by By McKenzie Burnett
Since the launch of the app, Tik Tok has become a platform where you not only watch funny videos but a platform where you can learn sign language, learn to grow plants and vegetables, hear the latest gossip about your favorite celebrity, and most importantly it seems to show what the latest trends are in fashion and home decor. With society being a trendy, follower specific site, it is no joke that almost half of Tik Tok users have purchased something through the media platform or because of the platform. Here are three ways Tiktok has opened your wallet and increased its power over product purchases.
The first and biggest money drop is due to the never ending fashion world. Fast fashion has never been faster with the use of the trending #tryonhaul that has become quite popular on Tik Tok. This is not restricted to anyone either. Influencers, reviewers and even the 90 year old grandma have taken stage to show their purchase hauls and their reaction to products. It has also created a way to support cheaper alternative options to the expensive name brand items that people desire to own.This seems to be an at-home runway that makes viewers run to their favorite in-person or online store in a race to purchase that item or even something similar.
Another trend easily catching coin is the #Tiktokmademebuyit craze. Every day people will post items they use and recommend the product by showing it in use and how well it works or looks.The algorithm seems to set up people who have liked a product and show them similar ones, creating a labeled section of Tik Tok. This is where you can find CleanTok or SheinTok and a multitude of various products being tried and reviewed. With easy access to online shopping and the ability to list the specific item in your Tik Tok bio, it has never been easier to find the items in your cart in the matter of seconds.
The third way that the free app has charged the bank is by supporting influencers who review a large spectrum of products. Some of these influencers are known for their #buyorbust reviews on products ranging from workout leggings to Scrub Daddy sponges. It has allowed them to create a large follower base giving them the certified blue check. A big issue that is starting to happen now though is that companies have caught on to the influencer uprisings that the app has created and they are now sponsoring people to show product to the reviewers once loyal followers. While this may seem fine, the people are catching on and are backing away from sponsors labeled Tik Toks and the creators by asking for a real review of someone who isn’t paid to say good things.
Nonetheless, people are still watching and buying. Tik Tok has created a brand in itself when it comes to how people are starting to spend more of their money. But is it really worth the purchase or were you better off keeping your wallet closed? I guess Tik Tok will have the answer.
Just reading the title of this blog post, I immediately thought of several instances where I’ve purchased products solely based on a TikTok review or viral video — from the Maui Babe tanning lotion to Amazon basic hoodies. For some reason when influencers, or even regular people, vouch for products on TikTok it feels more trustworthy than sponsorships on other platforms. I’m glad you brought up fast fashion because it has become such a part of our culture as trends come and go so quickly. It’s not sustainable, but I see why it’s popular. Thrifting is a great alternative that’s also popular on TikTok! I love getting inspiration for pieces to search for at thrift stores from my For You Page.
HI McKenzie! I think this is a great topic. TikTok has had a substantial financial impact on users. Certainly, it persuades some more than others to make purchases. I think it also can stop some people from making purchases if someone with enough influence sheds a negative light on a product. I definitely believe the algorithms are carefully curated and understand who will be influenced by videos that encourage a purchase, and those who are more likely to will receive more videos talking about products, ultimately leading to more spending.
Insanely good topic. I am a first hand victim of TikTok shopping. With the hold social media has on us, it is not surprising how convincing it can be to make us open our wallets. This shopping also feeds into the influencing world, helping influencers create a platform where they can help brands with giving their followers coupon codes for brands they partner with. Fast fashion and influencing has been totally changed since TikTok started. It is honestly quite upsetting that it, in tun, effects young peoples wallets.
Hi McKenzie! I really liked this blog post because it made me think about the way that TikTok, and social media in general can sometimes influence my spending habits and what products I choose to buy. With so many products and being constantly flashed across my screen, it is hard to avoid finding something that catches my eye. Sometimes I wind up purchasing something I don’t really need, and this was a great reminder to remain skeptical of the products I see online.
Hey McKenzie! You did a great job with this blog post, and I love the topic. I’m a culprit of purchasing things from TikTok that I probably don’t need, but you cover some important points. I think it’s interesting how easily people are influenced by the opinions of others, and TikTok is a perfect example of this. Influencer culture and fast fashion has changed so much over the past few years, and this blog clearly portrays that.
Hey McKenzie!
You did a great job with this blog post, and I love the topic. I’m a culprit of purchasing things from TikTok that I probably don’t need, but you cover some important points. I think it’s interesting how easily people are influenced by the opinions of others, and TikTok is a perfect example of this. Influencer culture and fast fashion has changed so much over the past few years, and this blog clearly portrays that.
Hi McKenzie! I loved this post. Like other commenters above, I’m definitely guilty of buying certain items solely because I see them on TikTok, especially with cleaning supplies or books. One positive aspect I see of FashionTok is that mid-size/plus-size/short creators (e.g., @sarasthots and @shelbysaywhatblog) now have a platform to help “bigger” people find clothes that are flattering for them and make them feel confident. As someone who’s considered short and mid-size, it’s been encouraging to see that you can be fashionable even if you aren’t stick-thin!
I am glad to see that I’m not the only person being roped into buying products from TikTok. I love going to TikTok to find new things but this article really reminded me about the dangers of shopping fast fashion.
This blog post is spot on. I am shameful to say that I have bought so many things from Tik Tok. When you see real life people testing stuff out, you feel more obligated to buy the product. It is crazy to think that I have bought so much because I wouldn’t consider myself to be someone that is easily influenced. Marketing is literally everything now and Tik Tok has most definitley changed the marketing game! -Leah Friedman
Hi McKenzie,
As a huge fan of TikTok, I really enjoyed reading your piece! I feel like the most popular videos have been try on hauls that people have been doing because I feel like its the most trust a viewer can see and get an honest review. In addition, YouTubers like Laura Lee have made hit or miss videos of things that they saw and TikTok that made them buy things. I appreciate videos like those because who knows if people doing reviews like small videos on TikTok are just doing it for clout.
Hi McKenzie! I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I have found myself on the Shopping side of TikTok a few too many times. The majority of my liked videos are furniture dupes, makeup tutorials, or clothing hauls. I think the videos that test the quality of the product and determine whether it’s worth it are the most interesting to watch. My mother has be influenced to buy things she found on TikTok. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to only see videos that are about shopping or spending money, but I do think it is a great advertising opportunity for small businesses!