TikTok Launches Online Shopping in the US

TikTok has officially launched its e-commerce business in the United States after months of testing, according to a blog post on Tuesday.

Credits: REUTERS

The move comes as TikTok's Chinese-owner, ByteDance, aims to capitalize on the popularity of the social media app.

TikTok is introducing online shopping through various features on its main app, hoping to replicate the success of Asian platforms like Shein and PDD Holdings' Temu.

With over 150 million users in the US, TikTok users will now be able to see videos and live streams with links to purchase items on their feed. The platform is offering tools to content creators, brands and merchants to create shoppable content. New features include a shop tab where businesses can display their products, with logistics and payments solutions powered by TikTok.

TikTok has also integrated its shopping service with third-party platforms like Shopify, Salesforce and Zendesk. This integration allows for a seamless shopping experience for users and provides additional support for businesses. The online marketplace was reportedly in the works in the US since November and is already available in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

This move by TikTok marks a significant expansion of its services beyond just social media and entertainment. By venturing into e-commerce, TikTok aims to tap into the growing trend of social commerce, where users can discover and purchase products directly within the app. With its massive user base and engaging content, TikTok has the potential to become a major player in the online shopping space.

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• TikTok has officially launched its e-commerce business in the US after months of testing.

• Users will now be able to see videos and live streams with links to purchase items on their feed.

• TikTok offers tools for content creators, brands and merchants to create shoppable content.

• The platform has integrated its shopping service with third-party platforms like Shopify and Salesforce.

Source: Reuters