TikTok Shop is completely changing how people discover and buy products online, and it’s opening the door for everyday sellers to grow fast. If you want to tap into this new wave of social commerce, the good news is: getting started is easier than ever.
Today, the barrier to selling online is at an all-time low. Social platforms like TikTok Shop have made it possible for anyone to launch a business without needing a website, complicated tools, or a big budget. And while free e-commerce website builders are useful, TikTok Shop has become the perfect first step for new sellers. It gives you instant access to TikTok’s massive audience and blends entertainment with shopping in a way no traditional marketplace can match.
And the growth? It’s explosive. TikTok Shop is growing four times faster than the wider e-commerce industry, meaning now is the perfect time to jump in and take advantage of the rising demand.
The best part? You don’t need to be a TikTok expert. Whether you’re a long-time scroller or completely new to the app, this guide will walk you through everything you need to become a successful TikTok Seller, from optimising listings to using TikTok LIVE to boost sales.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What TikTok Shop is and how it works
How to set up your TikTok Shop (UK guide)
How to optimise your product listings
What TikTok LIVE is and how to use it
The pros and cons of selling on TikTok Shop
What is TikTok Shop, and how does it work?
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you’ve probably seen creators showing off products, and maybe you’ve even been tempted to buy something on the spot. That’s TikTok Shop in action.
TikTok Shop is an in-app ecommerce system that lets businesses sell products directly inside the app. Instead of sending shoppers to a website, TikTok lets people buy instantly while watching content. It seamlessly connects entertainment with shopping, which is a big reason why products go viral so quickly.
Businesses and creators can tag products in their videos or go live to showcase items. When viewers see something they like, they can tap a product tag and check out without leaving the app. This dramatically shortens the journey from “I like this” to “I’m buying this,” making impulse purchases more common.
Unlike marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, where shoppers search for items; TikTok Shop is discovery-driven. The algorithm puts your products in front of people who are most likely to be interested, based on the content they already enjoy. This targeted exposure is exactly why the platform is growing at lightning speed.
How to Set Up a TikTok Shop in the UK
Getting started is quick and simple. Here’s how to launch your TikTok Shop:
Step 1: Create a TikTok Seller Account
Go to the TikTok Shop Seller Centre by clicking on this link and register using your existing TikTok account, no need to create a new one.
You’ll be redirected to a page where you are to enter the desired email and password that you want to use to create a seller account. A custom domain email address is required to access your Tiktok shop.
After this page, you’ll be taken to the next page below
Choose your desired password and click on continue, you will tell Tiktok more about your business on the next page.
Select your type of business and click on next.
My type of business is an LLC, yours could be different. Enter your company details and click on next
What you’ll need to submit depends on your business type:
For individuals:
UK passport or driver’s license
Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
For registered companies:
Company name and registration number
Registration date
Proof of UK address
TikTok usually verifies your account within 24 hours. An email would be sent to you once the verification process is complete
The next thing to do is to select a name for your Tiktok shop
Click on submit and the next step would be to add your products.
Step 2: Add Your Products
Once verified, you can start adding products:
Go to Products
Click Manage Products
Select Add New Product
You’ll be asked to provide details like the product name, brand, category, and a 500-word description.
For visuals, TikTok recommends adding at least five high-quality images (minimum 600×600 pixels), with no watermarks or text overlays. You can also upload a product video (up to 5MB), which can dramatically boost conversions.
Step 3: Set Up Delivery & Fulfillment
TikTok gives UK sellers two shipping options:
1. Ship by Seller
You pack and ship orders yourself using approved carriers like Royal Mail or DPD.
2. Ship by TikTok (Fulfilled by TikTok)
TikTok handles everything; storage, packing, and delivery.
Whichever option you choose, you must update order statuses within two days and aim to have items delivered within five business days to maintain a strong seller rating.
Click here to get started on Tiktok shop
How Much Does TikTok Shop Charge Sellers?
In the UK, TikTok Shop charges a 9% commission fee per order.
Previously, new sellers enjoyed a reduced rate for their first 90 days, but this has now changed.
TikTok also runs Seller Missions, allowing sellers to reduce fees by creating a set number of LIVE sessions or shoppable videos.
Shipping fees apply too and vary based on weight and delivery distance.
How to Optimize Your TikTok Product Listings
Posting your products is just the beginning. To get real traction, follow these optimization tips:
1. Create Videos That Sell
TikTok is all about eye-catching content. To stand out:
Hook viewers instantly – the first 2–3 seconds are crucial
Show your product in action
Use a simple, strong CTA (“Tap to buy”, “See details”, etc.)
2. Use SEO-Friendly Titles & Descriptions
Yes, TikTok has its own form of SEO.
Do a quick search on TikTok for keywords related to your product. Look at suggested terms and long-tail variations. Use these keywords naturally in your product names and descriptions to improve discoverability.
3. Use High-Quality Images & Thumbnails
TikTok’s algorithm loves clean, clear images.
Your photos should:
Show the product from multiple angles
Be bright and well-lit
Avoid watermarks, text, or clutter
Meet the minimum 600×600 pixel requirement
4. Work With the Algorithm – Not Against It
TikTok rewards content that keeps people watching.
Focus on:
High watch time
High completion rate
Strong engagement (comments, shares, clicks)
Lead with benefits, not features, to keep viewers emotionally engaged.
5. Use Hashtags & Trends
Relevant hashtags help expose your content to the right audience.
Avoid generic, overly broad hashtags.
Trending audio also boosts your reach – find viral sounds in the TikTok Creative Centre and integrate them naturally into your videos.
Click here to get started on Tiktok Shop
What is TikTok LIVE?
TikTok LIVE lets you stream in real-time to showcase products, demo items, answer questions, and build trust – almost like a modern version of a TV shopping channel.
LIVE works especially well for:
Beauty & skincare
Fashion
Home & lifestyle
Cleaning & organization
Fitness products
Here are ways to make your LIVE sessions more effective:
Live product demos to show results instantly
Q&A sessions to build trust
Behind-the-scenes content to humanize your brand
Pros and Cons of TikTok Shop
Pros
Free to use – no listing fees
Low barrier to entry – easy for beginners
Built-in audience – TikTok pushes your content to interested buyers
Cons
Limited control – your storefront is restricted
Time-consuming – consistent video creation is required
Algorithm-dependent – performance can be unpredictable
Here Is A Video That Explains The Entire Process
Click here to watch the video guide
Why Is This Video Recommended?
It’s specifically made for beginners so it breaks down the process in a simple, easy-to-follow way.
It covers how to move from idea → shop setup → first sales.
Up-to‐date enough to reflect current features and workflow.
How to Scale Beyond TikTok Shop
Once you start getting traction, your next move should be building your own website. TikTok is a great launchpad, but your long-term success depends on owning your customer base.
Platforms like Shopify and Squarespace make it easy to create a full online store without tech headaches. You get control over:
Branding
Customer data
Email marketing
Multi-channel selling
This is where you’ll build a sustainable, scalable business beyond TikTok Shop.
