TikTok partner with a new global Canadian based social e-commerce platform Shopify. The deal will help its 1 million merchants to make it more easily advertise their products on the video-sharing app. The partnership will eventually expand to include other in-app shopping features as it looks to grow its customer base.
TikTok and Shopify’s partnership won’t be limited to the new TikTok channel app, however. That’s just the first step. The deal will soon expand to other shopping features, too.
The partnership will allow its merchants to sell product in the form of shoppable video ads, where TikTok users can click on an ad to buy the product.
The two companies did not provide financial details of partnership
At launch, the agreement allows Shopify merchants to create, run and optimize their TikTok marketing campaigns directly from the Shopify dashboard by installing the new TikTok channel app from the Shopify App Store. Once installed, merchants will have access to the key functions from the TikTok For Business Ads Manager at their disposal.
TikTok is one of the world’s fastest growing entertainment platforms with over 100 million highly engaged users in the U.S. alone. We’re thrilled to be the first partner to welcome TikTok to the world of commerce, particularly right now, as our merchants prepare for a busy online holiday shopping season. The TikTok channel means Shopify merchants even those without a strong TikTok following of their own yet can connect with these new audiences using content that feels authentic and genuine to the TikTok experience.
Satish Kanwar – Vice President Shopify
All transactions will happen via Shopify’s site, helping the Toronto-based firm drive sales online, while the two companies will also collaborate to test new commerce features over the coming months.
TikTok is always looking for new ways to connect brands with its users. We are delighted to partner with Shopify and provide a channel for their merchants to reach new audiences and drive sales on TikTok. As social commerce proliferates, retailers are recognizing that TikTok’s creative and highly engaged community sets it apart from other platforms. We’re constantly exploring new and innovative ways to connect brands with our users, and Shopify is the perfect partner to help us grow and expand our commerce capabilities globally.
Blake Chandlee – Vice President TikTok
Merchants are being offered a $300 ad credit to get started with their first TikTok campaign
To get started with the new features, merchants who want to advertise on TikTok will first install the TikTok channel app, then create and connect their TikTok For Business account and install the one-click pixel. They can then deploy In-Feed shoppable video ads by selecting the product they want to feature using ad templates specifically designed for commerce. Because these templates use existing imagery or videos, the TikTok channel can work for merchants of any size.
TikTok aggregates a massive audience for branding and as a Shopify user, you can allow third party advertisers to use your videos you upload in their advertisements. This is key for TikTok users who have good content and lots of followers.
Mark Boidman – Director Boutique Investment Bank PJ Solomon.
The new TikTok channel for Shopify merchants is available today in the U.S. It will roll out to other markets next year, including elsewhere in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia.
