According to Semafor, TikTok has started to test its in-app shopping feature in the US market. The feature is already available in the UK and Indonesia.
While keeping the focus on video sharing, TikTok is trying to diversify its business and dive into new areas like games. The Chinese video-sharing app also has an eye on the e-commerce market to compete with major retailers like Amazon. The e-commerce feature in TikTok will let users complete their purchases without even leaving the app. TikTok also has a similar experience with the Shopify shopping tab.
As the outlets report, TikTok is now testing the feature in the US market and is inviting US businesses to join the program. The spokesperson Laura Perez has confirmed that the testing phase has started in the US but refused to disclose more details.
TikTok wants to compete with Amazon through its in-app shopping feature
TikTok’s in-app shopping, called TikTok Shop, is not a new feature, and it already exists in the UK, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asia markets. But as e-commerce competition is getting more fierce in the US, TikTok wants to seize the opportunity and rely on its massive user base in the US to compete with giant online retailers like Amazon. Additionally, the holiday shopping season is ahead, and the ByteDance-owned app wants to take advantage of this great chance.
“We’ve seen the positive impact of TikTok Shop, and we’re excited to continue experimenting with this new commerce opportunity to support businesses of all sizes,” a TikTok spokesperson told Semafor.
TikTok has been working on its e-commerce plan for a few years under the “Project Aquaman” name. The project is actually a part of a bigger plan that aims to bring a version of China’s $400 billion livestream shopping industry to the United States.
Supporting small businesses in the US will help TikTok establish itself more in the market and raise its voice against FCC and lawmakers trying to ban the app in the US or limit its operations.
2022-11-14 15:06:10