Social media video platform TikTok has brought its e-commerce marketplace to American consumers.
Already available to users in seven Southeast Asian countries and the UK, the TikTok Shop is currently in live testing in the US
This feature allows users to make purchases directly within the app. The company’s foray into his online shopping is part of an internal initiative called “Project Aquaman,” according to news site Semafor.
A TikTok spokesperson told Semafor:
The app is now inviting some US companies to join, according to Semafor. Vendors can also apply on his website in the TikTok Shop Seller Center.
“TikTok Shop is a revolutionary new shopping feature that allows merchants, brands and creators to showcase and sell their products directly on TikTok through in-feed video, LIVE and product showcase tabs,” said the TikTok Shop Seller Center site. Read the copy.
For the first 90 days after a merchant is registered, TikTok only pays a 1.8% commission. After that, the commission rate will return to 5%.
In charge of the new feature is former TikTok North America General Manager Sandie Hawkins. The internal swap was announced internally earlier this week, according to the Financial Times.
“She will be a valuable partner . . . so [ecommerce] TikTok executive Blake Chandlee said at a conference to announce the move Monday, according to the FT.
