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TikTok dropshipping: Tips and tricks for 2025

April 17, 2025 11 minutes

Custom products, global reach

Want to sell products directly on the TikTok app without managing inventory or investing upfront? With TikTok dropshipping, you can turn views into sales – right on the app. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to launch a TikTok dropshipping business, from choosing the best supplier to running campaigns that actually convert. If you’re looking to turn your TikTok time into income, this guide is for you.

Key takeaways

  • TikTok is a powerful platform for dropshipping, offering direct access to millions of users to drive your sales.
  • Creating engaging, authentic content that resonates with TikTok’s Gen Z and millennial audience is key to driving traffic and conversions.
  • Collaborating with influencers and leveraging user-generated content can help you expand your reach and build trust with potential customers.
  • Level up your dropshipping business with Print on Demand. Printify helps you sell unique, custom products without worrying about inventory or fulfillment.
  • Optimize your TikTok strategy with trending content, hashtags, and data insights to keep growing your store and increasing sales.

What makes TikTok good for a dropshipping business?

A person holding a phone with TikTok logo displayed on the screen.

TikTok has evolved into a powerful tool for dropshipping, giving you direct access to millions of users eager for new content – and new products. 

With engaging videos and trend-driven content, you can showcase your goods, reach the right audience fast, and amp up sales – all thanks to TikTok’s smart algorithm driven by viral moments.

Quick tip

Check out our blog on how to make money on TikTok for additional tips and strategies to maximize your earning potential.

Demographics

TikTok’s user base is a goldmine for dropshippers. Gen Z and millennials (ages 18-34) make up a massive 66% of its audience – and they aren’t just casually scrolling.

The platform’s audience is active, engaged, and ready to discover their next impulse buy – making TikTok the perfect playground for grabbing attention with creative content.

Content types that work

Short, snappy videos are your secret weapon for showing off products on TikTok. Find fresh, eye-catching ways to grab attention and spark curiosity, getting users to tap, like, and buy.

Experiment with different content types to find what resonates best with your target audience:

  • Product videos. Show your products in action, highlighting their quality and features.
  • Challenges. Use TikTok’s search bar to find trending challenges or create your own. It’s a great way to inspire user-generated content, increase brand visibility, and connect with your audience.
  • Tutorials. Demonstrate how your product works and how it solves a problem. Quick, helpful videos build credibility and position your brand as a go-to in your niche.
  • Product reviews. Highlight why your product is a must-have. Compare it to similar competitor products and offer usage tips to build trust with potential customers.
  • Behind-the-scenes footage. Offer glimpses into your creative process or daily grind. It makes your brand feel real, relatable, and worth rooting for.

Algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm has four main goals to keep scrollers engaged and coming back: 

  • User value. Providing interesting and relevant content.
  • Long-term user value. Keeping users coming back.
  • Creator value. Helping creators reach and grow their audience.
  • Platform value. Making TikTok a better platform for everyone.

It’s an interest-based algorithm that factors in likes, comments, content, and video playtime to tailor the For You Page (FYP) to each person’s preferences.

By consistently producing compelling and relevant content that resonates with your target audience, you’ll improve your chances of appearing on FYPs and gaining exposure.

Using trending hashtags and participating in challenges can amplify your content’s visibility and reach for better success in your dropshipping business.

How to start a TikTok dropshipping business

Two people collaborating at a table, using a laptop for their discussion.

Ready to master TikTok dropshipping? Here’s your simple five-step guide. With the right dropshipping supplier, a polished online store, and the power of TikTok Shop, you’ll reach millions of people and grow your brand fast.

Find the right dropshipping products to sell online

Finding the best products for dropshipping is key. Research trending niches like fashion, beauty, or cool tech accessories. 

Check TikTok trends, explore marketplace bestsellers, and use dropshipping product research tools to get started.

Choose a dropshipping supplier

A great dropshipping supplier means smooth order fulfillment and happy customers. Use trusted services like Oberlo or SaleHoo to conduct research. 

Check details like quality, shipping times, and automation features to keep your store running effortlessly.

Set up your dropshipping store

Set up a Shopify store or use similar platforms like Wix or WooCommerce. These top sales channels make it easy to create a mobile-friendly, professional-looking store that’s clean, fast, and built for success. 

A smooth layout, simple navigation, and clear product pages are a must to drive purchases and ease the shopping experience.

Create a TikTok account and set up TikTok Shop

Download TikTok and create an account for your dropshipping brand. Use your business logo as your profile picture and link to your dropshipping store in your bio.

Switch to a Business Account to unlock royalty-free music and TikTok Business Suite tools. Link your TikTok account to TikTok Ads Manager to access extensive analytics and track audience traffic.

After that, set up TikTok Shop.

Here are the requirements to start selling on TikTok Shop:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a valid US ID (passport or driver’s license).
  • Legally register your business in the US.
  • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
  • Complete the TikTok verification process by submitting personal and business information, tax documents, and bank account details.

Once everything’s approved, register for TikTok Shop, verify your seller account, and start uploading your dropshipping products. 

Add clear product titles, detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and set competitive pricing. A well-optimized product page will improve your chances of getting featured and making more sales.

Promote your products

Time to promote your TikTok dropshipping products using fun videos, influencer collabs, viral challenges, and targeted TikTok ads. Highlight your products’ features, use trending sounds, and create irresistible offers. 

You can even test YouTube ads to expand your reach. The more traffic you attract, the faster you start selling and scaling your store.

Expand your TikTok dropshipping business with Print on Demand

A woman at a desk using a laptop, with a fan beside her for comfort while she works.

Ready to level up your TikTok store? Transition from traditional dropshipping to Print on Demand (POD) with Printify. With over 1,300 customizable items, global shipping, and free design tools, you can create personalized, unique products that stand out. 

The best part? No inventory and no shipping hassle – just design, sell, and let our Print Providers handle the order fulfillment process for you.

Create a TikTok strategy for your online store

To sell your products on TikTok, you need to know what types of videos to create, how often to post, and how to connect with potential customers.

Let’s review the key steps to build a solid plan that helps you meet your goals, stay on track, and grow your business.

Check out TikTok Trends

Stay updated on the latest trends, challenges, and viral TikTok content that resonates with your target audience. Regularly explore the Trends Hub and What’s Trending Now pages to save time on research and discover hot topics of the week.

Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on these trends to stand out from the crowd.

Create content

What is TikTok dropshipping without top-notch content? Here’s what you can do to make your page stand out among other trendy content pieces:

  • Hook fast. Grab attention in the first 3 seconds.
  • Keep it short. Aim for 15-30 seconds. Quick hits perform best.
  • Use trending sounds. Ride the wave of popular audio to enhance visibility.
  • Show the product in action. Make it fun and benefit-focused.
  • Add closed captions. Many viewers scroll with the sound off.
  • Post consistently. Publish daily or a few times a week to stay relevant.

Remember to be authentic – talk about your products the way you would to a friend. The more genuine you are, the more your audience will connect with your brand.

Quick tip

Check out our tips on how to advertise on TikTok and attract new audiences with quality content.

Collaborate with influencers

Influencer collabs equal instant reach. Head to the TikTok Creator Marketplace or search niche hashtags to find influencers who vibe with your brand. Reach out with a clear offer – free products, commissions, or a set payment rate. 

Give them creative freedom to craft authentic video content that clicks. It’s a win-win – you drive new customers to your store while they score cool stuff to share with their audience.

Share user-generated content (UGC)

Encourage user-generated content by featuring customer reviews, unboxing videos, and testimonials on your TikTok account. 

  • Actively engage with your audience by reposting their content. 
  • Create branded hashtags and challenges to inspire user participation and foster a sense of community around your brand.

Real feedback adds a personal touch and gives your dropshipping store credibility, building trust with potential customers.

Launch your TikTok dropshipping business with Printify!

Proven marketing strategies for TikTok

A team of people sitting at a table in an office, actively participating in a meeting or brainstorming session.

Marketing is key to getting your products noticed by the right people. In this section, we’ll share some of the best ways to get your product catalog in front of more eyes and make sales.

Use hashtags

To drive organic traffic to your TikTok Shop, use relevant hashtags that resonate with your audience. While it’s tempting to jump on all the trending ones, it’s important to find tags that align with your brand identity

Research popular, high-traffic tags on the Trending page and balance them with niche-specific ones related to your online store. This way, you increase your chances of reaching the right people with a higher intent to buy.

Consider paid advertising

Run paid ads to promote your products and reach a targeted audience. The TikTok Ads Manager offers multiple advertising options to help you engage with potential customers, including In-Feed and Carousel Ads.

Read more

Check out our comprehensive guide on TikTok ads.

Analyze and optimize your content

Want your TikTok store to take off? Head to TikTok Analytics in your Business Suite and track views, likes, comments, and conversions. 

  • Likes and comments show what’s grabbing attention.
  • Clicks and purchases tell you what’s actually selling. 

If engagement’s low, tweak your calls to action, product angles, or video styles. 

Test new content weekly – try different formats, hooks, or product showcases. If something’s clearly working, take advantage and double down with similar posts to keep the momentum going.

Create an engagement strategy

Engagement goes beyond sales and helps build lasting relationships with customers. Responding to comments, messages, and mentions on TikTok shows followers that you care and encourages more interaction.

To strengthen your connection, create live Q&A sessions, polls, and challenges. They let you engage with your audience in real time, fostering a loyal community that’s more likely to continue supporting your dropshipping business.

Best-selling products on TikTok

What can you dropship on TikTok Shop? Close to everything – as long as it meets the platform’s guidelines. When selecting the best products to sell on TikTok, consider trending items, seasonal must-haves, and niche-specific goods.

Here are some best-selling product categories to consider for your store.

Trending gadgets and accessories

Keep an eye on the latest tech goods and innovative products that capture the attention of TikTok users. From smart devices to stylish accessories, gadgets are always in demand.

Fashion and apparel

Two women focus on fashion design in a studio, with various fabrics and tools visible in their workspace.

Offer trendy clothing to tap into TikTok’s fashion-forward audience. Consider niche-specific items, such as athleisure wear, streetwear, or sustainable fashion, to cater to different preferences.

Beauty and skincare products

With beauty and skincare trends constantly evolving, there’s a vast market for cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty tools on TikTok. To engage your audience, highlight unique formulations, skincare routines, and beauty hacks.

Home and lifestyle essentials

A woman is seated on a bed, with lavender flowers nearby, enhancing the room's soothing ambiance.

Transform everyday living with home decor, kitchen gadgets, and lifestyle goods that enhance comfort and convenience. To capture interest, showcase innovative home products, organization solutions, and eco-friendly alternatives.

Wellness and self-care products

Prioritize health and wellness by offering products that promote relaxation and mindfulness. From aromatherapy candles to supplements, cater to the growing demand for self-care products.

Pet supplies and accessories

A woman holding a dog in a pet store is trying to figure out what pet product to buy.

Appeal to pet lovers with a range of goods, toys, and grooming essentials for their furry companions. Highlight adorable pet apparel and pet care tips to engage paw parents.

Personalized items

Amp up the gifting experience with personalized items that add a sentimental touch. From custom jewelry to personalized ornaments, these dropshipping products will help you stand out in a saturated market.

FAQ

Absolutely – and the market is booming. Set up a TikTok Shop or link your Shopify store. Then, team up with a reliable supplier like Printify who handles the back-end while you focus on the fun stuff – creating videos that show off your products in action. 

Be authentic and use trending sounds and hashtags to broaden your reach. With the right strategy, your next viral hit could turn into serious sales.

Big yes – if you do it right. Try Spark Ads (boosts organic posts) and In-Feed Ads (appears in For You Pages). Start with a small budget and A/B test different approaches

Use TikTok’s Creative Center for ad inspiration and focus on scroll-stopping hooks. Don’t forget to track clicks and purchases, not just views, to measure real ROI.

Know your audience. Research trends with TikTok’s Trend Discovery tool, post consistently, and use catchy hooks. Create fun, short videos showing your products in action. 

Check analytics weekly – if your conversion rate is low, tweak your offers or CTAs. Remember that TikTok rewards creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment boldly.

It’s dropshipping without spending a dime on ads. Grow by posting viral content, hopping on challenges, and collaborating with micro-influencers. Optimize your videos with smart hashtags, trending sounds, and behind-the-scenes clips. 

The goal? Build trust, drive engagement, and naturally funnel viewers to your store – no paid traffic needed.

Create engaging TikTok ads by selecting the right ad format, targeting the right audience, designing compelling visuals, and incorporating a strong call-to-action. Test different ad creatives and messaging to optimize performance.

Conclusion

TikTok has transformed the way businesses make money online, offering endless possibilities for dropshipping. By harnessing TikTok’s unique algorithm and engaging content formats, you can expand your reach and drive sales to new heights.

With Printify you have all the necessary tools to thrive in the dynamic market of TikTok dropshipping. Sign up for free and start your journey today to unlock the full potential of this social media platform for your business.

Start selling today!

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