It seems that every year, e-commerce becomes more competitive. Still, who would have thought that ground zero for online selling in 2025 would be an app on your phone that’s best known for short, viral videos of dance moves?
Over the last five years, TikTok has taken over social media. TikTok makes it possible for – well, pretty much everyone – to reach a global, engaged, and interactive audience.
In the last few months, TikTok users have been holding their collective breath waiting to see what the US Supreme Court was going to decide concerning their impending ban on the app.
In January of 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the ban and President Trump rapidly signed an executive order giving TikTok a 75-day extension. To a lot of expert e-commerce watchers, that gesture signaled his willingness to work towards a solution with the social media giant.
A big part of the reason why Trump was willing to sign that extension has to do with something referred to as social commerce.
Table of Contents
- What is Social Commerce?
- What is TikTok Shop?
- Why E-Commerce Sellers are Excited About the TikTok Algorithm
- How TikTok Shop Works for Businesses
- How to Set Up a TikTok Shop
- Promoting Your Products on TikTok Shop
- 5 Ways Users Can Shop Your Products in the TikTok App
- How Users Can Find Your Products on the TikTok App
- Shoppable Videos and Product Tags
- Shoppable Ads and TikTok Shop
- Best Practices for TikTok Shopping Success
- How Eva Can Help
What is Social Commerce?
Social commerce is a fast-growing segment of e-commerce that enables users to complete the entire shopping journey—from product discovery to purchase—directly within social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.
By allowing customers to browse products, read reviews, and make purchases without leaving the app, social commerce drives consumer engagement and leverages social proof.
Social commerce’s interactive features, such as user-generated content, shoppable posts, live shopping events, and influencer collaborations creates an engaging shopping experience and builds brand awareness.
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop, introduced in September 2023, has quickly revolutionized e-commerce by integrating shopping directly into the TikTok app. This feature lets users browse, review, and purchase products without leaving the platform.
With this exciting new social commerce platform, brand entrepreneurs, creators, and other merchants can showcase their offerings through engaging shoppable videos, live streams, and product listings, turning TikTok into a dynamic virtual marketplace.
TikTok Shop isn’t just another online shopping platform. It’s completely changed how businesses can showcase and sell their products.
TikTok Shop blends entertainment, discovery, and shopping into one experience. With product tagging, shoppable videos, and live shopping, businesses can offer users a new way to find and buy products in the app.
Why E-Commerce Sellers are Excited About the TikTok Algorithm
Everyone from Supreme Court Judges to Amazon brand entrepreneurs are interested in how the TikTok algorithm works.
One of the reasons why everyone is up in arms about the TikTok algorithm is that it’s very powerful.
TikTok’s algorithm can be a game-changer for e-commerce sellers. That’s because it offers powerful tools for product discovery and audience engagement.
Its user-centric design personalizes the “For You” feed by analyzing viewer behavior and preferences, significantly boosting the visibility of products to interested potential buyers.
The algorithm enhances exposure, turning videos into viral hits that drive massive traffic, and ensures targeted reach, allowing even small sellers to showcase their products to diverse, engaged audiences.
How TikTok Shop Works for Businesses
TikTok Shop allows brands to create an online store directly within the TikTok ecosystem. The process involves registering your business on TikTok Shop, uploading your product listings, and managing sales through an easy-to-navigate dashboard.
You can tag products in videos, use shoppable live streams to promote items in real time, and run ads that lead directly to your product pages.
Additionally, TikTok Shop integrates well with other platforms like Shopify, meaning you can connect your e-commerce infrastructure to TikTok’s social shopping app for seamless sales management.
This opens up even more possibilities for sellers leveraging Amazon Marketing Services and Amazon SEO Services to expand their reach.
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:
- Product Uploads: List your products on TikTok Shop with descriptions, images, and pricing.
- Product Tagging: Tag your products in TikTok videos so users can see and shop for them directly from your content.
- Live Shopping: Host live streams where viewers can purchase products in real time.
- Shoppable Ads: Run targeted TikTok ads that allow users to buy products with just a few clicks.
TikTok Shop Benefits: Why Selling on TikTok Can Boost Your Business
The benefits of setting up a TikTok Shop go beyond just increasing sales. TikTok allows brands to engage with their audience in a natural, entertaining, and authentic way.
The top benefits of using TikTok Shop include:
- The potential to create viral content: The platform’s algorithm favors creative and engaging posts, allowing your product videos to reach a broad audience and gain visibility.
- Interactive Shopping: Users can interact with your products directly in the app, whether through live shopping, shoppable videos, or product tags.
- A seamless journey from product discovery to purchase. The in-app shopping feature ensures users can buy your products without hassle, enhancing their overall experience.
- Access to a Younger Audience: TikTok is highly popular among Gen Z and younger millennials, making it a valuable platform for brands targeting this demographic.
- Integration with Amazon: Many businesses successfully integrate TikTok with their Amazon FBA Consulting strategies to drive more traffic and sales.
How to Set Up a TikTok Shop
Setting up your TikTok Shop is a straightforward process. TikTok provides a step-by-step guide if you’re new to e-commerce or looking to expand your existing store.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your TikTok Shop
- Set Up Your Online Store: Make sure your TikTok Store is fully optimized for all your marketplaces. TikTok integrates with platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. If you’re using one of these, you can easily sync your store with TikTok Shop.
- Connect or Create a TikTok Business Account: If you don’t already have a TikTok business account, you’ll need to create one. A business account allows you to access TikTok’s full suite of e-commerce tools, including product tagging and live shopping.
- Register for TikTok Shop: Visit the TikTok Shop registration page and submit your application. TikTok will ask for basic business information, including your store details and product categories.
- Requirements and Integration Options: Make sure your business meets TikTok’s selling requirements, which include having a registered business, a tax identification number, and a product catalog that complies with TikTok’s policies.
TikTok offers various tools to help you optimize your shop, from shoppable videos to ads that drive direct conversions.
Promoting Your Products on TikTok Shop
Whether we’re talking about Amazon, Walmart or TikTok Shop, it’s marketing and advertising that gets sales across the finish line.
After setting up your shop, the next step is promoting your products effectively. TikTok offers multiple avenues for driving traffic to your shop, from organic reach through content creation to paid promotions using TikTok ads.
Best Ways to Drive Traffic to Your TikTok Shop
- Leverage Trends and Hashtags: TikTok thrives on viral trends, so incorporate popular hashtags in your content. Participate in challenges, memes, and other trends to help your products gain visibility.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers is one of the most effective ways to promote your products. Influencers can create authentic content that resonates with their followers, increasing trust and driving sales.
- Run Shoppable Ads: TikTok allows you to run ads that lead directly to your product listings. Proper targeting will enable you to reach users interested in your products.
- Create Engaging Content: TikTok is all about creativity, so focus on producing content that entertains while promoting your products. Whether it’s through tutorials, product showcases, or user-generated content, keeping your videos engaging will help drive traffic to your TikTok Shop.
5 Ways Users Can Shop Your Products in the TikTok App
TikTok offers several shopping features that allow users to purchase products directly within the app:
- Live Shopping: Host live streams where viewers can interact with your products and purchase them in real time.
- Shoppable Videos: Tag products in your TikTok videos so that users can click on the product tag and purchase it directly.
- Product Showcase: Display a catalog of your products in a dedicated section of your TikTok profile.
- Shoppable Ads: Run ads that allow users to click and buy products without leaving TikTok.
- Shop Now Buttons: Add call-to-action buttons in your content to encourage immediate purchases.
These options make it easier for users to discover and buy products, whether watching videos or browsing your TikTok profile.
How Users Can Find Your Products on the TikTok App
Live Shopping on TikTok
One of the most exciting features of TikTok Shop is live shopping. Live shopping allows businesses to sell products in real time during a live stream.
This feature lets brands interact with customers directly, answer questions, and demonstrate products, creating a more engaging shopping experience.
With live shopping, you can host product launches, offer limited-time discounts, and create a sense of urgency, encouraging viewers to purchase on the spot.
Shoppable Videos and Product Tags
Another powerful feature of TikTok Shop is the ability to tag products in your videos. By tagging products, you make it easy for viewers to click on the tags and purchase the items they’re interested in.
Shoppable videos are especially effective with engaging content, such as tutorials, product demos, or influencer collaborations.
For brands focused on their listing optimization best practices, tagging products in TikTok videos provides additional visibility and sales potential.
Shoppable Ads and TikTok Shop
TikTok’s shoppable ads are an excellent way to reach a wider audience. By running ads that feature product tags and direct purchase options, businesses can capture users who may have yet to discover their content organically.
These ads are particularly effective when targeting users who have already shown interest in similar products.
With much of e-commerce moving towards multi-platform selling, combining TikTok ads with Amazon PPC Management can amplify your brand’s presence, ensuring that as many potential customers see your products as possible.
Best Practices for TikTok Shopping Success
To succeed in TikTok Shop, businesses must adopt a strategic approach combining creativity and optimization. Below are some best practices to follow:
Think Like a Creator, Not a Brand
TikTok is driven by creativity, so your content should feel authentic and not overly promotional. Instead of focusing solely on your brand, consider how your products can be integrated into fun, engaging videos entertaining your audience.
Partner with Creators and Influencers
Influencer marketing is crucial on TikTok. Partnering with creators who have established audiences can help you build trust and drive sales. When working with influencers, let them creatively showcase your products to their followers.
Blend Authentic Content with Product Promotion
To avoid appearing overly salesy, make sure your product promotions feel organic. Create behind-the-scenes videos. Share customer testimonials. Or, provide tips about your products.
How Eva Can Help
As an Amazon Advanced Partner and a Walmart Strategic Solution Partner, Eva works with giants like TikTok, eBay, Shopify, Google, Meta, Wayfair, and Faire.
Our AI-powered platform, and unique ability to integrate vital metrics across all marketplaces enable brands to maximize their ad performance, and make data-driven decisions for maximum impact and profit.
Ready to take your online business to the next level? Try Eva’s powerful AI-driven platform free for 15 days—no credit card needed!
Ready to elevate your TikTok Shop and grow across multiple marketplaces? Let Eva help you take your brand to the next level.
Contact us today, we’ll show you how to use Eva’s AI platform. It can optimize your TikTok Shop and other marketplace strategies for maximum profit.