WooCommerce has announced a partnership with TikTok, inviting all WooCommerce shop owners in the United States to a new program allowing merchants to market directly to TikTok users through a TikTok Shop.
Currently in Beta status, the program gives store owners access to an audience of over 150 million people, with 61% engaging in ecommerce behavior. WooCommerce merchants have the opportunity to be early adopters and sell products directly on TikTok before the service formally opens to more merchants.
TikTok as a Shopping Channel
Although TikTok is commonly seen as a video platform, it is highly consumer-oriented. Statistics indicate that 1 in 4 TikTok users use the platform for product research or make a purchase after viewing TikTok content. Influencers with large audiences often publish reviews and tips on the platform, making it a go-to place for inspiration in fashion, makeup, sports activities, and other retail-related topics.
According to TikTok Insights statistics:
- The TikTok community is 1.5x more willing to purchase something discovered on the platform.
- 95% of users agree that finance-related topics are important.
- 92% of users take action after watching a TikTok.
- 81% of users who made a Back to School purchase said TikTok played a role in their decisions.
- 44% of Gen X users say TikTok helps them discover new things.
- 37% of users immediately purchase something discovered on the platform.
- 38% have convinced a friend or family member to buy a product they found on TikTok.
- Users spend 14% more when TikTok is part of the retail journey.
TikTok Shop and WooCommerce
WooCommerce already has a TikTok presence through their TikTok for WooCommerce ad platform plugin launched in 2022. Recently, WooCommerce added support for TikTok Smart Performance Campaigns. TikTok Shop is an expansion of this relationship, enabling merchants to bring their entire inventories to TikTok and sell products directly to consumers on the platform.
Ways to sell on TikTok:
- In-feed videos
- Livestreams
- Prominent product showcase tab on the Woo merchant profile page
Facts About the TikTok Shops and WooCommerce Partnership
There are no minimum or maximum inventory limits for the number of products that can be added to TikTok Shops. TikTok Shop launched in the US for Alpha testing in early November 2022 and moved to Beta in April 2023 to allow more merchants to join.
TikTok Shop is well-tested, with initial launches in Southeast Asia and the UK, and selective rollout support with US brands late last year.
Expected Successful Products on TikTok
Steve Deckert, VP of Business Development at WooCommerce, shared insights on anticipated successful products:
“With #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt having over 60 billion views, a variety of products are discussed on TikTok. Popular categories include fashion, beauty and skincare, fitness and wellness, gaming and tech goods, and unique home organization and décor solutions. Food and beverage items may also thrive as TikTok shapes culinary trends and consumer preferences.”
Steve emphasized the importance of this opportunity for WooCommerce merchants, stating:
“People are changing the way they buy, and Woo is making it seamless for merchants to sell on major product discovery channels like TikTok. Through this Beta, Woo merchants can be among the first to test this new sales channel, streamline the purchase process, and promote their products to over 150 million monthly active US TikTok users.”
How to Sign Up for WooCommerce TikTok Shops
The TikTok Shop is currently in Beta and available to WooCommerce merchants in the United States. Beta indicates a development phase where the product is complete, with all features fully functional. Users in this phase can be the first to test the fully featured service before its wide release, representing a significant opportunity to drive sales for WooCommerce merchants.
Featured Image by Shutterstock/Goodmorning3am
