TikTok is a rapidly evolving entertainment platform with nearly a hundred million engaged users, particularly in the U.S. TikTok channel invites Shopify merchants –even those who do not have a significant following. Still, the merchants can connect with the new set of audiences using content that appears genuine and authentic to them. TikTok’s deal focuses on enabling nearly one million merchants to attract younger audiences to the platform and enhance sales.
During the launch, the agreement supports Shopify merchants to run and optimize marketing campaigns in TikTok. This can be directly performed from the Shopify dashboard by installing the TikTok channel app in the App store. When the installation gets over, merchants can access crucial features of TikTok for business ads manager. The ad tools help merchants develop shareable content that transforms their products into video ads that synchronize perfectly with the TikTok community and buy TikTok views.
Merchants can target audiences based on their age, gender, video category, and user behavior and then observe the campaign’s performance for a specific period. The campaign cost depends on the merchants’ business objectives and the amount they wish to invest. The eCommerce merchants can monitor user actions like users exploring the product page, registration on a website, including items to the cart, order placement, and transactions.
TikTok plans to experiment with in-app features that enable users to view and Shopify merchants and products by enhancing their reach through effective videos. These features also allow consumers to search merchant’s products and directly shop through TikTok.
TikTok is steadily preparing its tools for additional shopping features. The app has tested and allowed users to include eCommerce links to their bios; introduced the “Shop Now” icon for video ads of brands; and added shoppable elements to hashtags with eCommerce features termed as Hashtag Challenge Plus. Meanwhile, Shopify works hard to provide more tools that enable smaller businesses to compete against giants like Amazon and Walmart.
TikTok has potentially driven sales and merchant traffic. The major advantage of TikTok is that it is a video-oriented social channel similar to YouTube instead of merely being an imagery platform like Instagram. The TikTok-Shopify partnership complements the video platforms and competes effectively with other social commerce providers such as live stream shopping applications. TikTok has currently rolled out significant shopping updates that aim to guide users to shop within the application.
Though eCommerce brands have realized the significance of social media earlier, only recently social platforms have integrated shopping into the experience. Facebook initiated the concept, and its success supported its dominance. Currently, every popular social channel possesses a completely integrated eCommerce system. Social Media is hugely driven by visual experience, and therefore, the contribution of TikTok is inevitable for brands and customers. Below are some of the trends that make TikTok a social commerce platform
Brands Preferably Engage With Younger Audiences
TikTok is immensely popular with younger demographics, particularly GenZ. A recent report has mentioned that nearly sixty percent of the users in TikTok are a part of this evolving customer generation. This appears to be a massive opportunity for brands striving to coordinate with the younger audiences. It is also understood that businesses need to perceive the aspects that prompt the purchasing decisions of the GenZ audiences, including brand purpose, authenticity, and self-expression.
Enhanced Preference To Precise Video Advertising
TikTok and Shopify’s collaboration will preferably give rise to more social commerce features in the upcoming days. Presently, in-feed ads perform best in enhancing eCommerce businesses on TikTok. The marketers need to make themselves comfortable with precise video ads that gather user’s interest and attention within a few seconds. The partnership enables eCommerce to occupy a larger portion of TikTok.
Brands Craft Their Content To Be Aesthetic
Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and similar other platforms have distinct visual aesthetics than TikTok. Therefore it is sufficient to revamp the brand’s in-feed ads from other platforms merely. To develop ads that convert, brands need to incorporate TikTok’s high-energy, dynamic, and story-telling style. It is understood that they should create ads that feel native to the TikTok platform. It is worthwhile for beginners to coordinate with TikTok creators to make their ad content appear more native with an organic touch.