Social media platforms became a significant part of our lives within the past few decades. Now, most of them have an integrated e-commerce platform or initiatives on their way. They know it’s a big opportunity for e-brands to gain awareness.

TikTok e-commerce initiatives are no exception.

If you were alive during 2020, it is likely you’ve heard about TikTok. And no, we don’t mean the sound your clock makes. We are talking about one of the trendiest entertainment social platforms to date. 

TikTok is a social media and entertainment platform mainly serving the first wave of Generation Z. Soon, the platform became popular among other generations, such as Millennials. But, what made TikTok so popular? 

People are driven to social media because of rich and diverse visual experiences. Tiktok’s platform focuses on short-form video content that seems genuine, which engages its audience.

E-commerce brands have an opportunity to build a community around their brands by engaging their followers. 

Continue to read and learn about 3 TikTok e-commerce initiatives that will make it more appealing for users to be part of the platform, and for e-commerce brands like YOURS to capitalize on this opportunity! Don’t miss out!

1. A Partnership with Shopify

Back in October, TikTok announced its new partnership with the e-commerce platform Shopify. The partnership aims to make it easier for Shopify’s over 1 million merchants to reach younger audiences located on TikTok, which has over 100 million users in the U.S. alone. 

Generation Z market size

Merchants will be able to connect their TikTok business accounts to their Shopify account and sell products on TikTok through in-feed shoppable video ads. Ad creation, targeting, tracking, and optimization will all be centralized in Shopify.

Additionally, merchants can use TikTok Pixels to track the conversion rate from the campaign. 

The increasing popularity of TikTok made it one of the hot spot social platforms to do e-commerce in. In fact, it is predicted to set some trends for e-commerce during 2021. Some of these trends include: 

Brands Will Tap Into Younger Audiences 

As mentioned before, a big chunk of TikTok users is part of Generation Z (ages 12-25). It is important to understand that what motivates Gen Z to make their purchase decisions is different from what motivates Millennials or Baby Boomers. 

Research shows that authenticity, brand purpose, and self-expression influences Generation Z’s purchase decisions. These motivators are easily found in TikTok’s content, hence, it makes a great opportunity for merchants to target Gen Z. 

Brands Will Tailor their Content to Platform’s Aesthetic and Format

TikTok has a different aesthetic and format than all other social media platforms. Merchants in TikTok’s e-commerce will have to create content that suits the platform and its audience. 

Given Gen Z’s purchase motivators, merchants have to ensure the content they produce seems genuine and is dynamic in nature. 

They need to make sure they are telling the story, and that the story hooks users up within the first few seconds. Otherwise, users will swipe up to skip your video. 

One tip to consider is to collaborate with TikTok content creators. They have the expertise necessary to create content with a more organic feel that will engage more users, and further translate into sales. 

Short-Form Video Ads Will Become More Popular

So far, in-feed video ads are the most effective way for merchants to sell their products on TikTok. With Shopify’s partnership, TikTok e-commerce will continue to grow, and so will the popularity of short-form video ads. 

Nevertheless, the partnership with Shopify is not the only initiative TikTok has under its sleeves to grow its e-commerce. 

2. Launch of TikTok’s New Seller University 

Is TikTok going to enter the higher education sector with New Seller University? Not precisely. 

New Seller University is TikTok’s new education platform currently being tested in Indonesia. The platform serves as a training hub to do business in TikTok.

They provide video lessons of tools available to sellers, policies, and latest updates to the shop. 

TikTok creators mentioned that those who form part of New Seller University will be able to showcase their products through short videos or a livestream with product anchors embedded in your content. 

When users click the embedded content, they will be redirected to a page containing all product details. They will also be able to showcase their product on a second tab within their profile. 

Additionally, the program has an affiliation element. Brands can sign up to have TikTok influencers promote the brand’s offerings to their audience.

Of course, there are a series of steps to follow to be able to sell products on TikTok. The graphic below describes them step by step. 

3 steps to sell products on TikTok

3. A Shoppable Live-Stream Experience

On top of the partnership with Shopify, TikTok recently announced a deal with Walmart. The deal will allow Walmart to showcase buyable products on a TikTok livestream. 

TikTok users will be able to buy Walmart’s fashion items featured on the livestream without exiting the app to do so. The items will be featured in content from 10 different creators with a large following. 

The platform is the perfect example of adapt or die. They know what their audience likes. 

On top of that, they know that they have to stay true to who they are when they incorporate the TikTok e-commerce side. Their innovations are proof that TikTok has become one of the most trendy platforms in a short period of time. 

There is no doubt in our mind that businesses can exploit the countless opportunities within TikTok’s e-commerce to boost their sales and increase brand awareness. 

Ready to Learn More About TikTok’s E-Commerce? 

If you found this article insightful on the countless opportunities within TikTok, think no more and contact us at hola@colibricontent.com. We can help your business reach the millions of customers that form part Generation Z and are on TikTok. 
You can also go into our webpage colibricontent.com for additional information and more insights!


Alejandro Villavicencio

Born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua, Alejandro moved to Florida in 2015 to study Marketing and International Business at the University of Florida. He finds joy in little things in life, but the most important thing for him is spending quality time with his loved ones.

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