TikTok isn’t just the place for trending dances or funny videos anymore. In the past few years, TikTok Shop has exploded into one of the fastest-growing shopping platforms on the internet, with more than 15 million businesses already selling through the app.
If you’re an immigrant in the US, TikTok Shop might be more than just another app feature. It could be a way to kick off a side hustle, grow a small business, or even share cultural products with a bigger audience.
At Remitly, we know that starting fresh in a new country often means finding creative ways to support yourself and your family. From TikTok Shop requirements to setting up your account, we’ll break down exactly how to sell on TikTok Shop in 2025.
What is TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop is basically an e-commerce platform built right into TikTok. Instead of seeing a cool product in a video and then trying to track it down somewhere else, buyers can just tap and purchase without leaving the app. It’s quick, seamless, and addictive, which is why it’s catching on so fast.
Why it matters
TikTok’s audience is one of the most engaged online. Millennials and Gen Z especially love buying products they’ve seen in videos, tutorials, and influencer recommendations. TikTok Shop taps into that behavior perfectly, turning everyday videos into shoppable moments.
Unlike other platforms such as Instagram Shopping or Facebook Marketplace, TikTok Shop doesn’t just list products. It makes them part of the entertainment.
A cooking tutorial becomes a storefront for kitchen gadgets. A skincare routine becomes an ad for serums and masks, without feeling like an ad. This makes TikTok Shop especially powerful for small businesses, including immigrant-owned ones, who don’t have huge budgets but do have unique products and stories to share.
TikTok Shop also matters because of its viral potential. A single well-timed video can put your product in front of millions of people. For sellers who are still figuring out how to grow a brand, this is a huge advantage compared with more traditional e-commerce sites, where it takes months of search engine optimization (SEO) or advertising to get noticed.
Setting up your TikTok Shop
So, how do you actually start selling? First, you need to meet TikTok’s requirements and go through a quick application process.
Eligibility requirements
To sell in the US, you’ll need to be at least 18 and have a TikTok account that’s in good standing. Sellers can apply as individuals or businesses.
If you’re applying as an individual, you’ll need a government-issued ID such as a passport or driver’s license, plus a US bank account to get paid. Business sellers need a little more paperwork, like a business license and an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
If you’re new to the US, remember to make sure your documents and bank account are set up locally before applying. TikTok is expanding globally, but for US sales, everything has to be US-based. Following TikTok Shop requirements carefully makes the approval process smoother and avoids delays.
Account setup process
When you’re ready, head to the TikTok Seller Center and sign up. You can use your TikTok account, email, or phone number. After that, choose whether you’re registering as an individual or a business. Upload your documents, add your bank details, and hit submit.
Most people get approved in one to three business days. If TikTok needs more information, they’ll let you know. Once you’re approved, you can start adding products and linking them to your TikToks. That’s when things start getting fun.
Pro tip: While waiting for approval, start brainstorming your first TikTok videos. That way, once your shop is live, you’ll already have content ready to go.
Optimizing your TikTok Shop profile
Getting approved is great, but now you need to make your shop stand out. Think of your profile as your storefront; the better it looks, the more likely people are to stop by.
Creating an effective business profile
Start with a profile picture that’s clear and recognizable, whether it’s your logo or a photo of your best-selling product. Keep your bio short but useful, explaining what you sell and why people should check it out.
Adding an email address or contact info makes you look more professional. And don’t forget to connect your shop to your TikTok account so your followers can easily browse your catalog.
Product listing optimization
Your product listings are where you convince people to actually hit “buy.” Use sharp, well-lit photos and, even better, short videos showing your product in action.
Write descriptions that focus on benefits, not just features. For example, don’t just say “ceramic mug.” Say “a durable ceramic mug that keeps your coffee warm and makes mornings feel calmer.”
Pricing matters too. Do a little research on what similar products sell for, then position yours competitively. Adding relevant keywords and hashtags helps people find your products, and jumping on trending sounds or challenges can give your shop an extra boost.
The goal is to make your product listings not just informative, but also fun and engaging, in the same spirit as TikTok itself.
Marketing your products on TikTok Shop
Having a shop is just step one. The real magic comes from the content you create and how you market your products.
Content creation strategies
On TikTok, creativity wins. Unboxing videos can show the excitement of opening your product. Tutorials help buyers understand how it works. Behind-the-scenes clips make your brand feel authentic and human. Storytelling, like showing how your product fits into daily life, can create emotional connections that push people to buy.
Working with creators is also a smart move. Partnering with influencers, especially smaller ones with loyal audiences, can introduce your product to new communities. Their recommendations often feel more trustworthy than traditional ads.
TikTok Shop marketing often works best when you mix your own content with collaborations so your brand feels authentic and approachable.
Live shopping events
TikTok’s live shopping feature is like modern-day home shopping TV, but interactive. You can go live, showcase your products, answer questions, and offer discounts in real time. Promoting your live events ahead of time helps build excitement, and once you’re streaming, keeping things fun and engaging helps ensure viewers continue watching and buying.
Live shopping is especially helpful for building trust. When customers can see you demonstrate a product in real time and answer questions on the spot, it feels more personal than a regular ad.
TikTok Shop ads
If you want to scale quickly, TikTok ads are worth exploring. Options include in-feed ads, branded content ads, and live shopping ads.
It’s usually a good idea to start with a small budget to test what works, and use TikTok’s built-in analytics to measure performance. Ads might feel overwhelming at first, but they’re a great way to reach more people once you’ve nailed your content. For sellers who are serious about growth, investing in TikTok Shop marketing through ads can help move from a side hustle to a real business.
Managing orders and customer service
Selling doesn’t stop once someone clicks “buy.” Managing orders and providing good customer service are what keep buyers coming back.
Order fulfillment and shipping
Quick shipping makes customers happy. Delays can lead to poor reviews, which can hurt your visibility. Try to use reliable shipping services and provide tracking information whenever possible so customers feel reassured.
Handling returns and customer inquiries
TikTok has clear policies around returns and refunds, so make sure you follow them. Replying to questions quickly and with a friendly tone shows customers that you care. Even when issues come up, a helpful response can turn a frustrated buyer into a repeat one.
Building positive ratings and reviews
Reviews are a big deal on TikTok Shop. They affect not just how buyers see you but also how the algorithm promotes your products.
So, encourage happy customers to leave reviews, and if you get a negative one, respond calmly and professionally. Sometimes showing that you handle problems well can build even more trust than a perfect score.
Measuring success and scaling your business
Once your shop is running, it’s time to track progress and think about growth.
Key metrics to track
Don’t just look at sales numbers. Pay attention to engagement rates, click-throughs, and how many views turn into actual purchases. Repeat customer rates and average order values are also useful metrics that tell you how well your business is performing beyond the first sale.
Growing your TikTok Shop business
As you start to see what sells best, consider expanding your product line or creating bundles. For example, you could take advantage of seasonal moments like holidays or back-to-school shopping.
Building a community around your shop, whether that’s through email lists, loyalty programs, or consistent content, can help you grow steadily over time.
For many immigrant-owned businesses, TikTok Shop has become more than a side hustle. It’s a way to share cultural traditions, handmade items, or foods with a much wider audience. These success stories show how the platform can connect people while building sustainable income streams.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Selling on TikTok Shop comes with plenty of opportunities, but like any platform, it has its challenges.
Keeping up with trends
TikTok trends move fast. What’s hot today could be old news by next week. To stay relevant, spend time on the app, see what other creators are doing, and experiment with formats, sounds, and hashtags. You don’t have to jump on every trend, just the ones that make sense for your product.
Balancing creativity with consistency
It’s easy to feel inspired at the beginning, but long-term success comes from showing up regularly. Posting a steady flow of content, even just a few times a week, keeps your audience engaged. The key is finding a rhythm that works for you so content creation doesn’t feel like a chore.
Managing customer expectations
TikTok buyers often make purchases on impulse, which means they expect quick delivery and clear communication. Be upfront about shipping times and respond to questions promptly. Even small touches, like thanking buyers in the comments, can help you build stronger customer relationships.
Avoiding analytics overload
TikTok gives you plenty of data, but trying to track everything can feel overwhelming. Instead, consider focusing on a few key metrics like sales, engagement, and conversion rates. These numbers will give you the clearest picture of how your shop is performing and where you should focus your energy.
Selling on TikTok Shop is all about creativity, connection, and consistency. Whether you’re starting small with a few products or dreaming of building a full business, the platform gives you the tools to reach people in ways traditional e-commerce can’t. So grab your ideas, start creating, and see where your TikTok journey takes you.
FAQ
How much does it cost to sell on TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop takes a commission of around 5% per sale. There are no upfront listing fees, which makes it beginner-friendly.
What products are not allowed on TikTok Shop?
Items like alcohol, tobacco, weapons, and certain health products are banned. You can find the full list in TikTok’s seller guidelines.
How long does it take to get approved as a TikTok Shop seller?
Most sellers are approved within one to three business days. If TikTok needs more info, it can take a little longer.
Can I sell on TikTok Shop if I already sell elsewhere?
Yes. Many sellers use TikTok Shop alongside Amazon, Etsy, or eBay to reach different audiences.
Can I ship internationally through TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop currently works regionally. In the US, you can sell to US buyers. For international orders, you may need third-party shipping solutions.