TikTok Shop Hits $100 Million in Sales on Black Friday – Record Growth

TikTok Shop, the app's in-built shopping feature, had an impressive showing this Black Friday, tripling its US sales to over $100 million. This surge is a clear sign that TikTok's e-commerce platform is gaining momentum, even as the app faces potential restrictions.

Ad

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, TikTok Shop saw a 165% boost in shoppers compared to the previous year. Content tagged with #tiktokshopblackfriday and #tiktokshopcybermonday attracted over 7 billion views, underscoring the growing interest in online shopping through the app.

This big boost comes during a time when TikTok’s future in the US is uncertain. A new law signed by President Joe Biden could lead to a ban starting in January, raising concerns over national security due to TikTok’s Chinese ownership by ByteDance Ltd. Despite this, TikTok remains popular with over 170 million users in the US, and sellers are still eager to use it for reaching customers.

Advertisement

TikTok Shop launched in the US in September 2023, and the growth one year later was expected. However, the threefold jump in sales shows TikTok’s commitment to building its e-commerce presence. ByteDance aimed to increase TikTok’s US sales to $17.5 billion this year. Following the April law requiring ByteDance to sell its US TikTok business or face a nationwide ban, the company shifted focus to the US market, pausing European expansion.

Initial concerns from merchants, who experienced a dip in sales after the new law, eased over the summer as public opinion shifted. According to a Pew Research Center survey from July and August, half of US adults thought a TikTok ban was unlikely. Partnerships with major US brands like Amazon and the NFL reinforced this sentiment, showing confidence in TikTok’s continued success.

A Washington court is expected to make a decision soon on whether the divest-or-ban law will stand. Speculation also surrounds President-elect Donald Trump potentially stepping in to prevent a ban. For now, TikTok Shop is a key part of the company’s strategy and remains one of its fastest-growing areas, attracting significant investment.

From November 13 to December 2, small- and medium-sized businesses accounted for about one-third of TikTok Shop purchases. Popular brands like Crocs, Fenty Beauty, and Estée Lauder were also among the top sellers.

Live shopping, which has been a hit in China but hasn't caught on as much in the US, was a big focus for TikTok. Some creators and celebrities hosted live shopping sessions, driving millions in sales during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period.

Also Read: Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16 Amid Safety Concerns