TikTok to Launch In-App Shopping Sooner Than Expected

The most significant update TikTok has been planning is the feature that will allow its users make purchases right within the app. And now it seems closer to its success than ever. In some countries, like the UK and Indonesia, merchants can already place their stores on TikTok. When will it be available in other countries, and how does it work?

As for the American market, TikTok has already begun. Some selected brands have already received the possibility to open their stores right on TikTok. And shopping here is quite easy, given that you won’t even have to switch to another app to make a purchase.

As far as we know, a store on the merchant’s profile will look like yet another tab, similar to those with user’s videos and liked ones. Items will be arranged the same way as regular posts, each of them having the picture, the description, and the price. By tapping it, you can read more detailed information about the product and make the purchase.

According to the statement by Laura Perez, the American TikTok’s spokesperson, now the feature is already being tested, which may mean some involvement of certain merchants. TikTok is actively inviting businesses to participate. Hardly any of them would miss an opportunity to announce the start of live shopping on TikTok, so let’s wait for announcements.

Previously, TikTok attempted to introduce livestream shopping experience as its killing feature, but it’s far from the success it was meant to be. The same is with Shopify integration which had enough potential to become a breakthrough. Now, TikTok does it on its own, in a more traditional way. It even creates its own fulfillment centers that will function as warehouses and customer service points.

Would you make purchases right on TikTok? What kind of advertising or informing would you motivate to make such a purchase: an ad, a friend’s post, or a recommendation? Are you an impulsive buyer, or do you plan each purchase? Share your thoughts on the matter in the comments!