TikTok has placed its Shop service in a separate app listed for iPhone users in four Southeast Asian markets, giving shoppers a standalone destination for commerce features also available inside its main platform.
Apple's storefronts in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines list TikTok Shop as an official iPhone app. The pages mark it free to download, with in-app purchases available. They describe item suggestions shaped by users' interests, product-focused video clips and live broadcasts, along with secure payments, order tracking and customer support.
Deals are also part of the listings' pitch. They promote offers available only in the app, free shipping and benefits for first orders, but do not provide discount amounts or the terms shoppers must meet to qualify.
TechCrunch reported Thursday that Android users can access TikTok Shop in all four markets. Google Play also lists a TikTok Shop app.
TikTok's main platform already includes shopping tools. Its Business Help Center says sellers can present items in videos that appear in users' feeds, LIVE videos and the Showcase tab on seller or creator profiles. The separate app adds another access point to a commerce service TikTok also describes within its main platform.
Amazon has used content for product discovery in its retail app. Its fourth-quarter 2022 results release described Inspire as a feature in the U.S. shopping app, where posts from customers, influencers and brands helped shoppers find products.
TechCrunch reported it could not establish whether TikTok plans to offer the standalone app in the United States and said the company did not respond to a request for comment.
