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What’s Actually Selling on TikTok? A Data-Driven Guide for Brands

7 minutes

The TikTok Phenomenon

TikTok isn’t just a platform for viral dances and trending sounds—it’s a powerhouse for eCommerce. With over 6.9 million posts under the hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, the app has become a go-to destination for product discovery and shopping.

At Saya Agency, we’ve seen firsthand how TikTok can transform brands, driving record-breaking sales and unprecedented engagement. In this blog, we’ll dive into what’s actually selling on TikTok, who’s buying, and how your brand can leverage the platform to achieve similar success.

Why TikTok Converts

TikTok isn’t just a social media platform—it’s a shopping destination. Here’s why it works:

  • Seamless shopping experience: TikTok Shop allows users to discover and purchase products without leaving the app, reducing cart abandonment rates.
  • Real-time engagement: Brands can answer customer questions instantly, building trust and loyalty.
  • Influencer power: Ads featuring creators drive a 26% increase in brand favorability, as users trust recommendations from their favorite influencers.

At Saya Agency, we specialize in crafting TikTok strategies that combine creative storytelling with data-driven insights to drive real results.

What’s Selling and Who’s Buying?

1. TikTok Shopping Habits by Generation

Understanding your audience is key to success on TikTok. Here’s how different generations are using the platform:

  • Gen Z (Ages 12–27):
    • Disposable income is growing.
    • They’re buying trendy fashionluxury skincare, and tech gadgets.
    • Tip: Partner with influencers to tap into this demographic’s buying power.
  • Millennials (Ages 28–43):
    • Many are parents and primary shoppers in their households.
    • They value authenticity and community.
    • Tip: Create content that educates and entertains to win their loyalty.
  • Gen X (Ages 44–59):
    • 35% have bought a product after seeing it on TikTok.
    • They’re 1.4x more likely to visit brick-and-mortar stores influenced by TikTok.
    • Tip: Use TikTok to drive in-store traffic with location-based campaigns.
  • Baby Boomers (Ages 60–78):
    • They love narrative-driven content.
    • Tip: Feature Boomers in your ads to resonate with this audience.

2. Top-Selling Categories on TikTok

While beauty and apparel dominate, TikTok’s buying power extends far beyond these categories. Here’s what’s selling:

  • Beauty: GRWM (“Get Ready With Me”) videos drive 10.9M posts and massive sales.
  • Apparel: Trendy fashion items fly off the shelves.
  • Surprising categories:
    • Mattresses
    • Mobile banking apps
    • Shapewear
    • Jewelry
    • Car air filters
    • Supplements
    • Shampoo

Actionable Tip: Experiment with niche products to find untapped opportunities.

3. How to Win on TikTok

To succeed on TikTok, you need more than just a presence—you need a strategy. Here’s how to get started:

  • Grow your organic profile: Use the Community Interaction objective to boost followers and engagement.
  • Leverage TikTok Spark Ads:

    • Organic: Boost videos from your profile to increase views and social proof.
    • Paid: Partner with creators to enhance authenticity.
  • Sell on TikTok Shop: Offer exclusive discounts and incentives to drive conversions.
  • Try Product Shopping Ads: Target users searching for products like yours.
  • Go Live: Host livestream shopping sessions to engage viewers in real-time.

    How Saya Agency Can Help

    At Saya Agency, we’re experts in TikTok marketing. From creative strategy to media buying, we help brands unlock the platform’s full potential.

    Ready to thrive on TikTok? Contact Saya Agency today to create a personalized strategy that drives salesengagement, and growth.

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