Remember when everyone thought TikTok was going to be banned on a national level by now? Welp, it’s still here, and it’s constantly expanding! The TikTok Shop is an “e-commerce solution integrated with TikTok,” according to the platform. The TikTok Shop is a game-changer for multiple merchants and creators because it makes buying products easy through the original TikTok app. Gone are the days of “shopping link in bio!”
The TikTok Shop provides three ways for users to shop — Live Shopping, Shoppable Videos, and Product Showcase. Live Shopping lets you shop directly from a TikTok live stream. For creators that are using their live streams to sell, there are pinned products and a new shopping basket icon in the lower left corner of the stream. Similarly, Shoppable Videos allow you to shop on your Following or FYP feeds with the product link or shopping basket icon.
Product Showcase is where things change a bit more. You’ll be able to shop from your favorite brand or creator’s profile, again, with the shopping bag icon. You’ll be able to access whatever products they attach directly in the TikTok app.
If you’re a seller trying to figure out how to get your products in the shop, you’ve come to the right place. If you already have a TikTok account, you’re one step ahead of the rest! If you don’t, make sure you register. Then, head to the TikTok Shop Seller Center and sign up for a TikTok For Business account. Once you have an account, choose your business type and submit all required documents. You should be approved after two to three days. Once you get approved, all that’s left to do is link your bank account and the products you want on your page.
Now that you’re a seller, you can upload your product info in the Seller Center. Be wary that unsupported products will be rejected. To sell your products, you’ll want to consider working with creators. You’re able to connect with creators that will promote your products within the TikTok Shop Affiliate program. All of these partnerships will be commission-based.
You’ll be able to get insights on your sales through the seller center under reviews and analytics. Everything is in-app including managing orders, tracking, shipping, returns and payment methods.
So, there you have it! The TikTok Shop is bound to be a great new platform for Gen Zers to get products from their favorite influencers. Happy shopping!