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Chances are you've purchased a product because of someone (or multiple people) raving reviews on TikTok. In just a few years, TikTok organically grew to become a search platform that allows you to find the best products to fulfill your everyday needs. Now, TikTok has integrated e-commerce into its platform through TikTok Shop. This feature opens up new avenues for creators and brands, allowing them to sell products directly on the app, from promotion to checkout.
Whether you're a seasoned creator curious about monetizing your content or a brand looking to expand your digital retail presence, this guide will walk you through what TikTok Shop is, its benefits, and how you can become an affiliate as a creator.
What Is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is an e-commerce platform within the TikTok app that enables users to discover and purchase products directly through videos, TikTok live streams, and a dedicated shopping tab. It's designed to seamlessly integrate the shopping experience with the app's entertainment content, making it a unique blend of social media and online retail.
What Are the Benefits of TikTok Shop for Creators and Brands?
Accessing TikTok Shop is straightforward. TikTok users can find products through videos tagged with a shopping bag icon, via the shop tab on a creator's profile, or through the app's Shop search function.
TikTok Shop leverages the app's massive, engaged user base and engrained promotional nature, which helps brands reach more potential customers. For creators, it allows them to monetize their content beyond traditional methods like ads and sponsorships, which can take time to secure. Overall, TikTok is the perfect opportunity to marry the creativity of promoting products with a seamless shopping experience.
How to Set up a TikTok Showcase (aka a TikTok Affiliate Store for creators)
While some creators refer to their Showcase as a TikTok shop, it's important to note that a TikTok shop refers to brands that sell products on the app (and hold the inventory). A TikTok Showcase, on the other hand, allows creators to spotlight their favorite products from TikTok Shop Sellers.
If you're familiar with Amazon Storefronts, think of TikTok Shop as the many brands and
products you can find on Amazon and a TikTok Showcase as a creator's Amazon Storefront, where you can find links to their personal product recommendations (in which they receive commission for purchases).
To set up a TikTok showcase, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Meet TikTok's community guidelines
- Be over the age of 18
- Have 5,000 followers on TikTok or more
How to Become a TikTok Shop Affiliate
Step 1: Before becoming a TikTok Shop affiliate and setting up a TikTok Showcase, confirm that you meet the above criteria. Reaching the 5,000 follower requirement may be the most challenging requirement, but by remaining consistent on the app and creating engaging content, you'll get there in due time.
Step 2: Once you've met all requirements, it's time to apply. From your profile page, click the hamburger icon at the top right of your screen, then select Creator Tools.
Step 3: In the Creator Tools window, scroll down to Monetization and swipe left until you see TikTok Shop for Creators. Click this open to be directed to the application.
Step 4: On the next screen, you'll see a brief explanation of TikTok Shop for Creators and the requirements. If you have a green checkmark next to each requirement, click Apply.
Step 5: Once your application is approved, you can search the Product Marketplace for products to add to your Showcase. Additionally, you can request samples of products to try before promoting and adding them to your Showcase (it is important to note that samples are up to the seller's discretion).
Step 6: To get the most out of being a TikTok Shop affiliate, create content spotlighting the products in your Showcase and link them directly in the video (before you upload, in the same window, you'd add a caption, cover, and other details for your video). Use TikTok's tools to track sales and commissions, adjusting your approach as needed.
TikTok Shop, particularly through a TikTok Showcase, offers a powerful avenue for creators to monetize their influence and creativity. By understanding how to navigate this platform, creators can engage their audience in new ways and benefit financially from the products they trust to endorse.