As short video platforms keep booming, TikTok Shop has become a major player in global e-commerce. Based on the TikTok 2024 E-commerce White Paper, in 2023, TikTok’s daily GMV (gross merchandise value)hit $35 million in the U.S. and nearly $70 million in Southeast Asia. In the UK, active merchants doubled to 200,000 compared to the previous year. For dropshipping sellers, TikTok offers an amazing opportunity to jump into the market with low costs and high potential.
1. How TikTok Shop Works
TikTok, created by ByteDance, launched globally in 2018 and quickly became a hit in Europe, the U.S., and Japan, especially among younger audiences. By 2019, it had over 1 billion users across 150 countries. In 2021, TikTok sped up its commercial growth and rolled out TikTok Shop, thriving in places like Southeast Asia and the UK.
With its massive user base, TikTok makes it easy for all kinds of products—fashion, home goods, beauty, or electronics—to reach global audiences. Younger users, in particular, are more willing to try new things and tend to spend more.
TikTok’s short videos and live streams are perfect for grabbing attention and driving sales. The average user spends more than 90 minutes a day on the app, giving businesses plenty of chances to showcase their products. Videos and streams make it easy for users to see how products work and get excited about buying them.
TikTok also simplifies the buying process. Users can click on shopping links directly in videos or live streams. With features like linked shopping, live shopping, and profile carts, completing a purchase is faster and smoother than ever. Plus, TikTok’s algorithm helps businesses target the right audience, while its organic reach offers free exposure, making it a great platform even for sellers without big ad budgets.
2. Why Dropshipping Works So Well with TikTok Shop
2.1 No Inventory Needed
With dropshipping, you don’t need to buy stock or rent storage space. Once a customer places an order, the supplier ships the product directly to them. This means you can focus on picking products, marketing, and keeping customers happy.
It’s also great for testing different products. TikTok’s content-driven model helps you figure out what works by letting you test demand with videos before fully committing.
2.2 Adapting to Trends Quickly
TikTok thrives on trends, and users love new, creative products, and dropshipping is perfect for keeping up. TikTok Shop gives you access to user behavior data, like video views, engagement rates, and conversions, so you can adjust your strategy based on real numbers.
If you can’t keep up with the trends, you’ll quickly fall behind. Dropshipping makes it easy to list trendy products quickly and test their market potential with short videos. For example, in 2021, the “ShredMachine” chicken shredder became a viral hit on TikTok, attracting tons of attention and sales. However, its popularity dropped just as fast as it rose, proving how fleeting trends can be. Dropshipping’s flexibility allows you to pivot quickly, something traditional stock-based sellers can’t do as easily.
2.3 Quick and Simple Buying
TikTok Shop lets customers buy directly from video links or live streams. This creates a seamless shopping experience, especially for impulse buyers. The journey from watching a video to making a purchase is super short, and customers are more likely to buy on the spot.
This matches perfectly with dropshipping, where you don’t hold inventory and can ship quickly. Customers get what they want fast, and your conversion rates improve.
2.4 Reaching a Global Market
Like mentioned earlier, TikTok is available in over 150 countries and has a huge user base in regions like Southeast Asia and the U.S. Dropshipping, being a cross-border e-commerce model, works seamlessly with TikTok’s global reach. It allows you to sell to customers worldwide without the need to set up warehouses in different locations.
2.5 Great for Small Sellers and Solo Entrepreneurs
TikTok Shop is ideal for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs because it’s easy to use and doesn’t require a big budget. Dropshipping is the same—it doesn’t need a large upfront investment or a big team. You can handle product selection, create content, and manage customers all on your own.
Take CraigJones221, for example. This young TikTok creator built a following by making simple unboxing videos with immersive shots and background music. His approach gained him millions of followers and tens of millions of views, proving that even individuals can find big success on TikTok.
3. What’s Next in 2025?
TikTok and other short video platforms are always evolving, and AIGC (AI-Generated Content) and VR (Virtual Reality) are the next big things.
For creators, this is exciting because making high-quality videos will no longer require advanced skills. AIGC allows creators to bring their ideas to life with just a few text prompts, generating visuals, music, and even scripts automatically. TikTok is already testing AI tools like Symphony Creative Studios, which helps brands and creators generate videos quickly and efficiently. However, TikTok also plans to label AI-generated content clearly to maintain transparency and user trust.
VR, while not yet widely used on TikTok, has the potential to offer more immersive experiences in the future. This could include virtual influencers, virtual shopping environments, or other interactive features, which could completely change how users interact with content and shop online.
4. Conclusion
Dropshipping and TikTok Shop are a perfect match, offering low-cost, flexible opportunities for sellers. As short video e-commerce continues to grow in 2025, don’t miss out on this wave of opportunity. Take action now, and let your business shine on TikTok!
FAQ
1. Is TikTok Shop reliable?
Yes. TikTok Shop is an e-commerce feature within the TikTok app that allows users to purchase a variety of products directly. As a legitimate shopping platform, many users have successfully received their orders.
2. How many followers do I need to open a shop on TikTok Shop?
Generally, TikTok Shop does not have strict requirements for the number of followers. However, having a certain number of followers and engagement can help enhance the credibility of your shop and boost sales performance.
3. How much deposit is required to open a shop on TikTok Shop?
For a regular small shop, the security deposit is generally around $300, while for branded or flagship stores, the deposit may be higher, ranging from several thousand to over $15,000.
4. What methods can I use to promote my products?
TikTok Shop merchants can increase product visibility and boost sales conversions by showcasing products through creative short videos, participating in trending hashtags and challenges, collaborating with influencers and KOLs, running targeted ads, and actively engaging with users.
5. How do I handle customer complaints on TikTok Shop?
PBdropshipping promises to provide comprehensive after-sales services and will assist merchants with returns and exchanges as needed.