What is TikTok Shop & How to Sell On It
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TikTok Shop is the latest e-commerce rollout on the TikTok platform, allowing influencers and content creators to enjoy a new option for content delivery and sales. Many vendors find that TikTok Shop boosts sales and brand awareness, as estimates report that 33.3% of users make platform-based purchases. This figure is expected to grow to 39.9% in 2026.
The Shop was rolled out in the UK prior to its US rollout, and has undergone a few evolutions since its beta run. Its most notable difference is the recently-updated affiliate program that supports creators in profiting from each purchase in a simple, automated and user-friendly way.
Read on to learn more about what TikTok Shop is, and how to find success in the TikTok Shop marketplace.
What Is TikTok Shop?
If you’re wondering what TikTok Shop is, you’re not alone. Many users have reported that it seems to have taken over users’ For You page (FYP), offering helpful suggestions about products users might be interested in based on their search history and preferences.
The TikTok Shop is a complete in-app shopping experience, offering live shopping, shoppable videos, convenient product showcases and support for sellers, creators, partners and affiliates.
Creators and sellers using the TikTok Shop appreciate the comprehensive nature of the tool, as it is the first of its kind in the social media space. While alternatives (such as Instagram Shop) offer linking and purchase abilities, TikTok brings a new dimension with native campaign tools, direct collaboration opportunities, purchase support and analytics.
Wondering how to sell on TikTok Shop? Here are a few ways that all user types can utilize this new native tool:
Where Is TikTok Shop Available?
At the time of this publication, TikTok Shop is available across several regions in Asia (such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore), as well as in the United States and the United Kingdom. The app continues to expand in availability, so be sure to check back on-platform to stay up to date with the Shop’s latest areas of availability.
TikTok Shop Eligibility
Like many other monetized platforms, TikTok does have requirements for both sellers and creators. We’ve summarized the requirements for you below, and you can check eligibility requirements in full on the TikTok site.
TikTok Shop Creator Requirements
Creator requirements to join as a TikTok Shop Affiliate include:
*Please note that these requirements are current at the time of this publication. Requirements can be subject to change.
TikTok Shop Seller Requirements
Wondering how to sell on TikTok Shop? Seller requirements are very similar to creator requirements, with a few key differences:
How to Sell on TikTok Shop As a Creator
Learning how to sell on TikTok Shop is an important skill for content creators to master if they want to expand and monetize their brands quickly. We’ve rounded up the information you need to launch your presence on the TikTok Shop.
Getting Started as a TikTok Shop Creator
The TikTok Shop Affiliate program offers a way for sellers and creators to benefit by connecting followers to content they are likely to enjoy or purchase. Below, we’ve listed the steps that must be completed for users to join:
- Open the TikTok app. Be sure that you’re logged in and have the app open before applying.
- Complete the application. The application is located on the TikTok site, and is accessible as soon as prospective applicants scan the QR code. From here, you will be directed to the TikTok app or the TikTok mobile display to complete relevant steps.
- Note that the site will not allow you to access the application unless you currently have 5,000 followers with the account you are logged in on.
- Await the decision. Many users report that this process can take up to 48 hours from the time of the application submission.
TikTok Shop Creator Features
There are many reasons why people choose to engage with the TikTok Shop Creator program:
How to Sell on TikTok Shop As a Seller
Selling on TikTok offers new avenues for immense brand growth, connecting you with prospects and clients around the globe. It’s easy to start as a TikTok Shop seller thanks to the app’s intuitive UI and simple sale process.
Getting Started as a TikTok Shop Seller
Now that we’ve explored the “what is TikTok Shop” question, many sellers may feel as if they are ready to take the next step and make their first sale. Here’s what you need to know about getting started on TikTok Shop as a seller.
- Open the TikTok app. Be sure that you’re logged in and have the app open before applying.
- Complete the application. The application is located on the TikTok site, and is accessible as soon as prospective applicants scan the QR code. From here, you will be directed to the TikTok app or the TikTok mobile display to complete relevant steps.
- Please note: Under the platform’s current requirements, sellers will need to provide proof of the owner’s U.S. passport, U.S. driver’s license or a Certificate of Incorporation.
- Wait for the result. Status will be communicated via email.
- Link your TikTok account. If you’re accepted, there’s one last step: linking your account. The TikTok Seller Center estimates that it shouldn’t take more than five minutes to do so, and offers you on-screen prompts to assist.
TikTok Shop Seller Features
Here’s what you need to know about the TikTok Shop experience for sellers.
- Affiliate support: The platform offers support in partnerships, analytics and automatically-calculated commissions to make your process simple.
- Commission structure support: While many are aware of the automatic payouts, TikTok has taken this perk a step further with basic flat commission rates for products, eliminating the need for third-party affiliate management tools.
- Personalized profitability pathways: Sellers are encouraged to leverage this native option, creating unique-to-product profitability pathways for creators.
Finding TikTok Shop Products on Creator Profiles
We’ve answered “what is the TikTok Shop,” and now we’ll show you exactly where to find them on creator profiles. Users enter the shop through the app’s FYP, navigating to the creator, partner or seller of your choice. After you’ve found their personal page, you can go to their video navigation bar and swipe one tab to the right (tapping on the shopping bag icon). After you’ve done that, you’ll be in the official TikTok Shop feed of your favorite creators and artists.
Additional TikTok Resources for Creators and Sellers
Looking for more TikTok-related resources? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve listed helpful quick-start guides for creators and sellers to get the most out of the TikTok platform: