How to Sell on TikTok Shop: Your Complete Beginner's Guide

What is TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop integrates e-commerce directly within the TikTok app, enabling seamless product discovery and purchase without leaving the platform. It leverages shoppable videos, live streams, and creator showcases for an interactive shopping experience.

Selling here grants access to TikTok's 1 billion+ global monthly active users, heavily skewed towards Gen Z and millennials. For instance, nearly 40% of US TikTok users are 18-24 years old. Its unique algorithm drives high product discovery and virality, and US TikTok Shop sales are projected to hit $17.5 billion in 2024. This in-app experience boosts sales, enhances brand awareness, and fosters direct customer connections, with some live streams achieving up to 25% conversion rates.

How to sell on TikTok Shop for beginners

Selling your products on TikTok Shop efficiently is not something that you can perform on a whim. You need proper guidance and recommendations to help you engage your customers. The following are some essential steps that you need to follow.

• Eligibility and requirements

To sell on TikTok Shop, ensure geographical availability, as it's active in select countries like the US, UK, and parts of Southeast Asia, with ongoing expansion. Sellers can be individuals or registered businesses, and required documentation includes identity verification (e.g., passport or driver's license) and business registration details for corporate accounts.

• Setting up your TikTok Shop seller account

Begin by registering on the TikTok Shop Seller Center, providing necessary identity and business information. You'll either connect an existing TikTok business account or create a new one, granting access to the Seller Center dashboard for managing all aspects of your shop.

• Listing your products: how to sell products on TikTok Shop

Within the Seller Center, add your products by inputting detailed information, selecting appropriate categories, and uploading high-quality images and compelling descriptions. Crucially, upload engaging videos to showcase your products in action, as visual content is key to TikTok's virality and sales potential.

• Understanding costs and fees

Selling on TikTok Shop involves various costs. You'll incur commission fees on sales, which typically range from 2% to 8% depending on the product category. Additionally, be aware of payment processing fees and potential costs for promotions or optional services like Fulfillment by TikTok (FBT).

In addition to performing the aforementioned steps, crafting compelling marketing content is also crucial for standing out on TikTok Shop. This next section will explore how Pippit, an AI-powered creative agent, can revolutionize your approach to product marketing and listings seamlessly.

Enhance product marketing and listings on TikTok with Pippit

Pippit revolutionizes TikTok Shop content creation by leveraging AI for video and text-to-image generation. Imagine a scenario where you quickly need a captivating video for a flash sale. Pippit's AI can instantly generate trend-integrated product videos from just a product link, complete with engaging effects and sounds. Similarly, for product listings, it effortlessly removes backgrounds and creates realistic lifestyle scenes, showcasing your products in their best light. These features, like AI-powered trend integration and background removal, empower sellers to produce high-quality, conversion-optimized content at scale without requiring extensive design skills or resources. To learn more about Pippit's advanced capabilities, continue reading our impactful guide.

How to create shoppable videos/ads for TikTok Shop using Pippit

Ready to transform your TikTok presence into a revenue-generating machine? This section reveals how Pippit simplifies the creation of engaging, shoppable videos and ads for TikTok Shop, breaking down the process into three effortless steps. Leverage AI to go from idea to viral content faster than ever before.

STEP 1
1. Navigate to the "Video generator" section

Before you decide to create the ultimate shoppable video for your product, you need to first sign up for Pippit using the weblink provided beforehand. Once you sign in to your account, simply click on the "Video generator" option from your dashboard and then proceed to enter your product's link or photo. Additionally, you can put in a text prompt or upload a document as well.

After you provide your necessary input, Pippit will quickly analyze your product and will create a custom heading and description, which you will have options to edit further. Pippit will also add small video snippets, otherwise known as "AI-recommended media", in addition to your uploaded media, which will be utilized to create your finalized video. Moving on, under "More info", you will be able to choose your product highlights, target audience, etc.

Scrolling down on the same page, you will also find options to choose your "Video types" and "Video settings". Under video types, you will be able to select the type of videos Pippit will create for you, for which you can either choose auto-match or decide to pick the types you need (along with the option to create a customized video script). And then under video settings, you can select your video's aspect ratio, language, length, and avatar and voice. After choosing your desired options, click on "Generate".

STEP 2
1. Enhance your video with AI tools

After clicking on "Generate", Pippit will create the ideal shoppable videos that you can utilize to promote your products on TikTok. Be sure to browse through the options and select the one that suits your business model. You can also hover your mouse cursor over any video option to get options like "Change video style", "Quick edit", or "Export video". Alternatively, you can click on "Create new", available in the top-right corner of your screen, to generate a new batch of videos.

To make quick adjustments, click on "Quick edit" to change your video script, add captions, alter the video's avatar and voice, add media, or even insert text as well. And if you want more robust video editing options, simply select "Edit more".

STEP 3
1. Preview and export your video

Turning our attention to the advanced "Edit more" option, through which you will get access to Pippit's video editing timeline, where you can perform a whole lot of different actions. These include adding audio and text to your video, making quick cuts, inserting stock footage, adding effects and animations, altering the video speed, creating fade-in/fade-out effects with noise reduction, and much more.

Lastly, if you are satisfied with the way things turned out, be sure to click on "Export" and let Pippit do the rest. You can either decide to publish your video directly through here or simply download the video (in your preferred resolution, quality, and format) to your system to share at a later time. And voila, your shoppable video is ready to be shared on TikTok Shop.

How to design stunning product posters for TikTok Shop using Pippit

Visual appeal is paramount on TikTok. Similar to creating shoppable videos/ads, these subsequent steps now dives into how Pippit empowers you to design captivating product posters for your TikTok Shop listings, ensuring your promotions and new arrivals grab immediate attention and stand out in a crowded feed.

STEP 1
1. Access the "Image studio > Poster" section

Kickstart your product poster creation process, for TikTok Shop, by first heading over to your Pippit dashboard. From there, select the "Image studio" tab, present on the left-hand side of your screen, and then select the "Poster" creation feature.

You will then be redirected to a different webpage where you will be provided with a blank canvas and a multitude of AI editing tools to take advantage of. Before you go any further, be sure to first "Resize" your poster canvas to fit TikTok's 9:16 aspect ratio. After that, upload your product image by clicking on the "Upload" button on the left-hand side of your screen. Once you upload your product photo (which you will be listing on TikTok Shop), Pippit will analyse the same and will integrate it into your poster canvas. You can then drag/re-position it, upscale the image, change its opacity, and perform other editing functions.

STEP 2
1. Generate your poster

In the next step, you will need to add relevant "Text" to your product poster. Consider using engaging phrases along with CTAs (Call-to-Action), so that your customers are compelled to make the move towards purchasing your product. You will have options to choose your text font, text size, alignment and opacity, arrangement, etc.

After integrating your product photo and text inserts, you will need to click on the "Poster" option on the left-hand menu and enter your poster creation prompt. Once you enter your prompt, be sure to select the "Type" of poster to be a "Product poster". Additionally, choose the poster style you want - whether you are looking for a minimal-looking poster (Minimalist) or something that pops (Pop Art). Then, make sure that the "Layout to poster" option is checked and proceed to click on "Generate".

STEP 3
1. Finalize and export your poster

Once your poster is generated, you will be provided with four images to choose from. You can either decide to select one of them, or decide to "Generate more", as per your needs. Once you select a specific generated poster, you will be provided with a couple of editing tools to make any final adjustments. These include the ability to upscale your image, insert stickers and shapes (through the "Edit more" function), change the image's opacity, flip the image vertically/horizontally, and so on.

If you are satisfied with your product poster and think that it is worthy enough to be put on TikTok Shop, then be sure to click on "Download". You will be allowed to select your preferred format, size (resolution), and watermark options before finally exporting the poster to your local storage. You can then share the same at a later period.

Key features of Pippit to sell on TikTok Shop

• AI-powered trend integration for videos: Pippit leverages AI to identify and incorporate current social media trends, popular effects, transitions, and viral music into your videos. This helps sellers create content that is highly discoverable and engaging on platforms like TikTok, boosting audience engagement and conversions.

• AI background removal and lifestyle scene generation: Effortlessly remove backgrounds from images and generate realistic lifestyle scenes using AI. This eliminates the need for expensive photo shoots, allowing your customers to visualize products in appealing real-world settings and enhancing your listings' professionalism.

• Batch image optimization: Streamline your workflow with batch image editing, allowing you to apply consistent optimizations such as resizing, cropping, and branding across multiple images simultaneously. This ensures a uniform, professional look for all your TikTok Shop listings, saving significant time and effort.

• Text and graphic overlays for promotional posters: Create eye-catching promotional product posters with customizable text and graphic overlays. Highlight sales, discounts, or new arrivals with visually striking designs that grab attention and drive engagement on TikTok, effectively communicating your offers to potential customers.

• Customizable templates to speed up product listings: Access a library of customizable templates specifically designed for TikTok Shop (for both videos and images), accelerating your content creation process. These templates allow you to quickly input product details and branding, ensuring consistency and efficiency when launching new products or promotions.

What to sell on TikTok Shop: Do's and don'ts for sellers

Now that we have extensively covered "how to sell on TikTok Shop", it is time we discuss the "what to sell" notion, as choosing the right products is paramount to success on TikTok Shop. This section guides you through identifying ideal product characteristics, exploring popular categories with real-world examples, and understanding the crucial list of prohibited and restricted items to ensure your offerings align with TikTok's guidelines.

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1. Ideal product characteristics

The most successful products on TikTok Shop are typically low-priced and small, encouraging impulse buys. They should be easy for creators to film and promote in short, engaging videos, and visually appealing to capture attention. Trend-driven products also thrive due to TikTok's fast-paced content cycle.

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1. Popular categories and successful examples

Popular categories include beauty and personal care (e.g., perfumes, skincare, hair accessories), home goods (e.g., cleaning gadgets, small kitchen appliances), and fashion accessories (e.g., phone cases, trendy water bottles). Success stories often involve brands leveraging viral challenges and influencer collaborations to showcase their products effectively.

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1. Prohibited and restricted products

TikTok Shop has strict guidelines. Prohibited items include adult products, alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, drugs and drug paraphernalia, weapons, counterfeit goods, and hazardous materials. Restricted products, such as certain beauty products, electronics, and jewelry, may require special documentation or prior approval to ensure safety and authenticity. Sellers must adhere to all local laws and TikTok's policies to avoid violations.

Five ways users can shop for your products on TikTok

TikTok has rapidly evolved into a powerful platform for e-commerce, offering a variety of ways for users to discover and purchase products directly within the app. Here are five key ways users can shop for your products on TikTok:

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1. Directly through TikTok Shop: Users can discover and purchase products directly within the TikTok app via the "Shop" tab on your profile or through the centralized TikTok Shop marketplace. This creates a seamless in-app shopping experience, allowing users to browse product catalogs, add items to their cart, and complete purchases without leaving the platform.

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1. Shoppable Videos: Businesses can embed product links directly into their regular TikTok videos. As users scroll through their "For You" page, they can tap on a tagged product within a video to view details and make a purchase. This leverages the entertaining and discovery-driven nature of TikTok content to drive sales.

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1. Live shopping sessions: Brands can host live streams where they showcase products, answer questions in real-time, and offer exclusive deals. During these live sessions, products can be pinned to the screen, allowing viewers to add them to their cart and check out instantly, creating an interactive and urgent shopping environment.

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1. Creator partnerships and affiliate marketing: Collaborate with TikTok creators and influencers who can promote your products through their content (videos and live streams). Through the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program, creators earn commissions on sales generated from their promotions, allowing you to leverage their audience and build trust through authentic endorsements.

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1. TikTok Shop ads (shopping ads): You can run various ad campaigns that integrate directly with TikTok Shop. These ads can appear in users' "For You" pages, search results, or the Shopping Center. They are designed to be highly shoppable, often featuring product images or videos with direct calls to action, making it easy for users to click through and purchase. This allows you to target specific audiences and drive traffic to your products.

How to sell things on TikTok Shop: tips & tricks

Mastering the mechanics of TikTok Shop involves more than just listing products. These tips and tricks will help you navigate operations, optimize your performance, and truly connect with the TikTok community to drive sales.

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1. Order management and fulfillment

Efficiently manage incoming orders through the TikTok Shop Seller Center. Stay on top of order status, process shipments promptly, and ensure accurate inventory levels to avoid overselling. Consider using Fulfillment by TikTok (FBT) if available in your region for a streamlined logistics process.

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1. Monitoring shop health and performance analytics

Regularly check your shop's health score and dive into performance analytics within the Seller Center. Monitor key metrics like sales, traffic, conversion rates, and engagement to identify what's working and areas for improvement. Use these insights to refine your strategies.

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1. Shipping, logistics, and customer service

Establish clear shipping policies and reliable logistics to ensure timely delivery. Prompt and effective customer service is paramount; address inquiries, handle returns, and resolve issues professionally to build trust and positive reviews, which are crucial for TikTok Shop success.

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1. Compliance and adherence to TikTok Shop policies

If you have things to sell on TikTok Shop, then be sure to strictly adhere to all TikTok Shop policies, including guidelines on prohibited products, intellectual property, and advertising standards. Staying compliant avoids penalties, ensures your shop remains in good standing, and builds long-term credibility with both TikTok and your customers.

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1. Content creation and engagement

Consistently create authentic, entertaining, and informative video content that resonates with the TikTok audience. Participate in trending challenges, use popular sounds, and engage directly with comments and DMs to build a community around your brand and products.

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1. Influencer and creator partnerships

Collaborate with TikTok influencers and creators whose audience aligns with your target market. Leverage the TikTok Creator Marketplace or direct outreach to form partnerships that can amplify your reach, add credibility, and drive significant sales through authentic endorsements and shoppable content.

Conclusion

Selling on TikTok Shop in 2025 is undeniably worth it, offering businesses an unparalleled opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience and capitalize on the surging trend of social commerce. As TikTok continues to evolve into a full-scale commerce engine, its future outlook is incredibly bright, promising enhanced in-app shopping features and deeper integration of content and conversion.

To truly thrive in this dynamic environment, Pippit's AI tools, like video and image generation features, have become indispensable assets in empowering sellers to effortlessly create engaging, trend-driven videos and stunning product visuals, ultimately streamlining operations and maximizing sales potential. So, if you are to unleash your brand's full potential on TikTok Shop, then be sure to try out Pippit today and transform your content strategy without fail!

FAQs

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1. How to sell on TikTok Shop for free by leveraging only organic reach?

Achieve organic reach by consistently creating authentic, trend-aligned videos using popular sounds and hashtags, focusing on genuine engagement and community building. Pippit's AI-centric features, like video generation, help by integrating your products into viral trends, maximizing your chances of discovery on the "For You" page without ad spend.

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1. What are the legal/tax considerations to sell on TikTok Shop?

Sellers must comply with local tax regulations, including VAT or sales tax collection and remittance, and register their business as required. Pippit doesn't directly handle legal/tax aspects, but by streamlining content creation, it helps you focus on ensuring your business operations are compliant.

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1. How to sell products on TikTok shop and properly manage refunds/returns?

TikTok Shop has built-in refund/return policies that sellers must follow. Clearly describe product details and shipping terms to reduce disputes. Respond to return requests promptly in the Seller Center. Pippit can assist in creating accurate product showcase videos to minimize misunderstandings and return rates.

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1. How to start selling on TikTok shop in a very specific product niche?

Identify trending sub-niches within your broader category and create highly targeted content that resonates with that specific audience. Pippit can help you craft hyper-relevant video content and product visuals that speak directly to your niche, increasing engagement and conversion rates.