How to sell on tiktok?
TikTok may be perceived as merely a lip-syncing platform for Gen-Z, but it encompasses much more than that. The app features a diverse array of short videos that include comedy sketches, instructional content, life hacks, dance routines, daily vlogs, sports highlights, and ecommerce advice—essentially covering any topic you can imagine.
- Author: Shine
- Update: Nov 26, 2024
What is TikTok Shop?

Create and share short, entertaining videos with TikTok's vibrant community
TikTok is a short-form video sharing platform that allows users to create and share clips lasting up to 10 minutes. What sets TikTok apart—and contributes to its highly shareable content—is its extensive “Sounds Library,” which enables creators to easily incorporate music clips or snippets of dialogue from movies, TV shows, and even other TikToks into their videos.This feature fosters a culture of viral content remixing; similar to how memes circulate endlessly on Twitter and Instagram, specific Sounds can become viral on TikTok as users put their unique spin on popular lip-syncs or dance challenges.
As noted by TikTok’s newsroom, this interconnected content can be quite entertaining—once you dive into a viral Sound rabbit hole, it’s easy to understand why users often spend hours on the app.While many of the most popular creators are celebrities with large followings (some of whom gained fame through TikTok), it's surprisingly simple to go viral even without a significant follower base. By leveraging trending Sounds and hashtags, your very first video could attract hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of views. Although kids and young adults (68% aged 10-39) dominate the user demographic, creators of all ages participate in the platform. Even well-known brands like Chipotle, Levis, and GymShark are seizing the chance for viral exposure.
TikTok Shop is a feature that allows users with business accounts to sell products directly on TikTok. As TikTok becomes a popular platform for product discovery, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, brands can benefit from appearing in search results and providing convenient shopping options within the app. With TikTok Shop, sellers can turn their TikTok profiles into digital storefronts by integrating shoppable video posts with effective TikTok marketing strategies.
This social selling capability enables your target audience to discover and purchase products without leaving the app.TikTok Shop offers a variety of features, including a dedicated Shop Tab where users can browse products by category, brand, or creator. Each product listing includes images, descriptions, prices, and purchase links. Users can also save items in a “Favorites” section for later and follow their favorite brands and creators for updates on new products and promotions.This feature enhances the shopping experience by allowing merchants to showcase their offerings through engaging formats such as in-feed videos, live shopping events, and product showcases. TikTok Shop is currently available in select countries, with plans for further expansion, making it an exciting addition that simplifies and enriches the shopping process for users.
Should you create a TikTok account for your business?
The straightforward answer is a resounding yes, but let's explore the reasons behind it. Your social media strategy should still incorporate established platforms like Instagram and Facebook. However, overlooking TikTok due to its younger audience could mean missing a significant opportunity.As mentioned, TikTok boasts approximately 150 million monthly active users in the U.S. alone and over 1 billion globally.
This represents a vast audience, and TikTok users are notably interactive and highly engaged.On TikTok, the type of products you sell is less important than your ability to weave your brand into viral content. By adding your unique perspective to trending Sounds, you can enhance brand awareness and capture the attention of thousands of potential customers.
Can You Link Etsy to TikTok Shop?
As of now, TikTok does not offer a direct integration with Etsy for linking Etsy listings to TikTok Shop. TikTok Shop mainly supports product listings that are created and managed directly on the TikTok platform or through partnerships with approved ecommerce platforms.To list products on TikTok Shop, sellers usually need to create their product listings directly on TikTok or through supported ecommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. These listings can be promoted and sold using various TikTok Shop features, such as in-feed posts, shopping tabs, or live shopping events.If you sell on Etsy and wish to promote your products on TikTok, you can manually create videos highlighting your products and include links to your Etsy shop in the video captions or through the link in your TikTok profile bio. This indirect approach allows you to drive traffic from TikTok to your Etsy listings, even though it does not integrate directly with TikTok Shop functionalities.For the latest and most detailed instructions on linking or integrating Etsy with TikTok Shop, it is advisable to consult TikTok's official resources or announcements regarding ecommerce integrations and partnerships.
Setting Up Your TikTok Shop:
A Beginner's GuideTikTok Shop provides a simple setup process for businesses of all sizes. However, new sellers may encounter a probationary period, leading to the question, "How long does TikTok Shop probation last?" While the duration can vary, it usually spans from a few weeks to several months.Another frequently asked question is, "Is a business account necessary for TikTok Shop?" The answer is yes; you need a TikTok for Business account to access the essential tools and resources for effectively managing your shop.Here are the steps for creating a TikTok Shop for sellers in the U.S.:
Step 1: Create a TikTok Seller Account
Step 2: Verify Your Business Documents
Step 3: Link Your Bank Account
How to Integrate TikTok Shop with Shopify
Create a TikTok Business Account
If you haven't done so already, set up a TikTok Business Account. This account is essential for accessing TikTok's shopping features.
Set Up Your Shopify Store
Make sure your Shopify store is fully configured with products listed and ready for sale. Ensure that all product details, pricing, and inventory information are up to date.
Apply for the TikTok Sales Channel on Shopify
In your Shopify admin dashboard:
Go to the "Sales Channels" section.
Click on "Explore more channels" and search for "TikTok."
Select TikTok and click "Add app."
Follow the prompts to install the TikTok Sales Channel app on your Shopify store.
Connect Your TikTok Account
After installation, you will be prompted to connect your TikTok Business Account. Log in and authorize Shopify to access your TikTok account.
Set Up Your TikTok Shop
Within the TikTok Sales Channel app in Shopify, follow the steps to establish your TikTok Shop. This includes syncing your Shopify products with TikTok and configuring shop settings such as shipping options, pricing, and policies.
Product Syncing and Approval
Shopify will automatically sync your products to TikTok. Ensure that all products comply with TikTok’s commerce policies, as they may require review and approval before being listed for sale on TikTok Shop.
Manage and Optimize Your TikTok Shop
Once your shop is established, you can manage it directly from Shopify. Update product information, inventory levels, and fulfill orders through the platform. Enhance your TikTok Shop by creating engaging content that drives traffic and promotes your products effectively.
Promote Your TikTok Shop
Start producing TikTok videos that highlight your products and include calls-to-action encouraging viewers to visit your TikTok Shop. Utilize TikTok’s advertising options to further promote your offerings to a broader audience.
Integrating TikTok Shop with Shopify enables you to tap into TikTok’s extensive user base, reaching potential customers and driving sales directly from the platform. Regularly monitor your shop's performance and adjust your strategies to maximize sales and engagement.
TikTok Shop Mastery: Making Your Brand Go Viral
TikTok Shop offers an incredible opportunity for businesses to flourish. Mastering TikTok Shop involves staying ahead of trends and leveraging the latest developments.By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the TikTok Shop landscape and unlock significant growth for your brand. From crafting engaging content to utilizing influencer partnerships, you now have the tools to transform social trends into sustainable profits.