TikTok Live allows creators to broadcast live videos to their followers in real time. In recent years, TikTok Live has become a popular way for influencers to promote products and offer exclusive deals to their viewers. If you’re new to TikTok Live shopping, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from finding lives to making purchases.
Finding TikTok Live Videos to Shop In
The first step to shopping on TikTok Live is actually finding livestreams that are offering products for sale. Here are some tips for discovering shoppable lives:
- Follow your favorite TikTok influencers and turn on notifications – When creators you already love go live to showcase products, you’ll get a notification so you don’t miss out.
- Check the “LIVE” tab – The LIVE tab in the TikTok app shows you all livestreams happening right now that you can join.
- Look for keywords like “haul,” “sale,” and “discount” – Creators will often advertise in their captions when their lives will include special shopping opportunities.
- Join TikTok shopping groups – Connect with other TikTok shoppers to get recommendations for the best live sales.
It’s also important to join lives quickly as soon as they start because the most exclusive discounts tend to sell out fast! So staying on top of notifications is key.
Interacting With the Livestream
Once you’ve found a shoppable livestream you want to join, tapping on it will take you into the live video. As a viewer, there are a few key ways you can interact:
- Chat – You can chat with the creator and other viewers using the comment section on the right side of the screen.
- Live Gifts – You can send virtual gifts to the creator to show support and get a shoutout.
- Screen Tap/Wave – Viewers can tap or wave on the screen during a live, and the creator will get a notification.
Engaging with the live video in these ways helps build a connection with the creator, and may even lead to getting picked for special deals and discounts! The chat in particular is very important, as that’s how you’ll be able to ask the creator questions about products and purchase details.
How to Buy Products You See
Once the creator shows an item you want to purchase, here are the steps to actually buying it:
- Ask about the product in chat – Engage with the creator and ask to purchase the item. They will give you all the info you need.
- Wait for the creator’s instructions – Different sellers have different purchase methods. Most will tell you to DM them on Instagram or TikTok.
- DM the seller – Reach out to request the item you want to buy. Provide your name, shipping address, and any other requested order details.
- Make payment – Sellers will instruct you on how to pay. This may be through PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, gift cards, etc. Do not pay until you have all purchasing and shipping details.
- Confirm order details – Review your order details with the seller before and after paying to ensure you get the right items, shipping address, etc.
- Track shipping – Most sellers will provide a tracking number so you can follow your package after purchase.
Be sure to only buy through secure payment methods and review order information carefully before purchasing. This will ensure you get exactly what you want and don’t fall victim to any scams.
Tips for Safe TikTok Live Shopping
While TikTok Live shopping can be super fun and you can find exclusive deals, there are some risks to buying directly from live videos. Use these tips to shop safely:
- Vet sellers before purchasing – Look for sellers with lots of followers and good reviews.
- Avoid “too good to be true” situations – Don’t buy if it seems sketchy or unrealistic.
- Pay only through secure apps – Never pay directly through TikTok. Use PayPal, Venmo, etc. for protection.
- Review order details thoroughly – Confirm item details, quantities, shipping address, etc. to avoid mistakes.
- Record unboxings – Film yourself opening packages when they arrive to prove condition and contents.
- Contact the seller directly with any issues – Most are happy to fix problems if you reach out.
With some caution, you can find amazing deals and exclusive products through TikTok Live. Just remember to protect yourself as a buyer by vetting sellers, paying securely, reviewing orders, and contacting the seller with any issues after purchase.
Finding the Best Deals on TikTok Live
Beyond the fun social experience, one of the big draws of TikTok Live shopping is scoring amazing discounts and deals. Here are some tips for finding and taking advantage of the best bargains:
- Look for limited-time flash sales – Time-sensitive deals that are only available for a short window during the live.
- Buy bundles and bulk packages – Sellers often offer better pricing for multi-item and bulk purchases.
- Ask about coupon codes – Politely ask the seller if they have any unpublished coupon codes to share.
- Shop seasonally – Look for lives around major holidays, new product launches and other seasonal events.
- Follow deal hashtags – Check hashtags like #tiktokdeals and #tiktokdiscounts for promotions.
With a little work scouting lives and engaging with sellers, you can score amazing bargains on coveted items. The key is acting fast, as the best TikTok Live deals tend to go quickly!
Items You Can Buy on TikTok Live
The variety of products available through TikTok Live shopping continues to grow as more sellers jump on board. Some popular categories include:
- Clothing & Accessories – T-shirts, hats, shoes, jewelry and more, often sold at deep discounts.
- Beauty & Skincare – Makeup, haircare, fragrances and skin products.
- Home Goods – Home decor, furniture, kitchenware and organizational items.
- Electronics – Trendy tech like phone cases, headphones and the latest viral gadgets.
- Toys & Novelties – Squishies, fidget toys, coloring books and other fun impulse buys.
Virtually any product that can be easily shipped can be found for sale in lives. It’s a great place to discover new brands and cute smaller shops you may not find elsewhere online.
Saving Money With TikTok Live Shopping
For shoppers looking to get the most bang for their buck, TikTok Live shopping has some clear money-saving advantages:
- Exclusive discounts and coupon codes not available elsewhere.
- Lower prices from small sellers versus major retailers.
- Steep bulk order discounts when buying multiple items.
- Lower risk of impulse purchases since items are only available for a short time during the live.
- Free shipping offers that sellers include in bundle deals and flash sales.
With fewer overhead costs than a traditional store, many TikTok sellers are able to offer better deals and pass significant savings on to their customers. As long as you shop smart, TikTok Live can be a budget-friendly alternative for scoring trendy finds and discounts.
The Social Side of TikTok Live Shopping
On top of the shopping aspect, the interactive live video format makes TikTok Live shopping a fun social experience. You can:
- Chat with the hosts – Ask questions and get to know the seller’s personality.
- Talk with other viewers – Discuss products, deals and your purchases.
- Win giveaways and get shoutouts – Engaging in the live chat may lead to special surprises.
- Get a behind-the-scenes look – Live video offers a raw, authentic view other channels can lack.
The community feeling creates an engaging space where shoppers can make connections and discover new products together. While pre-recorded ads feel forced, the live, conversational style makes the experience feel genuine.
In Conclusion
TikTok Live provides an exciting new way to shop that is interactive, social, and full of exclusive deals. By finding popular livestreams, engaging with sellers, and making secure purchases, you can land the latest viral products and take advantage of special bargains. Just be sure to exercise some caution by vetting sellers and confirming order details to ensure a smooth ordering process. With TikTok Live’s rising popularity, expect even more shopping opportunities and brand partnerships in the future as retailers tap into this engaging new commerce channel.
