TikTok Shop isn’t just for influencers — it’s quietly turning ordinary users into online retailers.
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed that half your feed now looks like QVC with ring lights. But here’s the surprise: you don’t need your own brand or products to make money on TikTok Shop. Thanks to affiliate tools, smart creators are earning commission simply by promoting things they already use, from skincare to slow cookers.
It’s the new frontier of social selling, and unlike running a full-blown online shop, there’s zero inventory, packaging, or postage to worry about. Just videos, authenticity, and timing.
Creators earn a percentage of every sale they drive through affiliate links. Most start by finding trending products in the TikTok Shop Seller Centre, then create short, helpful or entertaining clips featuring them. When viewers click and buy, you get paid. Some creators are pulling in hundreds a month just by sharing budget finds and useful home hacks.
What this means for you
If you’ve got a knack for spotting what’s trending or you’re already posting reviews, routines, or recipes - you can start monetising your TikTok without ever holding stock. The key is niche focus and trust: don’t promote everything, promote what fits your content. Think of yourself as the friend who shares genuinely good finds, not a walking advert.
💡 Savingsense Tip
Start small. Pick one category that suits your vibe (beauty, gadgets, home). Use TikTok’s Affiliate Hub to choose products with decent commission rates, ideally 10% or more and watch what’s trending under #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt. Keep videos short, natural, and packed with value. Consistency beats virality.
📊 By the Numbers:
Over 75% of UK TikTok users say they’ve bought something after seeing it on the app, according to a 2024 GWI survey.
