TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms around the world, and it’s all about entertainment and creativity. With close to two billion users consuming content on the platform, you might imagine that it’s got plenty of ways for people to make money—and if you did, you’d be right!
The TikTok Shop is one of the newest avenues for creators and brands to monetize on TikTok, but what is it all about and how are people printing so much with it?
Let’s find out!
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop launched in September 2023, allowing creators to monetize their reach by selling products directly to their audiences. While limited in terms of geographical reach, the TikTok Shop provides platform users a way to support their favorite creators and get something tangible out of the deal, as opposed to other monetization mechanisms such as donations and gifting.
Who Can Use TikTok Shop?
There are two categories of user on TikTok Shop, as you might imagine—sellers and buyers. If your usage of TikTok is mostly limited to the consumption of content, you’re probably going to be a buyer and generally speaking, there aren’t too many restrictions.
As long as you have the latest version of the TikTok app and the Shop isn’t restricted in your country, you’re good to go unless you fail to meet the minimum age requirement of 18. You’ll also need to be able to use a valid payment method to actually complete purchases on the TikTok Shop.
When it comes to selling via the TikTok Shop, a lot of the above applies but there are a couple more checkpoints to look at. First of all, you need to have either a Business or Creator account to get your products listed. Then, TikTok will check whether you meet certain requirements in terms of how many followers you have and how consistently you upload.
We’ll get into all of this in more detail later in this article, but these are the basics when it comes to being able to use the TikTok Shop.
Is TikTok Shop Safe?
TikTok Shop is still a relatively new part of the platform and definitely in-development, but it’s definitely legit and safe to use. That said, you should definitely follow a few best practices when it comes to using TikTok Shop, just as you would with any ecommerce platform—use the most trusted and secure payment method available to you, and do your homework on the seller by checking their ratings and reviews.
It’s also important to understand the TikTok Shop return and refund policy before you make a purchase. We can’t really summarize the entire policy document here, but you generally have a 30-day return window following delivery within which to make a claim. You can also cancel orders up to a certain point in the process, and if your order gets marked ‘delivered’ but you haven’t actually got it, you’ve got 48 hours to request a refund.
How Can I Find TikTok Shop?
To access the TikTok Shop, you need to first and foremost ensure that you’ve downloaded the most up-to-date version of the app on your mobile. That’ll ensure that you have no issues when trying to access the TikTok Shop. Once you’ve made sure that your app has updated, just follow these steps:
1. Check Your Account Type. If you want to buy from TikTok Shop you shouldn’t have any problems as long as you’re on a personal account, but as a seller you’ll need a Business or Creator account.
2. Open the TikTok App. The TikTok Shop is in-app, so just fire up the app to get started.
3. Select the Navigation Bar. You’ll find it down at the bottom of the app.
4. Choose Discover or Shopping. You’re looking for a shopping bag or storefront icon, and either of these will get you to the TikTok Shop.
Why Can’t I See TikTok Shop?
If you can’t seem to find the TikTok Shop by following the above steps, it could be due to a number of reasons. First and foremost, you might not meet the minimum age requirements to use TikTok Shop, which is set strictly at 18. On top of that, you must have the right account type for Shop access, and sellers need to go through the registration process to start using TikTok Shop.
TikTok Shop is also available in a very limited set of locations. The service launched in the US, and is operational in the UK along with select Asian nations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The service was also available in Indonesia for a limited time before being banned.
TikTok has since attempted to restart operations in the nation via a joint venture with Indonesian tech giant GoTo, and reports suggest that it may also be positioned to enter the continental European market in Summer 2024.
TikTok Shop: 5 Ways to Buy and Sell
So, how does the TikTok Shop actually work? There are currently 5 different ways that you can buy (or sell!) on the TikTok Shop and maximize TikTok’s money making potential!
1. Live Shopping on TikTok
One of the most powerful ways of selling on TikTok is during a live stream. This form of content is hugely popular, and creators are taking full advantage by plugging products and linking to them right in the middle of live events. This then allows viewers to interact with the creator via comments and purchase directly from the live stream with minimal disruption—there’s no need to click away or pause.
2. Shoppable Ads
Shoppable ads can be served to TikTok users in their feeds, allowing them to scan product details and add items to their cart straight away. Again, TikTok ensures maximum streamlining of the process to increase conversion, although as a seller this feature needs to be completed in cohort with Shopify.
3. Shopping Center
Users can also browse the TikTok Shop directly by navigating to TikTok’s Shopping Center tab. They’re still on the app but this section is all about the Shop, and it allows the shopper to view and filter through all the different categories and product ranges on offer.
4. Product Showcase
If you’re a seller on TikTok Shop, you can create curated product showcases on your own Shop profile. This allows you to show off your best stuff to people who visit your profile, and give yourself the best possible chance of making a sale.
5. Shoppable Videos
Just like with live streams, you can also promote products in your videos. By integrating product details and linking and tagging the products to your video, you’re leaning into that seamless shopping experience that the TikTok Shop is all about.
Can Anyone Sell on TikTok?
Yes! As long as you fulfill TikTok’s minimum age requirements and reside in one of the eligible countries for TikTok Shop, you can apply to become a TikTok seller. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of TikTok Shop as a creator or seller:
- Create quality content. This’ll help you see success on just about any platform, but it goes for TikTok too. If your content is of high quality and creates engagement with your audience, you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of selling your products via the TikTok Shop. Link your products to your videos and streams, and ensure that they’re fun to unbox, discover and use!
- Research TikTok trends. Trend analysis is a big part of the game with any sort of business, and you can ride the wave of the latest trend if you put the time and work in. If your content trends, then your Shop is going to get plenty of eyes.
- Leverage your community. Once your content starts to develop a following, you’ve got yourself a community of your own! If you keep your people engaged and interact with them as much as possible, there’s every chance they’ll want to support you by buying your merch.
- TikTok Campaign ads. Your content isn’t the only way to get your shop seen. You can run TikTok campaign ads to reach even more eyes, but remember that your products will then also need to appeal to buyers who aren’t necessarily engaged fans of yours.
Want to Become a Successful TikTok Seller? Get Expert Advice with Whop!
TikTok is as much of a viral sensation as a platform as many of its top videos and creators are, and the TikTok Shop is a fantastic revenue stream if you do it right. With the number of regions supported by the platform undoubtedly set to grow, the potential for earnings via the TikTok Shop looks set to take off.
So, do yourself a favor and get the inside track on how to make the TikTok Shop a solid side hustle for yourself by checking out Whop’s social media groups!
On this page you’ll find businesses and creators alike who have gamed the TikTok Shop and are ready to spill all of their hard-won secrets, helping you get right to the front of the queue of TikTok success.
From all of the tips and tricks you need to be successful to inside knowledge of how the TikTok algorithm works, Whop’s TikTok and ecommerce groups are ready to serve you the inside scoop!
FAQs
What is TikTok Shop affiliate?
This is a program letting creators promote products and earn a commission for every sale made through their unique link. It’s a performance-based model and you need to be 18 years of age and have 5000 TikTok followers to become a TikTok Shop affiliate. Read this article to find out how much TikTok pays creators.
What is the most sold item on TikTok Shop?
It depends, but home and beauty products tend to do well on TikTok Shop. In December 2023, one particular Thermal Brush made over $3m while another similar but cheaper product sold well over 700,000 units.
What is the TikTok Shop commission fee?
The exact fee charged by TikTok depends on your area, but fees were hiked across the board in 2024. In the US, sellers will reportedly be charged 8% effective July 1.
How do I become a TikTok Shop seller?
As long as you fulfill the key eligibility requirements, simply visit shop.tiktok.com and scroll down to choose whether you’d like to sign up as a Seller, a Creator, or a Partner.
