The Complete Guide to TikTok Shop: Images and Best Practices

Find out how to create and optimize TikTok Shop images and videos for the most engagement and sales.

 Claire Oswald
Claire Oswald
product marketing manager
Claire Oswald
product marketing manager
July 31, 2024
-
1
min

TikTok, the popular social media app known for its short-form videos, launched TikTok Shop in the United States in 2023. With over hundreds of millions of users around the world, TikTok Shop is another great way for merchants and creators to showcase and sell 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 various 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.

TikTok Shop features a range of products from beauty items to clothing and other goods featured in videos. With TikTok Shop, it’s further expanded its reach and influence beyond just entertainment and into the ecommerce market. If you want to sell your wares on TikTok, it’s helpful to know how to use TikTok Shop images and videos. 

{{product-catalogue="/external-components"}}

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is an ecommerce feature on the TikTok app that allows users to browse and purchase products directly within the app. The Shop Tab is located at the top of the screen, in between “Following” and “For You.”

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’re interested in for later. Users can also follow their favorite brands and creators to stay updated on new products and promotions.

TikTok Shop is available in select countries, and there are plans to expand to more in the future. It’s an exciting addition to the app that makes shopping more accessible and convenient for users.

How to present products on TikTok Shop

The product showcase on TikTok Shop is designed to be visually appealing and engaging. Merchants can showcase their products in a few 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: There are integrations with ecommerce partners like Shopify, WooCommerce, Salesforce, BigCommerce, Zendesk, Gorgias, and more. 
  4. Dedicated Tab feature: This 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.

Requirements for TikTok Shop images and videos

Like most platforms, TikTok Shop has specific guidelines for the visual content you use. 

TikTok Shop images should be: 

  • .jpg or .png
  • 5 MB or less in file size
  • Between 600x600 and 6000x6000 pixels in resolution

You can use up to nine pictures for each product, including a maximum of three photos for each variant. 

As far as videos go, they must be between 5 and 60 seconds, though 9 to 15 seconds is recommended. There’s a maximum file size of 500 MB. The ideal aspect ratio is 9:16 with a 1080x1920 pixels resolution. Accepted video file formats include .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp, and .avi.

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

Tips and best practices for TikTok Shop content

Product photography and videos are extremely important, especially for social media channels that rely so heavily on visuals. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind when creating product content for TikTok. 

Integrate TikTok Shop with ecomm platforms

TikTok Shop isn’t the first ecommerce tool to exist in the market. There are several other ecommerce tools available. These tools are designed to help businesses of all sizes to build and manage their online stores. Some top ones to consider include: 

  • Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce site builders, 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 a popular ecommerce builder from WordPress. It offers a wide range of features, such as customizable storefronts, payment processing, and shipping options.
  • Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an enterprise-level ecommerce tool 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 tools have to do with TikTok Shop? Well, TikTok Shop is expected to compete with these ecommerce tools 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. 

Monitor performance

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 algorithm identifies the most popular products, which can be a great way for sellers to gain visibility and increase their sales. 

Partner with creators

TikTok Shop provides an opportunity for brands, creators, and merchants to reach a wider audience 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.

Tap into the affiliate program 

TikTok Shop also has an affiliate program, allowing popular influencers and creators to earn commissions by promoting products. 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—and it’s a great way for brands to incentivize promotional UGC.

To participate in the TikTok Shop affiliate program, first log in to the TikTok Shop Seller Center and create an affiliate plan based on your needs. Clicking the “Affiliate Marketing” button at the top will allow you to start promoting products through your 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.

TikTok Shop’s affiliate program isn’t 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.

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

Highlight promotions

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

Know the audience

TikTok Shop’s social commerce features also make it an attractive option for US consumers. With its emphasis on creativity and product discovery, the social media app offers a unique and engaging shopping experience that’s different from traditional ecommerce sites. This is particularly appealing to younger consumers who are looking for a more personalized and interactive shopping experience.

Tap into TikTok Shopping ads

TikTok Shopping ads allow merchants to use product photos or videos to promote their products to a targeted audience. The content is pulled from the Product Details Page and then displayed in TikTok’s search results and its Shopping Center. 

TikTok recommends a few best practices for using Shopping ads: 

  • Use All Products instead of Selected Products—selecting more products means you’ll gain more visibility. 
  • Add keywords to your product name.
  • Use a high-quality, engaging photo for the first image.
  • Set competitive bids and adjust gradually over time. Increase your daily budget when you have good performance with 80% ad spend utilization. 
  • Look at your data after you’ve made at least 10 sales. 

The impact of TikTok Shop on ecommerce

One of the most significant impacts of TikTok Shop is on businesses. The social media app 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. Its 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 has the potential to transform the ecommerce 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 it, you can expect to see significant growth in the ecommerce industry.

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

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. 

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

TikTok Shop FAQs

What is TikTok Shop and how does it work?

TikTok Shop is an ecommerce 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 available in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam. It has plans to expand to more 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’ve 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 app known for its short-form videos, launched TikTok Shop in the United States in 2023. With over hundreds of millions of users around the world, TikTok Shop is another great way for merchants and creators to showcase and sell 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 various 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.

TikTok Shop features a range of products from beauty items to clothing and other goods featured in videos. With TikTok Shop, it’s further expanded its reach and influence beyond just entertainment and into the ecommerce market. If you want to sell your wares on TikTok, it’s helpful to know how to use TikTok Shop images and videos. 

{{product-catalogue="/external-components"}}

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is an ecommerce feature on the TikTok app that allows users to browse and purchase products directly within the app. The Shop Tab is located at the top of the screen, in between “Following” and “For You.”

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’re interested in for later. Users can also follow their favorite brands and creators to stay updated on new products and promotions.

TikTok Shop is available in select countries, and there are plans to expand to more in the future. It’s an exciting addition to the app that makes shopping more accessible and convenient for users.

How to present products on TikTok Shop

The product showcase on TikTok Shop is designed to be visually appealing and engaging. Merchants can showcase their products in a few 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: There are integrations with ecommerce partners like Shopify, WooCommerce, Salesforce, BigCommerce, Zendesk, Gorgias, and more. 
  4. Dedicated Tab feature: This 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.

Requirements for TikTok Shop images and videos

Like most platforms, TikTok Shop has specific guidelines for the visual content you use. 

TikTok Shop images should be: 

  • .jpg or .png
  • 5 MB or less in file size
  • Between 600x600 and 6000x6000 pixels in resolution

You can use up to nine pictures for each product, including a maximum of three photos for each variant. 

As far as videos go, they must be between 5 and 60 seconds, though 9 to 15 seconds is recommended. There’s a maximum file size of 500 MB. The ideal aspect ratio is 9:16 with a 1080x1920 pixels resolution. Accepted video file formats include .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp, and .avi.

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

Tips and best practices for TikTok Shop content

Product photography and videos are extremely important, especially for social media channels that rely so heavily on visuals. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind when creating product content for TikTok. 

Integrate TikTok Shop with ecomm platforms

TikTok Shop isn’t the first ecommerce tool to exist in the market. There are several other ecommerce tools available. These tools are designed to help businesses of all sizes to build and manage their online stores. Some top ones to consider include: 

  • Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce site builders, 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 a popular ecommerce builder from WordPress. It offers a wide range of features, such as customizable storefronts, payment processing, and shipping options.
  • Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an enterprise-level ecommerce tool 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 tools have to do with TikTok Shop? Well, TikTok Shop is expected to compete with these ecommerce tools 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. 

Monitor performance

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 algorithm identifies the most popular products, which can be a great way for sellers to gain visibility and increase their sales. 

Partner with creators

TikTok Shop provides an opportunity for brands, creators, and merchants to reach a wider audience 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.

Tap into the affiliate program 

TikTok Shop also has an affiliate program, allowing popular influencers and creators to earn commissions by promoting products. 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—and it’s a great way for brands to incentivize promotional UGC.

To participate in the TikTok Shop affiliate program, first log in to the TikTok Shop Seller Center and create an affiliate plan based on your needs. Clicking the “Affiliate Marketing” button at the top will allow you to start promoting products through your 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.

TikTok Shop’s affiliate program isn’t 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.

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

Highlight promotions

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

Know the audience

TikTok Shop’s social commerce features also make it an attractive option for US consumers. With its emphasis on creativity and product discovery, the social media app offers a unique and engaging shopping experience that’s different from traditional ecommerce sites. This is particularly appealing to younger consumers who are looking for a more personalized and interactive shopping experience.

Tap into TikTok Shopping ads

TikTok Shopping ads allow merchants to use product photos or videos to promote their products to a targeted audience. The content is pulled from the Product Details Page and then displayed in TikTok’s search results and its Shopping Center. 

TikTok recommends a few best practices for using Shopping ads: 

  • Use All Products instead of Selected Products—selecting more products means you’ll gain more visibility. 
  • Add keywords to your product name.
  • Use a high-quality, engaging photo for the first image.
  • Set competitive bids and adjust gradually over time. Increase your daily budget when you have good performance with 80% ad spend utilization. 
  • Look at your data after you’ve made at least 10 sales. 

The impact of TikTok Shop on ecommerce

One of the most significant impacts of TikTok Shop is on businesses. The social media app 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. Its 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 has the potential to transform the ecommerce 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 it, you can expect to see significant growth in the ecommerce industry.

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

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. 

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

TikTok Shop FAQs

What is TikTok Shop and how does it work?

TikTok Shop is an ecommerce 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 available in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam. It has plans to expand to more 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’ve 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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