Social video platform TikTok has said it is moving into e-commerce after announcing an expanded partnership with Canadian e-commerce platform Shopify.
TikTok Shopping will start with a pilot test across the US, UK and Canada in the weeks to come. It had first announced its plans to partner with Shopify last October, with the introduction of new tools that allowed Shopify merchants to create, run and optimise their TikTok marketing campaigns directly from the Shopify dashboard, as well as new integrations within the TikTok For Business Ads Manager.
Shopify merchants who have a TikTok business account would soon be able to add a shopping tab to their profiles for the first time ever, the company said in a blog post.
“TikTok’s influence on modern retail is global and culture-defining, and our community has made shopping an interactive, entertaining experience that can spark unparalleled engagement. Part of TikTok’s magic is the element of discovery – anyone and anything has the potential to be discovered on TikTok and reach a broad audience, and brands are no exception. From feta cheese to drugstore skincare, we’ve seen time and time again how a single TikTok has the power to drive new shopping trends and must-have purchases,” said the blog.
“We’re committed to empowering businesses of all sizes to reach new customers on TikTok, and we’ve been exploring innovative ways to help brands build their presence on the platform and sell directly through their TikTok accounts. We’re unveiling an expanded partnership with Shopify. TikTok Shopping will bring new features that help Shopify merchants create engaging, organic content that sends consumers directly to their online store for checkout, making it easy for people to explore and buy the products they discover on TikTok.”
Blake Chandlee, President, Global Business Solutions at TikTok, commented: “Our community has transformed shopping into an experience that’s rooted in discovery, connection, and entertainment, creating unparalleled opportunities for brands to capture consumers’ attention.
“TikTok is uniquely placed at the centre of content and commerce, and these new solutions make it even easier for businesses of all sizes to create engaging content that drives consumers directly to the digital point of purchase. We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Shopify and making TikTok more accessible than ever for their merchants.”
Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, added: “Creators are paving the way for a new kind of entrepreneurship where content, community, and commerce are key. By enabling new in-app shopping experiences and product discovery on TikTok for the first time, Shopify is powering the creator economy on one of the fastest-growing social and entertainment platforms in the world. We are excited to help this next generation of entrepreneurs connect with their audiences in more ways – and with TikTok as a visionary partner.”
