TikTok and Amazon’s latest move has created rumors on tongues and clicks on fingers. The video-sharing giant is teaming up with Amazon to put shopping at your fingertips. No more scrolling through apps – now you can browse and shop in one place.
This collaboration allows TikTok users to buy Amazon products without leaving the app. It’s a big deal for both companies. In China, such apps already exist, but in Europe and the US, there is a different app for everything, as such apps are subject to DMCA or monopolization procedures. But in apps like WeChat, you can share everything from chatting to shopping to watching videos. TikTok is upping its shopping game, while Amazon is capitalizing on TikTok’s massive user base. Let’s look at the details of this digital handshake.
TikTok and Amazon hand in hand, everywhere
The new feature works like this: Amazon product suggestions will pop up in your TikTok feed. If you link your accounts, you can buy stuff right there and then. You’ll see real-time prices, Prime info, and when your goodies might arrive.
This is not Amazon’s first rodeo with social media shopping. They already have deals with Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. It is clear that they aim to be everywhere you scroll. For TikTok, this move comes as it tries to make TikTok Shop a bigger deal. TikTok Shop, which has been around for about a year, has yet to really take off. Will Amazon be the secret sauce they need?
Not everyone is excited about more shopping in their stream. Some TikTok users complain about ads and TikTok Shop videos shortening their viewing time. It’s still unclear how people will take this Amazon addition. TikTok’s view on connecting? They say it’s all about making shopping more seamless for users. Amazon’s ads will enhance the experience by allowing you to buy things without leaving the comfortable confines of TikTok.
As this partnership unfolds, there is much to consider. Will TikTok users embrace the Amazon integration or will they find it annoying? And how much will this boost Amazon’s sales on social media?
One thing is certain – the line between scrolling and shopping is blurring by the day. Only time will tell if this is a good thing. For now, TikTok and Amazon are betting that we’re all ready to shop until we drop, one video at a time.
Featured image credit: Furkan Demirkaya
