TikTok Shop & Social commerce trends 2025: Insider insights from the pros

The retail world is changing fast, and social commerce has become a major player. Once seen as a small trend, it blends social media with online shopping to help brands connect with customers in new ways.

As social media takes on an even bigger role in our daily routines, businesses need to harness its power to boost sales. Social commerce transforms likes and comments into real conversions, reflecting a natural shift in how social platforms influence buying habits. One platform that’s leading this movement is TikTok, offering immense potential for brands looking to tap into social-driven shopping.

According to eMarketer, global social commerce sales are projected to hit $1.2 trillion by 2026, with TikTok driving a significant portion of this growth. The platform has become an eCommerce powerhouse, helping brands and independent sellers boost their sales through engaging content, live shopping, and AI-powered recommendations.

So, how can you leverage these trends to scale your business? Let’s dive into the biggest social commerce trends shaping 2026 and actionable strategies to stay ahead of the competition!

1. What is social commerce?

Social commerce refers to selling products directly through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Unlike traditional eCommerce, where buyers have to leave the platform to complete a purchase, social commerce keeps the entire buying journey within the app—making it seamless, engaging, and impulse-driven.

Simply put, social commerce blends content and commerce, allowing users to shop as they scroll, watch, and engage with their favorite creators.

Key features of social commerce (with simple examples)

• Shoppable Videos & Livestreams – TikTok’s live shopping feature allows sellers to showcase products in real-time. Viewers can purchase instantly without leaving the stream.

• AI-Powered Personalized Shopping – Platforms like TikTok analyze user behavior to recommend products that match their interests, making shopping highly personalized.

• Community-Driven Shopping (UGC & Reviews) – Brands leverage User-Generated Content (UGC) to build trust, as people prefer buying products endorsed by real users.

• Influencer & Creator Collaborations – Instead of traditional ads, social commerce thrives on influencer marketing, making products feel more authentic.

• One-Click Checkout & Integrated Payments – The fewer steps in the checkout process, the better the conversion rates. TikTok Shop makes purchasing effortless with its in-app payment system.

Why social commerce will be critical in 2024 and 2025

If you're still wondering whether social commerce is worth your investment, here are some eye-opening reasons why it’s critical for success in 2026:

• Consumers Prefer Social Shopping: 74% of consumers rely on social media for purchasing decisions (Sprout Social, 2024).

• Higher Engagement, Higher Conversions: Shoppable content converts 2x more than traditional eCommerce product pages.

• Influencer Marketing Is the New Sales Funnel: Over 60% of Gen Z and Millennials trust influencer recommendations more than brand ads (HubSpot, 2024).

• Frictionless Shopping Experience: The easier it is to shop, the more likely users will buy—social commerce platforms make purchasing one tap away.

With such undeniable potential, brands that fail to adapt to social commerce trends risk losing customers to competitors who do!

2. Social commerce vs. eCommerce: What’s the difference?

While eCommerce focuses on search-based purchases, social commerce thrives on impulse buying and discovery-driven shopping - making it a goldmine for businesses looking to increase conversions!

3. How to build your brand and drive sales in social commerce with the 5 Cs method

We identified five key considerations - known as the 5 Cs - for marketers who want to develop a social commerce strategy that not only sells but also strengthens their brand presence.

Content

Creating purposeful content is at the core of social commerce success. Work closely with your platform of choice and relevant influencers to share clear, entertaining product information. Rather than relying on static banners, focus on eye-catching and educational posts or videos that grab attention in busy social feeds. The goal is to dominate consumers’ scrolling time, not just occupy advertising space.

Customer Voice

Listen to the feedback shoppers give within your product category. By understanding their needs—from pricing and packaging to product features—you can tailor your offerings, even creating exclusive SKUs for online shoppers. Reciprocity also comes into play: giving your platform or influencers the chance to speak openly about your product, so their followers receive honest, valuable insights.

Convenience

Shoppers expect a seamless buying experience. Marketers should ensure products reach customers within a timeframe that feels right for each item. For instance, you might be okay waiting weeks for a car to arrive, but you’ll want shampoo to arrive the next day. When convenience and user experience align, you’re more likely to earn repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

Conversation

Look at the discussions people have about your products in any online space. These insights help you refine your offerings and improve how influencers promote your brand. Many companies build long-term partnerships with a few key influencers—almost like an extension of their own marketing team. This close relationship lets influencers explain unique selling points more effectively and highlight product improvements over past versions or competing options.

Commerce

Pricing is a crucial element, especially when comparing different product formats, value deals, or SKUs in offline stores. You might decide to create a special assortment strategy for each platform, ensuring you stay competitive. It’s also vital to team up with the platform itself to convert awareness into demand during peak shopping moments—think about major events like Double 11 (Single’s Day), where strategic promotions can drive big results.

4. Top social commerce platforms for 2024 and 2025

Social commerce is booming across multiple platforms. While TikTok is dominating the scene, these other platforms offer sellers additional opportunities to connect with customers and boost sales.

TikTok: The most potential social commerce platform in 2025

• TikTok Shop Sales Boom: TikTok Shop’s GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) is expected to surpass $20 billion in 2025 (Insider Intelligence, 2024).

  
  

• Explosive User Growth: TikTok has over 1.7 billion users, with the highest engagement rate among all social platforms.

• Shoppable Content Converts: Videos with product tags have a CTR (Click-Through Rate) of 15% higher than static product links.

• TikTok Live Drives Instant Sales: Live shopping on TikTok increases sales by up to 300% during promotional events.

Thanks to its interactive video format, viral trends, and growing user base, TikTok stands out as the top social commerce platform for 2025.

Facebook & Instagram shops

• Massive Audience Reach: With billions of users combined, Facebook and Instagram offer an extensive audience.

• Seamless Shopping Experience: Users can explore product catalogs, read reviews, and check out without leaving the app.

• Ideal for Visual Storytelling: Instagram Stories and Reels let brands highlight products in engaging, creative ways.

• Well-Established Seller Tools: Built-in analytics, product tagging, and influencer-friendly features can boost your sales.

Pinterest shopping

• Discovery-Driven Platform: Pinterest users often browse with the intent to find new ideas and products.

• Highly Visual Shopping: High-quality images and descriptive Pins help attract and convert potential buyers.

• Niche Communities: Great for fashion, home decor, and lifestyle brands looking to tap into passionate communities.

• Extended Content Lifespan: Pins can drive traffic and sales for months—or even years—after they’re posted.

Other notable platforms

• YouTube Shopping – Integrates product links directly into video content for a seamless shopping experience.

• Snapchat Spotlight – A newer player in social commerce, focusing on short-form, viral content to engage younger audiences.

No matter which platform you choose, keep in mind that TikTok leads the pack with its explosive growth, short-form video format, and interactive shopping features.

5. How to leverage TikTok Shop trends for your business

Now that you know why TikTok is the top social commerce platform, here are actionable strategies to boost your sales in 2026:

• Create Viral, Shoppable Content – Focus on short, engaging videos that seamlessly integrate your products.

• Use TikTok Live for Flash Sales – Host live sessions with special discounts and limited-time deals to drive FOMO-driven sales.

• Leverage Micro-Influencers – Partner with TikTok creators in your niche to promote products authentically.

• Optimize for TikTok’s Algorithm – Post consistently, use trending sounds, and engage with comments to boost visibility.

• Invest in Paid TikTok Ads – Use TikTok’s ad targeting to reach high-intent buyers who are already interested in similar products.

  
  

  
  

2026 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for social commerce trends, and TikTok is at the forefront of this transformation. Whether you're an independent seller or a large brand, adapting to these TikTok trends will be crucial for staying competitive.

Looking for expert strategies to dominate TikTok Shop and boost your eCommerce business? Follow Ecomdy’s blog for the latest insights and proven strategies! 🚀

Need hands-on support? Ecomdy offers professional TikTok Shop optimization services to help sellers maximize sales and grow their brands. Contact us today to get started!