TikTok has taken the world by storm, evolving from a hub of dance challenges and lip-sync videos into a thriving e-commerce powerhouse with TikTok Shop. If you’re wondering how to get TikTok Shop set up and start selling to its massive audience, you’re not alone. Millions of creators and entrepreneurs are jumping on this opportunity to turn views into revenue. Whether you’re an individual looking to monetize your influence or a business aiming to expand your reach, opening a TikTok Shop could be your ticket to success in 2025.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know—from the eligibility requirements to a detailed, beginner-friendly setup process. Plus, I’ll share how tools like Zibird can make managing your store a breeze. Let’s get started and unlock the potential of TikTok Shop for your business or side hustle!
Requirements: Who Can Open a TikTok Shop?
Before you dive into setting up your TikTok Shop, you need to know if you qualify. TikTok has specific criteria for individuals and businesses, ensuring the platform remains a trusted marketplace. Here’s what you’ll need, depending on your situation.
For Individuals
If you’re a creator or solo seller looking to dip your toes into e-commerce, TikTok Shop is accessible—but there are some boxes to check:
- Age : You must be at least 18 years old. TikTok doesn’t allow minors to operate shops, so have your ID ready for verification.
- TikTok Account : You’ll need an active personal TikTok account. While there’s no strict follower minimum, having some engagement (likes, comments, or views) can strengthen your application.
- Legal Identity : Be prepared to submit a government-issued ID (like a passport or driver’s license) to prove your identity.
- Product Rules: Whatever you’re selling—be it handmade jewelry or dropshipping finds—must follow TikTok’s policies. That means no shady stuff like knockoffs or banned items.
Individuals often use TikTok Shop to sell handmade goods, personal merchandise, or dropshipping products. It’s a low-barrier entry point for anyone with a hustle mindset.
For Businesses
If you’re running a registered company, the requirements step up a notch to reflect your professional status:
- Business Registration : You need a legally recognized business in a supported region (e.g., the U.S., UK, Vietnam, Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia). TikTok will ask for your business registration number or equivalent documentation.
- Tax Information : Provide a tax ID, such as an EIN (Employer Identification Number) in the U.S., for financial verification.
- Bank Account : In order to get paid for sales made on TikTok, we need to supply our bank account information, which comprises the bank's name, account number, and routing number.
- Policy Adherence : Just like individuals, businesses must comply with TikTok’s product guidelines—no exceptions.
Businesses benefit from TikTok Shop’s scalability, making it ideal for brands with established inventory or those looking to integrate with platforms like Shopify or Amazon. Whether you’re an individual or a business, meeting these requirements is your first step toward figuring out how to get TikTok Shop off the ground.
How to Set Up a TikTok Shop Step by Step
Now that you know if you’re eligible, let’s walk through the process of setting up your TikTok Shop. This isn’t rocket science, but it does require some attention to detail. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Confirm Your Location
First things first—TikTok Shop is only available in certain regions. You’ll need to be based in the United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam to proceed. Check your location matches one of these areas, as it’s the foundation for creating your account.
Step 2: Apply Through the TikTok Seller Center
Next, you’ll need to formally apply for TikTok Shop. This is where things get official:
Open your browser and head to the TikTok Seller Center (e.g., `seller-us.tiktok.com` for U.S. users). For a seamless experience, you can complete this setup operation on the Zibird browser. Zibird is an e-commerce multi-account security management tool that lets you manage multiple stores at once, including accounts on Amazon, eBay, and TikTok Shop. It’s a handy way to keep everything organized and secure.
- Log in with your Email or phone number.
- pick your business type—either “Individual” if you’re solo, or “Sole Proprietorship” if you have a registered business.
Submit your application with:
- A valid ID or passport to verify your identity.
- Additional business or tax details if applicable.
- Submit your application and wait for approval, which usually takes a few days to a week.
Step 3: Fill in Shop Details
Once approved, you’ll get access to your Seller Center dashboard. Now it’s time to bring your shop to life:
Link a Payment Method: Add your bank account or a supported payment option (like PayPal in some regions) under the “Finance” section. Double-check your details to avoid payout delays.
Add Products: Go to the “Products” tab, click “Add New Product,” and upload your items. Include clear photos, catchy titles, and descriptions that highlight benefits (e.g., “Super soft hoodie—perfect for chilly nights!”). Set competitive prices to attract buyers.
Configure Shipping: Decide how you’ll fulfill orders—self-shipping, dropshipping, or a third-party service. Specify shipping times and costs to keep customers happy.
Take your time here. Well-presented products and reliable shipping options build trust with TikTok’s savvy shoppers.
Once everything’s set, you’re good to start selling.
Promote Your Shop
Your shop is live—now let’s get it noticed:
- Post videos featuring your products. Show them in action—think unboxings, tutorials, or funny skits.
- Add a shopping link to your profile and videos by linking products from your Seller Center.
- Use hashtags like #TikTokShop, #ShopWithMe, or niche tags to boost visibility.
TikTok’s algorithm rewards creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment with trends or sounds. The more engaging your content, the faster you’ll attract buyers.
Monitor and Optimize
Running a TikTok Shop isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Log into your Seller Center regularly (or use Zibird for a unified view) to:
- Track orders and respond to customer inquiries promptly.
- Check sales data under “Analytics” to see what’s working.
- Adjust pricing, add new products, or tweak your videos based on performance.
This step-by-step process is your roadmap to mastering how to get TikTok Shop up and running. With a little effort, you’ll be selling in no time.
Final Thoughts
Opening a TikTok Shop in 2025 is an exciting way to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing marketplaces. Whether you’re an individual creator with a knack for crafting or a business ready to scale, this platform offers endless possibilities. By meeting the eligibility requirements—whether it’s a simple ID check for individuals or business registration for companies—and following the setup steps, you can launch your store with confidence.
Tools like Zibird make the process even smoother, especially if you’re managing multiple accounts across platforms like Amazon or eBay. From applying via the Seller Center to promoting your products with viral videos, every step brings you closer to turning TikTok’s massive audience into loyal customers.
So, what are you waiting for? Figuring out how to get TikTok Shop is just the beginning. Get started today, experiment with your strategy, and watch your sales soar.