How to Set up a TikTok Shop in Simple Steps

TikTok has rapidly evolved from being just a platform for short, entertaining videos to becoming a game-changer in the eCommerce world. So much so that TikTok Shop generated $33.2 billion in global GMV (gross merchandise value) in 2024, nearly tripling its 2023 total.

The emergence of TikTok Shop has transformed the way businesses and creators connect with their audiences, enabling them to showcase and sell products seamlessly within the app. This integration of entertainment and shopping presents a unique opportunity for brands to tap into a massive, engaged user base while fostering authentic connections.

Is there room for Amazon sellers on TikTok? And if yes, how can you leverage it? Where do you start? How to set up a TikTok shop and get the ball rolling?

Prerequisites for Setting Up a TikTok Shop

If you have decided to set up a TikTok shop, keep in mind there are some prerequisites you have to meet:

Account Requirements

To begin selling on TikTok Shop, you’ll need:

• A TikTok Business Account, which provides access to advanced analytics and promotional tools. Do keep in mind that you will most likely need an actual business license for this too.
• A robust understanding of TikTok’s audience and content guidelines to ensure your shop aligns with platform standards.

Regional Availability

TikTok Shop is now available in most countries around the world, but there are places where it is banned (either entirely or partially). As such, as of April 2025, the following bans are in place in select countries:

• India has banned TikTok since 2020
• Afghanistan, Iran, and Nepal have also banned TikTok
• Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand, Belgium, France, Denmark, and Norway TikTok is banned on government devices

Compliance with TikTok’s Guidelines

In addition to the aforementioned prerequisites, keep in mind that all sellers must adhere to TikTok’s content and product policies. This includes avoiding prohibited items, following local legal requirements, and ensuring content does not violate community standards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a TikTok Shop

Setting up a TikTok shop is fairly easy:

1. Sign Up on TikTok Seller Center

Visit the TikTok Seller Center and choose your country. Sign up using your TikTok account, email, or phone number.

2. Choose Your Business Type

Select whether you are registering as a business entity or an individual seller. You’ll need to provide business details such as your legal name and employer identification number (EIN), if applicable.

3. Set Up Your Shop’s Address

Enter your warehouse or pickup address. This includes your region, street address, postcode, and contact information for fulfillment purposes.

4. Verify Your Documents

Upload any required identification and business documents based on your selected business type. Ensure these documents are accurate and comply with TikTok’s guidelines.

5. Link Your Bank Account

Provide valid bank account details for receiving payments and processing returns. This step is essential for ensuring smooth financial transactions.

Integrating TikTok Shop with Shopify

For sellers already using Shopify, TikTok offers a simple integration:

Install the TikTok Shopify App

Start by installing the TikTok Shopify App to seamlessly connect your Shopify store with TikTok Shop. This integration allows you to sync your product catalog directly, making it easy to showcase your items to TikTok’s massive audience.

Create TikTok Ad Campaigns

Once connected, you can launch targeted TikTok ad campaigns to reach the right audience. Tag your products directly in your TikTok content, so viewers can easily click and shop, helping you drive more sales through engaging videos.

Manage Operations through Shopify

Streamline your business by managing orders, returns, and payments all in one place using Shopify. This integration simplifies the process, letting you oversee both your Shopify and TikTok Shop operations from a single dashboard.

Integrating TikTok with Amazon

As of August 11, 2024, TikTok has partnered with Amazon to enable in-app purchases directly within the TikTok app. This integration allows users to buy Amazon-recommended products showcased in their TikTok feed without leaving the platform.

By linking their TikTok and Amazon accounts, users can complete purchases securely while accessing real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, and delivery estimates. This collaboration aims to streamline social commerce/ shoppable content and capitalize on impulsive shopping behaviors.

Want to learn more about the ways you can use TikTok as an Amazon seller? We have a guide for you!

Best Practices for TikTok Shopping

To maximize success on TikTok Shop, keep the following best practices in mind:

Leverage TikTok Features to Boost Your Visibility

TikTok offers a wide range of features designed to help businesses connect with their target audience. Take advantage of in-feed ads to seamlessly integrate your products into users’ daily scrolling experience. These TikTok Shop ads show up as part of the user’s feed, making them feel less intrusive while driving engagement.

Additionally, product tagging is a powerful tool. By tagging your products directly in your videos, you make it easy for viewers to learn more about them and even make a purchase, reducing friction in the buying process. Explore other features like branded effects, hashtag challenges, and carousel ads to further enhance your reach and keep your content engaging and dynamic.

Engage Directly with Your Audience to Build Trust

Engagement is key on TikTok, and businesses that interact directly with their audience often see the best results. This goes beyond good customer service: it’s about focusing on content success as much as creating a seamless shopping experience.

Hosting live sessions is a fantastic way to connect with your followers in real time. Use these sessions to showcase new products, share behind-the-scenes stories, or answer potential customer questions through the Q&A feature.

Authenticity is vital on TikTok, so focus on creating genuine interactions and relatable content rather than overly polished or scripted content. Responding to comments on your videos and engaging with user-generated content related to your brand also shows customers you care, fostering trust and loyalty in the process.

Follow TikTok’s Content Guidelines to Avoid Issues

Staying compliant with TikTok’s community standards is essential to ensure your account remains active and visible (and your sales channel alive and well). Make sure all your videos, ads, and product listings adhere to TikTok’s content policies, which include rules against misleading claims, prohibited products, or inappropriate content.

Ignoring these guidelines can result in penalties, reduced reach, or even account suspension. Regularly review TikTok’s updated policies to stay informed, and if in doubt, consult their business resources for clarity. By maintaining compliance, you ensure that your brand maintains a reputable presence on the platform.

The Rise of Social Commerce on TikTok

Social commerce is reshaping the retail landscape, and TikTok is at the forefront of this trend. TikTok Shop allows users to discover, browse, and purchase products directly through content, creating an interactive and immersive shopping experience. Its algorithm promotes products by targeting specific audiences based on their interests, making it a powerful tool for businesses looking to boost visibility and sales.

Essentially, social commerce brings the eCommerce experience closer to what it would be in real life: browsing and shopping with friends. This social aspect of shopping adds an extra layer of personalization and community to the online shopping experience, making it more engaging and interactive for users.

Not only does social commerce provide benefits for businesses, but it also offers advantages for consumers. With social commerce, users can receive recommendations from their friends or influencers they follow, making the product selection process more personalized and trustworthy. It also allows them to see how others are using or styling the products they are considering purchasing, providing a real-life perspective on the item.

Benefits of Selling on TikTok Shop

In 2024, there were approximately 398,000 TikTok Shops in the United States and about 264,500 TikTok Shops globally. And for all the good reasons, because selling on TikTok does come with some pretty solid advantages:

Massive Audience Access

TikTok boasts over one billion active users worldwide, making it one of the largest social platforms today. Its diverse and engaged demographic offers businesses the opportunity to reach a global audience like never before. Whether targeting Gen Z, Millennials, or even older age groups, TikTok provides unmatched exposure that can help brands grow rapidly.

Higher Engagement Rates

TikTok’s video-first, dynamic content approach consistently delivers engagement rates that outperform many other social media platforms. The short, engaging videos encourage likes, shares, and comments, helping businesses drive meaningful interactions and ultimately boosting conversions. For sellers, this means more eyes on their products and more chances to turn viewers into customers.

Seamless Integration with TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop revolutionizes the shopping experience with its in-app purchasing system. Customers can seamlessly browse, buy, and pay without ever leaving the platform, significantly reducing cart abandonment rates. This streamlined experience encourages impulse purchases and ensures a smoother customer journey, boosting sales for businesses.

Creative Marketing Potential

TikTok thrives on creativity, offering sellers unique opportunities to stand out. Through trending challenges, viral videos, and collaborations with influencers, brands can amplify their reach and resonate with their audience. Whether it’s a catchy product demo or a fun hashtag challenge, the platform empowers businesses to connect with customers in engaging and authentic ways.

Conclusion

Without doubt, TikTok Shop is revolutionizing eCommerce by blending entertainment and shopping into one innovative platform. It is now much more than just a fun app for the “kids”; it’s a discovery engine that can work to your Amazon store’s advantage. No matter your niche, there is a “-tok” for you–from plant lovers to pet loves and from fashion to intellectual content.

By setting up a TikTok Shop and leveraging the platform’s unique features, businesses can boost sales, expand their reach, and engage with customers like never before. For those ready to adapt to this new wave of social commerce, TikTok Shop offers an exciting avenue full of potential.

Need help to set up your TikTok shop–or any other kind of help for your Amazon store? We have more than three decades of collected experience at Trivium, and we’re ready to use it to your benefit. Contact us and let’s have a talk!