Find out all about the TikTok Shopping feature: discover how to buy products directly from the TikTok app, and the benefits for brands. Dive into the world of shopping on TikTok!
TikTok, the fast-growing social media platform, recently introduced a new feature that allows users to discover and purchase products directly from the app. TikTok Shopping or TikTok Shop offers brands and content creators a new opportunity to promote their products and generate sales. We will explore the different features of TikTok Shopping, how users can access this feature, and what benefits it can offer to brands.
TikTok Shop is revolutionizing how brands authentically connect with creators and communities, offering a new approach to growing their commerce and driving meaningful shopping moments.
What is TikTok Shopping?
A new feature for online shopping
TikTok Shopping is a new feature launched by TikTok that allows users to purchase products directly from the app. With this feature, users can discover new products, embed them in their videos, and purchase them without leaving the TikTok app.
The union of entertainment and commerce is manifested through authentic and relevant shopping content, generating inspiration and leading to purchase. This content combines entertainment and information, making the shopping experience more engaging and immersive.
On TikTok, creators are taking a fresh approach to online shopping, helping brands build trust and influence through authentic content. These creators offer a refreshing and candid take on products, strengthening the relationship between brand and consumer.
Communities on TikTok drive discovery and influence culture. Brands can build lasting relationships with users by engaging with these existing communities, creating a meaningful connection with their audience.
TikTok and eCommerce Integration
TikTok Shopping integrates the creative and entertaining world of TikTok with the world of e-commerce. Users can now not only watch videos, but also buy products featured in those videos. This opens up new opportunities for brands and sellers to reach a wider audience and engage more directly with their potential customers.
TikTok is revolutionizing the purchasing journey, from the "For You" page to secure checkout, including order management and support, all integrated within the app. This approach simplifies the user experience and ensures a secure transaction.
Ability to purchase products without leaving the app
One of the main benefits of TikTok Shopping is the ability for users to purchase products without leaving the app. Users can see a product in a video, click on it, and be taken to a product page where they can learn more and make their purchase. This allows for a seamless shopping process and makes the user experience easier.
How does TikTok Shopping work?
Partnerships with brands and vendors
TikTok Shopping works through partnerships between TikTok, brands, and sellers. Brands can partner with TikTok to integrate their products into the app and make them available to users. Sellers, on the other hand, can create sales accounts on TikTok and promote their products through videos and direct links to product pages.
Creating shopping videos
Users who want to sell products on TikTok can create shopping videos. This involves presenting the product in an attractive and engaging way, providing information about its features and benefits, and generating interest among viewers. Shopping videos can be created with different formats and special effects to attract users' attention.
Integrating products into videos
Once the video is created, users can embed products into their videos. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as placing the product prominently in the video, mentioning it in the caption, or adding tags to make it easily identifiable. Embedding products allows users to discover the products on offer and learn more about them.
Direct links to product pages
When users see a product they are interested in in a video, they can click on it to be redirected to a specific page dedicated to the product. On this page, they can get more information about the product, see additional images, and read reviews from other users. This feature allows users to explore the product in detail before making their purchasing decision.
Simplified purchasing process
Once on the product page, users can add the product to their cart and complete the purchase directly from the TikTok app. The purchasing process is streamlined to provide a seamless and frictionless user experience. Users can enter their payment information, choose their shipping method, and complete their purchase in a few simple steps.
Four Native Ways to Shop on TikTok
TikTok Shop represents a major step forward in the world of e-commerce, offering brands a dynamic platform to connect, engage and convert their audience into loyal customers.
TikTok Shop allows merchants and creators to showcase and sell products directly to the TikTok community through a comprehensive in-app experience:
Direct Shopping
Buy directly during a LIVE by tapping on pinned products or browsing the shopping cart icon.
Commercial Videos
Buy directly from a video in the news feed by clicking the product link and shopping cart icon.
Product Showcase
Shop directly from a brand or creator account and access products within the app.
The benefits of TikTok Shopping
Discovery of new products
TikTok Shopping offers users the opportunity to discover new products in a fun and creative way. Users can be inspired by videos of products recommended by other users or featured by influencers. This helps diversify product choices and explore new options they might not have otherwise considered.
Interactive shopping experience
With TikTok Shopping, the shopping experience becomes interactive and engaging. Users can not only watch product videos, but also interact with these videos by clicking on the products, adding them to their cart, and completing the purchase. This creates an immersive and entertaining experience, transforming the simple act of shopping into a moment of pleasure.
Ease of use for buyers
TikTok Shopping is designed to be easy for shoppers to use. Users can find products easily through the search function or by browsing recommended videos. Once they find a product they’re interested in, they can add it to their cart and complete their purchase without leaving the TikTok app. This ease of use makes the shopping process quick and convenient.
Opportunities for brands and sellers
For brands and sellers, TikTok Shopping offers new opportunities to reach a wider audience and promote their products in creative ways. Through shopping videos, brands can showcase their products in an engaging way and engage users. Additionally, direct links to product pages allow brands to drive traffic to their own websites or e-commerce platforms.
Steps to use TikTok Shopping
Create a TikTok account
The first step to using TikTok Shopping is to create a TikTok account. Users need to download the TikTok app on their device and follow the instructions to create a user account. Once their account is created, they can start exploring TikTok's features, including TikTok Shopping.
Check eligibility for TikTok Shopping
TikTok Shopping is not available to all users. Before you can use the TikTok Shopping feature, users must verify their eligibility. To do so, they must ensure they have an active TikTok account and meet TikTok's criteria, such as minimum number of followers or engagement on their videos.
Switch to creator mode
To use the TikTok Shopping feature, users must switch to creator mode on their TikTok account. This will allow them to create shopping videos and embed products in their videos. To enable creator mode, users must go to their account settings and select the “Switch to creator mode” option.
Embedding products in videos
Once in creator mode, users can embed products into their videos. They can search for the products they want to embed, choose the ones that fit their content, and add them directly to their video. The embedded products will then be visible to users watching the video and can be clicked to access the product page.
Enable the purchase feature
Once the products are embedded in the video, users must enable the shopping feature. This will allow them to redirect users to the product pages where they can make their purchases. Users must follow TikTok's instructions to enable this feature and make sure everything is set up correctly to allow purchases.
What are the limits of TikTok Shopping?
Limited availability in some countries
TikTok Shopping is not yet available in all countries. At the moment, the feature is limited to certain markets and is rolling out to others. This means that not all TikTok users have access to the TikTok Shopping feature and cannot purchase products directly from the app.
Restrictions on certain types of products
TikTok has rules and restrictions on the types of products that can be sold through TikTok Shopping. Certain products, such as illegal products, unsafe products, or counterfeit products, are strictly prohibited. Brands and sellers must follow these rules to continue using the TikTok Shopping feature.
Need to follow TikTok rules
In addition to product restrictions, TikTok Shopping users must also follow TikTok's rules regarding posted content. TikTok has strict content guidelines, including rules against promoting violence, harassment, misinformation, or any offensive content. Users should therefore make sure to follow these rules when using TikTok Shopping.
Difficulty purchasing for non-eligible users
Users who are not eligible to use TikTok Shopping may have difficulty purchasing products featured in videos. While they may be able to view the products and be interested in them, they will not be able to purchase them directly from the app. They will have to look for other ways to purchase the products, such as visiting the brand’s website or contacting the seller directly.
How to succeed on TikTok Shopping?
Create engaging and compelling content
To succeed on TikTok Shopping, it's important to create compelling and engaging content. Users should be captivated by the videos and find the products featured interesting and useful. Using storytelling techniques, creative editing, and special effects is essential to make videos eye-catching and impressive.
Using popular trends
Following popular trends on TikTok is another key strategy to succeed on TikTok Shopping. Users are often drawn to videos that are trendy and follow the latest trends. So, it is important to stay up to date with current trends and incorporate popular elements into shopping videos to grab users’ attention.
Building trust with followers
Building trust with your followers is important to succeed on TikTok Shopping. People are more likely to buy products recommended by people they trust and have a relationship with. So, it’s essential to engage with your followers, answer their questions, and provide a positive experience.
Exploiting the potential of the video format
Video is at the heart of TikTok, and it’s important to harness its power to succeed on TikTok Shopping. Videos should be short, punchy, and entertaining to captivate users from the first few seconds. It’s also important to vary the styles of videos, using different effects, camera angles, and storylines to keep users engaged.
Shopping trends on TikTok
The power of influencers
Influencers play a significant role in TikTok shopping trends. Users are often influenced by products recommended by influencers they trust. Influencers can create engaging shopping content, give their honest opinions about products, and inspire users to buy them.
Purchasing challenges
Shopping challenges are another popular trend on TikTok. Users challenge each other to buy certain products or try out certain online stores. This creates a sense of excitement and urgency around the purchase, which can drive sales and encourage users to explore new products.
The development of social commerce
Social commerce is booming on TikTok. Users are increasingly interested in products recommended by other users and often purchase products based on the opinions and experiences of others. Brands and sellers can capitalize on this trend by creating authentic content and fostering user engagement.
The integration of renowned brands
TikTok Shopping is also seeing the integration of big-name brands. More and more big brands are joining TikTok Shopping to promote their products and reach a younger audience. This integration of big-name brands strengthens the credibility of TikTok Shopping and creates new opportunities for users to discover quality products.
Future prospects for TikTok Shopping
Geographic expansion
TikTok Shopping is still rolling out in many countries. In the future, we can expect a geographic expansion of TikTok Shopping, with more and more countries benefiting from this feature. This will allow more users and brands to enjoy the benefits of TikTok Shopping.
New brand partnerships
TikTok Shopping will continue to partner with brands around the world. These partnerships will help users discover a wider range of products and provide brands with more visibility and sales opportunities. The new partnerships will also improve the user experience and deliver quality products.
Improved purchasing features
TikTok will continue to improve TikTok Shopping’s shopping features to provide users with an even more seamless and user-friendly shopping experience. Improvements could include features like saving products for later purchase, the ability to customize shipping options, or real-time order tracking capabilities.
Integration of augmented reality features
TikTok could also integrate augmented reality features into TikTok Shopping in the future. This would allow users to virtually try on products, see how they fit into their surroundings, or even customize them based on their preferences. Integrating augmented reality would enhance the user experience and help users make informed decisions.
What are the alternatives to TikTok Shopping?
Instagram Shopping
Instagram Shopping is a popular alternative to TikTok Shopping. Instagram allows users to sell products through posts, stories, and videos. Users can add product tags to posts and stories to allow users to purchase directly from the app. Instagram Shopping offers a seamless and visually appealing shopping experience.
Pinterest Shopping
Shopping is another alternative to TikTok Shopping. Pinterest allows users to discover and save product ideas across different categories. Users can search for products, create boards to organize their ideas, and purchase products directly from the app. Pinterest Shopping focuses on inspiration and discovery of new products.
Snapchat's Brand Profiles
Snapchat's Brand Profiles is also a great alternative to TikTok Shopping. Snapchat's Brand Profiles allow brands to create exclusive content, promote products, and collaborate with influencers. Users can discover new products through sponsored stories and purchase products directly from the Snapchat app.
TikTok Shopping opens up new opportunities for e-commerce. Users can discover and purchase products easily through this feature. Brands and sellers can leverage this feature to reach new customers and promote their products in creative and interactive ways. With the continued expansion of TikTok Shopping and the enhancement of shopping features, the world of e-commerce will continue to evolve in exciting and innovative ways. TikTok Shop offers support for all sizes of businesses. From logistics solutions to post-sale management, the tools needed for business growth are at your disposal.
TikTok has become a must-have for brands looking to expand their influence. ValueYourNetwork, your trusted partner since 2016, excels in the art of propelling your brand on TikTok, particularly via TikTok Shopping, a revolutionary platform for online commerce.
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We understand the importance of authenticity and relevance in the world of e-commerce. That’s why we work closely with you to ensure that every campaign on TikTok Shopping not only reflects your brand image, but also effectively achieves your business goals.
With TikTok Shopping, transform the way you sell online. This platform allows you to integrate the purchasing process directly into the TikTok experience, offering a smooth and engaging customer journey. Thanks to ValueYourNetwork, benefit from tailor-made support to maximize your impact on this dynamic and constantly evolving platform.
Don't miss the opportunity to boost your presence on TikTok Shopping and other influential social networks. Contact ValueYourNetwork today to develop a winning TikTok Shopping strategy and get a head start in your digital marketing strategy.
Posted by Julia on 12/12/2023 in influencer campaigns – tiktok