What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is a new feature within the TikTok app that allows creators to sell products directly to viewers. It was first launched in select markets in 2021, but has since expanded globally (https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/introducing-tiktok-shop).
With TikTok Shop, creators can add “shoppable” tags to their videos to link directly to products available for purchase. Viewers can then easily browse and buy those products without leaving the TikTok app. This helps creators earn commissions on sales and brands reach TikTok’s engaged user base.
TikTok Shop provides tools for setting up an in-app storefront, managing product listings, processing orders, and tracking analytics. Brands and sellers can showcase their products through TikTok LIVE streams, ads, hashtags, and more. Overall, it allows seamless social commerce within one of the most popular apps today.
Why Shop on TikTok?
TikTok provides a convenient and engaging platform for shopping directly within an app that many users already spend significant time on each day. Rather than having to switch between apps and sites to browse products and make purchases, TikTok Shop allows you to seamlessly discover and buy items without ever leaving the app.
Shopping on a platform users already engage with regularly for entertainment makes the process quicker and simpler. According to research, the TikTok Shop streamlines the purchase process, making it more convenient for users to buy products directly within the app they are already scrolling through (Source).
Overall, the convenience and tight integration with an already widely used app gives TikTok Shop unique advantages over traditional ecommerce sites and apps.
How to Find Shops on TikTok
There are a few ways to easily find shops and products on TikTok:
Search for products, brands or creators you like. Use the search bar at the top of the app to look for specific items, brands, or influencers. Tapping on a product or store page from the search results will take you directly to their TikTok Shop.
According to TikTok Shop, searching makes it easy to instantly find and purchase products promoted by your favorite creators.
You can also browse the Shop tab on the bottom toolbar. This aggregates shoppable products and brands for easy discovery. Scroll through various categories or use the search feature within the Shop tab.
Follow Your Favorite Stores
To find shops on TikTok, the easiest way is to search for and follow the brand accounts you want to purchase from. TikTok allows verified brand accounts to set up TikTok Shop on their profiles. Once you follow a brand, their shop will be easily accessible from their profile page.
To find brands to follow, go to the search bar and type in the name of a brand you like. Click their profile to follow them. You can also search hashtags related to your interests like #makeupproducts or #streetwear to discover new brands. Follow any brand profiles you want to buy from so their shop is one tap away.
Following your favorite stores is the best way to get notifications when they add new products or go live to promote their wares. It also bookmarks their shop on their profile page for easy access anytime you want to browse and purchase.
Shop Tab
One of the easiest ways to find shops on TikTok is through the dedicated Shop tab. In September 2022, TikTok launched the Shop tab feature globally, giving businesses a dedicated in-app storefront to showcase their products and services.1 The Shop tab creates a marketplace environment within TikTok where brands can set up their own product catalogs. Customers can then browse and shop directly through the app.
To access the Shop tab, simply tap on the shopping bag icon on the bottom navigation bar within the TikTok app. This will open up the tab and display a shopping marketplace where you can scroll through and discover products and deals from your favorite TikTok creators and brands. You can also search for specific items or stores using the built-in search bar. The Shop tab provides a streamlined browsing and shopping experience all within the TikTok app.
Hashtags
One of the easiest ways to discover TikTok Shops is by searching relevant hashtags. For example, you can search #TikTokShop or #TikTokSmallBusiness to find lots of shops selling various products.
You can also search more targeted hashtags related to specific types of products you’re looking for, like #TikTokShopFashion, #TikTokShopJewelry, #TikTokShopHomeGoods, etc. Using narrower hashtags helps filter the search results so you see shops selling products you’re most interested in.
When you click on one of these shopping-related hashtags, you’ll be taken to a page showing TikTok videos from shops using that hashtag. You can scroll through and check out different shops. If you find one you like, make sure to follow them so you can easily find their videos and shop again in the future.
Browsing relevant hashtags is one of the best ways to uncover new TikTok shops selling cool and unique products. So make sure to search some shopping hashtags to help you easily discover the kinds of stores you want to buy from on TikTok.
Livestreams
Live shopping is a popular way for brands and creators on TikTok to showcase their products and engage with customers in real-time through live broadcast videos. Shoppers can discover upcoming live shopping events through hashtags like #TikTokLive or by following their favorite stores directly. When a brand or seller goes live, viewers can watch the broadcast, interact via comments, and tap on product links to make purchases seamlessly without leaving the TikTok app. This creates an engaging shopping experience that feels more personalized than traditional ecommerce. According to one source, live shopping represents a major opportunity for brands to authentically connect with TikTok’s young user base.
Discover Page
The Discover page on TikTok is a great place to find shoppable products and deals. TikTok’s recommendation algorithm will suggest content and products that you may be interested in purchasing based on the accounts you follow and content you engage with. When browsing the Discover page, look for the shopping bag icon on videos – this indicates that the product featured is available for purchase directly within the TikTok app. Simply tap on the product tag in the video to learn more and purchase it. According to TikTok’s website, “The Discover page is the gateway into the endless possibilities that TikTok has to offer” (TikTok, 2022). So explore new products and deals through the personalized recommendations on your Discover page.
Ads
TikTok has introduced shoppable video ads that allow users to easily purchase products featured in ads without leaving the app. These are called TikTok Shopping Ads. When you see a product featured in a video ad that interests you, you can simply tap on the product tag to view details and checkout.
TikTok launched Shopping Ads in late 2020 and has been expanding the ad format since. Shopping Ads simplify the process for advertisers to promote products while allowing viewers a seamless experience from discovery to purchase (TikTok).
So keep an eye out for clickable shopping tags on video ads. This is a convenient way to find and buy items you discover while scrolling the For You feed.
Tips for Safe Shopping
When shopping on TikTok, it’s important to take steps to ensure a secure experience. Here are some tips:
- Research sellers carefully before purchasing – look at reviews and complaints to spot potential red flags (Money).
- Avoid impulse buys – take time to think through any purchase (WNCT).
- Use secure payment methods like credit cards – this offers buyer protection (Whig).
- Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
- Keep personal info private – don’t share financial details with sellers (Whig).
- Use strong passwords for your TikTok account to prevent unauthorized access (Whig).
- Review shipping and return policies before buying.
- Watch out for fake ads or accounts – purchase only from verified sellers.
Exercising caution can help you shop TikTok safely and avoid scams or other issues. Make informed purchasing decisions and don’t let hype or FOMO lead you to make risky buys.
