TikTok Is Teaming Up With TalkShopLive To Launch Live Shopping In The U.S.

Source: TikTok

TikTok is reportedly finalizing details to team up with California based live shopping start-up TalkShopLive to launch TikTok Shop, its live shopping experience in the U.S., ahead of the holiday season. TalkShopLive, a four-start-year-old start-up that is popular with celebrity and influencer-hosted live streams, will provide technology, support, and resources for TikTok Shop. In return, it will receive 10% commissions from live stream sales. 

Additionally, TikTok has been working with influencer and digital agencies to build an ecosystem of live streamers. Through these agencies, creators can learn about TikTok's live streaming features, best practices, and tips and participate in challenges.

In a statement to TechCrunch, TikTok said the following:

“When it comes to market expansion for TikTok Shop we are always guided by demand and are constantly exploring new and different options for how we can best serve our Community, Creators and Merchants in markets around the world. These efforts include exploring partnerships that further support a seamless e-commerce experience for merchants, which is an important part of our ecosystem.”

TikTok hasn't been close to matching the success that Douyin, the Chinese version of the app, has had with live shopping, leading to reports of it abandoning its live shopping ambitions months ago. This two-pronged approach of outsourcing technology and getting more native live-streaming creators who can host live shopping experiences on behalf of brands and retailers can lead to a better outcome. But, even with this, we're probably far from live shopping reaching its potential in the U.S.