TikTok has become one of the most influential e-commerce platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide by 2025. This includes a large percentage of Gen Z and Millennial consumers, who drive online shopping trends.
For creative businesses, Tik's unique combination of short videos, interactive features, and highly engaged user base for print-on-demand (POD) Tok offers a powerful opportunity to effectively market and sell your POD products.
Research shows that 67% of TikTok users say the app has inspired them to shop, and 73% feel more connected to brands on the platform.
Here's how to leverage TikTok to grow your POD business in 2025.
You'll learn
- Where TikTok fits into your print-on-demand business
- How to set up your TikTok store and get sales
- Important details about TikTok payments, fees, and taxes
Is TikTok a good fit for your print-on-demand business?
To determine if TikTok is the right platform for your print-on-demand business, it’s essential to align its features with your goals.
One of TikTok’s greatest strengths is its massive reach. With over 1 billion active users, it has become a highly engaging platform, especially for younger audiences. Its algorithm prioritizes discoverability, giving even new businesses the chance to go viral. TikTok also offers features like TikTok Shop, Creator Marketplace, and paid ad options, making it easier for brands to market and sell products directly.
The platform is business-friendly: creating engaging video content is simple, and interactive tools like hashtags and challenges can amplify your reach. TikTok’s focus on creativity makes it perfect for showcasing unique POD designs and connecting with potential buyers authentically.
However, TikTok does come with challenges. Creating fresh, engaging content requires consistent effort and creativity, and not every video will perform well. Additionally, while ads can boost visibility, they may require a significant investment to see strong returns.
Ultimately, weighing TikTok’s viral potential and creative opportunities against its challenges will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your business.
How to Sell Print-on-Demand on TikTok: 7 Steps
Before diving into the steps, let’s explore what types of products perform well on TikTok. While POD items are a great fit, the platform is also suitable for:
- Handmade crafts and jewelry
- Beauty and skincare products (compliant with local laws)
- Home decor and lifestyle items
- Fitness gear and activewear
- Tech gadgets and accessories
- Digital products like courses or eBooks
- Pet supplies and apparel
- Kitchen tools and utensils
Before listing your products, ensure they comply with TikTok’s Prohibited Products Policy. For example, beauty products must meet regulatory requirements and avoid false medical claims. Depending on your chosen category, you may need to submit supporting documents like certificates or licenses.
Now that we've covered the legal aspects of selling on TikTok, let's discuss how you can use your TikTok influence to make money.
1: Set Up Your TikTok Account
To sell on TikTok, you’ll need an account. If you already have one, proceed to Step 2 to convert it into a Business Account. If not, follow these steps:
- Sign Up: Use an email or phone number to register.
- Complete Verification: Upload legal documents, such as a passport, national ID, or business license, based on your business type.
- Link a Bank Account: This ensures you can process payments.
- Launch Your TikTok Shop: Once verified, complete your shop setup and start listing products.
Visit TikTok’s Policy Center for additional guidance.
2: Switch to a TikTok Business Account
A Business Account offers tools and features specifically designed for promoting your products or services. To switch:
- Go to your TikTok profile and tap the menu.
- Select Settings and Privacy > Account.
- Choose Switch to Business Account and follow the prompts.
While personal accounts can use monetization features like the Creator Marketplace, Business Accounts are better suited for building and scaling a store.
3: Launch Your TikTok Shop
The first step to launching your TikTok shop is choosing a name. Remember, this name cannot be changed after approval, so pick wisely.
Next, set up your store and link your product catalog. Ensure your items meet TikTok’s guidelines, which can be found in the TikTok Shop Academy.
For Shopify Users: Shopify integrates seamlessly with TikTok, allowing you to sync products, run ads, and manage performance from your dashboard.
For Other Platforms: Platforms like WooCommerce and BigCommerce also offer tools for connecting to TikTok Shop.
4: Create Engaging Content
The key to success on TikTok is creating content that resonates with your audience. Popular content types include:
- Product Demonstrations: Show how your products work and their benefits.
- Customer Testimonials: Highlight real feedback to build trust.
- How-To Videos: Offer tutorials featuring your products.
- Challenges and Contests: Encourage audience participation to boost engagement.
- Behind-the-scenes: Share glimpses of your production process or daily operations.
All content must comply with TikTok’s Content Guidelines to avoid removal or penalties.
5: Use TikTok Ads and Organic Content
TikTok offers multiple ad types to help you promote your products:
- In-Feed Ads: Short videos that appear in users’ For You feed.
- TopView Ads: High-impact ads are shown when users open the app.
- Shopping Ads: Shoppable content directly integrated into the feed.
- Carousel Ads: Multi-image or video ads for showcasing products.
For those on a budget, focus on organic reach by:
- Leveraging trending hashtags.
- Posting regularly.
- Engaging with comments and followers.
Consistency is key to building a loyal audience.
6: Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC)
UGC is one of the most effective ways to market on TikTok. Featuring customer-created videos, reviews, or testimonials can boost engagement and foster trust. TikTok’s algorithm also favors UGC, making it more likely to go viral.
7:Costs and Requirements
To sell on TikTok, you’ll need a verified business account, compliance with TikTok’s commerce policies, and meeting any regional requirements. Costs include TikTok Shop fees, transaction fees, and optional ad spend. Ads typically start at $10 per 1,000 impressions.
Final Thoughts
TikTok’s dynamic platform offers endless opportunities to showcase your POD products to a global audience. By leveraging engaging content, influencer collaborations, and targeted ads, you can establish a strong presence and drive sales in 2025.
Start small, stay consistent, and let TikTok be the stage where your print-on-demand business shines!
