Seen that little orange shopping bag on TikTok videos and wondered what it means? That’s TikTok Shop — the feature that lets you buy products straight from videos, creator profiles, and livestreams without leaving the app.
It’s a mash-up of short-form entertainment and instant shopping, whether you’re browsing for deals or thinking about earning as a creator. If you’re shopping soon, you may want to skim Groupon’s TikTok Shop coupons — there’s often an extra saving waiting.
What TikTok Shop Actually Is
TikTok Shop is an in-app marketplace where brands and creators can list products, tag them in content, and sell directly to viewers. Instead of watching a video, liking the product, and opening a separate site, you can check out instantly within TikTok.
The experience runs through three key features:
- Tagged products in videos and livestreams
- A Shop tab on eligible business and creator profiles
- An affiliate program where creators earn commission on linked products
What the Orange Shopping Bag Icon Means
Whenever you see the orange shopping bag on a video or profile, it means products are available to buy. Tap it to view items featured in that clip or browse the full catalog on that creator’s Shop tab.
It’s TikTok’s way of flagging: “There’s something here you can buy right now.”
How Shopping Works on TikTok
Finding Products in Videos and Lives
Tap the orange bag on any video to see the featured products. You’ll get prices, photos, reviews, and quick descriptions. During livestreams, creators can add products in real-time, and you can buy them while watching.
Browsing a Creator or Brand’s Shop
Business profiles and approved creators have a Shop tab — essentially a mini storefront. You can browse categories, see promotions, and view their full product lineup.
In-App Checkout
All purchases happen inside TikTok. Add items to your cart, enter shipping and payment details, and you’re done. TikTok processes your payment, while the seller (or TikTok, if they use TikTok fulfilment) handles shipping.
Order updates, confirmations, and tracking all appear in the app — no email searching required. For expected delivery windows, see our guide to TikTok Shop shipping times.
How TikTok Shop Works for Creators
Creators can earn money by recommending products through TikTok’s affiliate program. It’s a built-in way to monetize content without needing brand sponsorships.
Who Can Join the Affiliate Program?
Requirements can vary, but most creators need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Followers | Typically 5,000+ (exceptions sometimes made for strong engagement) |
| Age | 18 or older |
| Setup | Link your account, provide basic info, and agree to terms |
How Commissions Work
Creators earn a percentage of each sale made through their links. Commission rates are set by sellers, not TikTok, so they vary widely — many fall between 5% and 20%.
Creators earn only when someone buys through their tagged product or affiliate link. TikTok tracks the purchase automatically and pays out earnings periodically.
Tagging Products
When creating a video, creators can search TikTok’s catalog and tag relevant products directly. The best results come from content where the product feels naturally integrated — tutorials, demos, “what I use daily,” honest reviews, and similar formats.
How Selling Works on TikTok Shop
If you're a business wanting to list products, TikTok Shop has a separate Seller Center for uploading items, managing orders, and handling customer support.
Seller Requirements (Short Version)
To join as a seller, businesses generally need:
- A US-based business entity
- A US warehouse or fulfilment location
- Business documentation and tax info
- An approved TikTok Shop account
Fulfilment Options
Sellers can either ship orders themselves or use Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT), where TikTok stores and ships inventory. FBT usually means faster shipping and more consistent delivery — similar to Amazon’s FBA program.
The Money Side: What’s Actually Going On
Here’s the simplified version:
- Sellers pay platform fees and set commission rates for creators.
- Creators earn commission when someone buys through their link.
- Shoppers get access to competitive pricing, flash sales, and first-time buyer deals.
Prices can be noticeably lower than other platforms. For a full explanation, see our guide on why TikTok Shop is so cheap.
FAQs
What does the orange shopping bag icon mean?
It shows that a video or profile has products you can buy directly through TikTok. Tap it to see the items.
How much do creators earn?
Commission rates vary by product and seller, but many fall between 5% and 20%.
Do creators really need 5,000 followers?
Usually yes, but TikTok sometimes allows smaller creators with strong engagement to join.
Can I return TikTok Shop purchases?
Yes. Returns and refunds are handled in-app. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on how to cancel or return a TikTok Shop order.
Is TikTok Shop safe?
Generally yes — especially when buying from verified sellers. Learn more in our guide to TikTok Shop safety.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Tap the orange bag to view tagged products
- Browse full catalogs through the Shop tab
- Creators can earn with TikTok’s affiliate program
- Sellers set commission rates for creators
- Businesses must be US-based to sell on TikTok Shop
- Fulfilled by TikTok offers faster, more reliable delivery
- All checkout and tracking happen in-app
Ready to Shop?
Next time you see that orange bag on your For You Page, tap it — you might discover your new favorite find. And before you check out, make sure to browse Groupon’s TikTok Shop discount codes to stretch your budget even further.
