering a range of products from beauty items to clothing and other goods featured in videos. With the launch of TikTok Shop, TikTok is further expanding its reach and influence beyond just entertainment and into the e-commerce market. As TikTok continues to grow in popularity, it will be interesting to see how TikTok Shop will shape the future of social media and e-commerce.

the launch of TikTok Shop

After months of testing, TikTok has officially launched its e-commerce product, TikTok Shop, in the United States. The company is betting big on e-commerce, and it hopes to translate its cultural relevance among young consumers to sales.

The launch of TikTok Shop comes after the company announced its plans to enter the e-commerce space earlier this year. The platform has been testing various shopping features, including a "Shop Now" button that directs users to a website where they can buy products. The company has also been testing a feature that allows users to add links to products in their videos.

{{trend-ad="/external-components"}}

With the launch of TikTok Shop, users can now browse and buy products directly from the app. The platform has partnered with several brands, including Walmart, to offer a wide range of products, from fashion and beauty to home goods and electronics.

TikTok Shop is not the only e-commerce platform to launch this year. Instagram and Facebook have also launched their own shopping features, which allow users to buy products directly from their feeds. However, TikTok's e-commerce push is unique in that it is entirely focused on in-app shopping, which could be a game-changer for the industry.

Overall, the launch of TikTok Shop is a significant move for the platform. It is a clear indication that the company is taking e-commerce seriously and is willing to invest in new features to attract more users and drive sales. With its massive user base and growing popularity, TikTok Shop has the potential to become a major player in the e-commerce space.

what is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is a new e-commerce feature on the TikTok app that allows users to browse and purchase products directly within the app. The Shop Tab is located at the bottom of the screen, alongside the Home, Discover, and Inbox tabs.

The Shop Tab displays a variety of products, including fashion, beauty, home goods, and more. Users can browse products by category, brand, or creator. Each product listing includes a photo, description, price, and link to purchase.

TikTok Shop also features a "Favorites" section where users can save products they are interested in for later. Additionally, users can follow their favorite brands and creators to stay updated on new products and promotions.

TikTok Shop is currently only available in the United States, but there are plans to expand to other countries in the future. It is an exciting new addition to the app that makes shopping more accessible and convenient for users.

user experience on TikTok Shop

The shopping experience on TikTok Shop is personalized to each user's preferences and interests. The "For You" feed displays products that are tailored to the user's browsing and purchase history. The feed is curated based on the user's interests, location, and other factors.

TikTok Shop also provides product recommendations to users based on their browsing and purchase history. The recommendations are based on the user's preferences and interests, and they are designed to help users discover new products that they might be interested in.

The product showcase on TikTok Shop is designed to be visually appealing and engaging. Merchants can showcase their products in three main ways:

  1. In-feed videos: creators can tag products to make it easier for users to buy the products they are talking about
  2. Live shopping events: users can watch the videos and interact with the merchants in real-time, making the shopping experience more interactive and engaging.
  3. TikTok Store: TikTok has partnered with Shopify, but also offers integrations with other e-commerce partners like WooCommerce, Salesforce, BigCommerce, Zendesk, Gorgias, and more. More on this later because we love ecommerce 🤩
  4. Dedicated Tab feature, which lets users search for different products, discover recommendations, and browse different categories

Overall, the user experience on TikTok Shop is designed to be intuitive, personalized, and engaging. Users can easily find products that they are interested in, discover new products, and interact with merchants in real-time. The shopping experience is seamlessly integrated into the app, making it easy for users to shop while browsing through their favorite videos.

TikTok Shop and ecomm platforms

We promised we’d talk a bit more about this, so let’s dive into some of the different ecommerce platforms already available on TikTok. TikTok Shop is not the first e-commerce platform to exist in the market. There are several other e-commerce platforms available, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud– just to name a few. These platforms are designed to help businesses of all sizes to build and manage their online stores.

Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, providing a complete solution for building and managing online stores. It offers a wide range of features, such as customizable storefronts, secure payment processing, and inventory management.

WooCommerce is another popular e-commerce platform that is built on top of WordPress. It offers a wide range of features, such as customizable storefronts, payment processing, and shipping options.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an enterprise-level e-commerce platform that provides a complete solution for building and managing online stores. It offers a wide range of features, such as customizable storefronts, payment processing, and inventory management.

So, what do these ecommerce platforms have to do with TikTok Shop? Well, TikTok Shop is expected to compete with these e-commerce platforms by providing a unique shopping experience for the TikTok community. Trending hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt has already gained billions of views. It will be interesting to follow how TikTok Shop grows especially with early adoption from Gen Z consumers being able to purchase directly through the app. 

TikTok Shop from a seller's perspective

Sellers are excited about the launch of TikTok Shop as it offers them a new platform to showcase their products to millions of users. The platform provides an opportunity for brands, creators, and merchants to reach a wider audience and increase their sales.

TikTok Shop Seller Center is a centralized hub for sellers to manage their merchandise sales, inventory, and orders. The Seller Center provides detailed analytics and insights on the performance of their products, enabling them to make informed decisions about their sales strategy.

Brands and merchants can leverage the trendsetting power of TikTok to promote their products and increase their sales. The platform's algorithm identifies the most popular products, which can be a great way for sellers to gain visibility and increase their sales. 

Creators can also benefit from TikTok Shop by partnering with brands and promoting their products to their followers. This can help them monetize their content and increase their commission earnings.

Sellers can also use TikTok Shop to offer exclusive discounts and promotions to their customers, which can help increase customer loyalty and sales.

TikTok Shop provides a unique opportunity for sellers to reach a wider audience and increase their sales. The platform's user base and algorithm can help brands, creators, and merchants gain visibility and promote their products to millions of users.

impact of TikTok Shop on e-commerce

TikTok Shop is set to have a significant impact on the world of online shopping. With its massive user base and popularity among young consumers, TikTok's entry into the e-commerce space is expected to create a ripple effect across the industry.

One of the most significant impacts of TikTok Shop is on businesses. The platform offers a new way for companies to reach consumers and promote their products. With the ability to create shoppable videos and product catalogs, businesses can now leverage TikTok's trendsetting power to drive sales. This opens up new opportunities for small businesses and independent creators to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.

In terms of sales, TikTok Shop has the potential to drive significant growth. The platform's seamless shopping experience allows users to discover and purchase products without leaving the app. This reduces friction in the buying process and makes it easier for consumers to make purchases. As a result, businesses can expect to see increased conversion rates and higher sales.

TikTok Shop's social commerce features also make it an attractive platform for U.S. consumers. With its emphasis on creativity and product discovery, the platform offers a unique and engaging shopping experience that is different from traditional e-commerce sites. This is particularly appealing to younger consumers who are looking for a more personalized and interactive shopping experience.

TikTok Shop has the potential to transform the e-commerce landscape. Its innovative approach to social commerce and product discovery is likely to set a new standard for online shopping. As more businesses and consumers adopt the platform, we can expect to see significant growth in the e-commerce industry.

affiliate program and commissions for TikTok creators

TikTok Shop also launched its affiliate program, allowing popular influencers and creators to earn commissions by promoting products available on the platform. The program is an excellent opportunity for content creators to monetize their content and earn a percentage of the sales they generate through their affiliate links.

To participate in the TikTok Shop affiliate program, sellers must first log in to the TikTok Shop Seller Center and create an affiliate plan based on their needs. They can then click the "Affiliate Marketing" button at the top and start promoting products through their affiliate links.

The affiliate program is a win-win for both sellers and creators. Creators can earn commissions on products they promote, while sellers can expand their reach and generate more sales. With the rise of the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend, affiliate videos and UGC videos have become increasingly popular.

But, TikTok Shop's affiliate program is not limited to just videos. Creators can also promote products through live streams and earn commissions on the sales generated during the stream. The program is another outlet for creators to monetize their content and generate revenue while promoting products they love.

TikTok Shop as a global offering

TikTok Shop is the latest addition to the social media giant's platform, offering a new shopping experience for users. The service is currently available in the United States and Southeast Asia, with plans to expand to other regions in the coming months.

TikTok Shop is owned by Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok, and is designed to integrate seamlessly with the app's existing features. The service allows users to browse and purchase products from their favorite creators, including fashion and beauty products, home goods, and more.

In the United States, TikTok Shop has already made a splash, with over 150 million people using the platform for entertainment and inspiration. The service has been in testing for several months, and the official launch has been highly anticipated.

In Southeast Asia, TikTok Shop has also been well-received, with users in Indonesia and other countries embracing the new shopping experience. The service is expected to continue expanding throughout the region, with plans to launch in other countries in the near future.

As TikTok Shop continues to grow and expand, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and adapts to different regions and markets. With its unique blend of social media and e-commerce, the platform has the potential to revolutionize the way people shop online.

soona is your ultimate TikTok Shop partner

If you’re ready to open and start a TikTok Shop for your ecommerce biz, high-quality content is the first step in beginning your journey. soona creates the best content for commerce, and we are experts in creating eye-catching and scroll stopping product photos & videos

Did you know that soona is also integrated with Shopify? Knowing that TikTok has long partnered with Shopify, we know exactly the type of content, and specs, you need to build and grow Shopify storefront. 

TikTok Shop is a huge opportunity for merchants, sellers, and brands. Book your shoot with soona today to unlock a world of professional ecommerce content that is tailor-made for your TikTok Shop’s success. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TikTok Shop and how does it work?

TikTok Shop is an e-commerce platform that allows TikTok users to buy products directly within the app. It works by allowing sellers to create a storefront within the app and list their products for sale. Users can then browse through the products, add them to their cart, and purchase them using a variety of payment methods.

What are the benefits of having a TikTok Shop?

Having a TikTok Shop can help sellers reach a wider audience and increase their sales. TikTok has over 150 million users in the United States alone, and many of these users are actively looking for new products to buy. Additionally, TikTok's algorithm can help promote products to users who are most likely to be interested in them, making it easier for sellers to find new customers.

Can anyone open a TikTok Shop or are there requirements?

In order to open a TikTok Shop, sellers must meet certain requirements. They must be at least 18 years old, have a valid business license, and be based in the United States. Additionally, they must have a TikTok Creator Fund account and meet certain performance metrics, such as having at least 100,000 followers and 100,000 views in the last 30 days.

What types of products can be sold on TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop allows sellers to list a wide variety of products, including fashion and beauty products, home goods, electronics, and more. However, there are certain restrictions on what can be sold. For example, sellers cannot list products that are illegal, dangerous, or counterfeit.

Is TikTok Shop available in all countries?

Currently, TikTok Shop is only available in the United States. However, TikTok has plans to expand the platform to other countries in the future.

How do I set up a TikTok Shop and become a seller?

To set up a TikTok Shop and become a seller, users must first apply to join the TikTok Creator Fund. Once they have been accepted, they can create a storefront within the app and list their products for sale. They can then promote their products to their followers and other TikTok users, and manage their orders and payments through the app.

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