TikTok expands into e-commerce in Singapore with new solution

SOCIAL media giant TikTok on Thursday (Aug 4) rolled out its e-commerce solution, TikTok Shop, in Singapore.

This comes as the short-video platform, owned by China’s ByteDance, ramped up its foray into the online shopping space and pit itself against social media peers like Facebook and pure-play e-commerce sites.

Built into the TikTok app, TikTok Shop allows users to engage directly with brands and sellers. The company also offers other e-commerce solutions for brands, such as livestreams and a product showcase tab featured on profile pages.

To incentivise sellers to join the platform, TikTok Shop is waiving commission fees for all merchants and charging a 1 per cent payment service fee.

“Over the past few years, Singapore has exceeded its potential as a major e-commerce market, with its projected market volume expected to hit US$11.45 billion by 2025. As more people shop online, TikTok Shop presents the ultimate convergence of content and commerce with unique ‘shoppertainment’ experiences for all,” said Ng Chew Wee, Asia-Pacific head of business marketing at TikTok.