TikTok invited some users in the United States to participate in the early testing phase of TikTok Shop.
It includes an affiliate marketplace that connects brands with influencers who can help them sell to their target customers.
What is Douyin Store?
TikTok Store allows merchants to sell products directly to viewers on TikTok through video content, live streams, and product showcase profile tabs.
It is in early testing for users in the US, UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Merchants who want to sell through TikTok Store have no follower requirement.
How can brands work with influencers?
Brands can partner with influencers to drive more TikTok Store sales through an exclusive affiliate marketplace.
Creators can become affiliates of their favorite brands. Once approved by the brand, the creator can promote the product to the audience.
Every time a creator drives a sale through the TikTok Shop, they get a commission.
Creators must be over 18 years old and have more than 5,000 followers.
Why should merchants consider Douyin Store?
While there are some concerns about TikTok’s future in the U.S., the platform has more than 13 billion users worldwide, including <>.<> billion Americans.
70% of its advertising audience is between the ages of 18 and 34. That’s almost 750.<> billion TikTok users.
More than half of TikTok users discover new brands and products through edutainment (entertainment content created to promote the sale of a product or service).
More than a third of TikTok users made a purchase after seeing an item in an ad or video. Shoppers from TikTok spend up to 14% more than other users of other social networks.
One popular hashtag, #tiktokmademebuyit, and its variants have more than 5 billion views.
According to the TikTok store page, accessing sales data will allow TikTok to send qualified traffic to your content.
Considering that TikTok will earn a contingent commission on each sale, it is in TikTok’s best interest to ensure TikTok Store content reaches the audience most likely to buy.
TikTok offers an academy where merchants, brands, and creators can find video lessons and guides to start and grow their businesses.
TikTok is also partnering with e-commerce services that can support brands and creators to ensure they sell more through the TikTok Store and affiliate marketplaces.
How to apply for the Douyin store?
Merchants and brands can wait for an invite to arrive in your inbox or use this link.
Documentation requirements vary by local regulations. US residents must have a US phone number, email address, and TikTok account.
After submitting the application and proof of identity or company, TikTok should review and respond within a few days.
Creators, affiliates, and e-commerce partners should click on their respective links to learn more.
Is this the future of social commerce?
Insider Intelligence predicts that U.S. social commerce revenue will continue to grow for several years.
TikTok joins meta-platforms Instagram and Facebook in hopes of attracting younger social shoppers and encouraging brands and influencers to generate more ad entertainment revenue.
