TikTok Introduces AI Shopping Assistant and In-App Checkout

TikTok has introduced a new AI-powered shopping assistant and an in-app checkout feature, allowing users to make purchases directly from brands within the app. The AI Shopping Assistant is designed as a conversational agent that understands user preferences and provides real-time guidance on product details, shipping, sizing, and availability. It also helps complete purchases seamlessly.

The new features enable one-click purchases from the For You feed, the app’s primary algorithm-driven video feed. TikTok is developing these tools in collaboration with commerce platforms like Salesforce, Shopify, Shoplazza, and payment provider Stripe. This expansion brings shopping capabilities beyond TikTok Shop, the platform’s in-house marketplace that launched in the U.S. in September 2023.

According to TikTok’s Economic Impact Report released last week, the platform contributed $81 billion in gross domestic product for U.S. businesses. The report also noted that 54 million Americans have made purchases after watching TikTok videos. Market research firm eMarketer estimates that TikTok Shop could generate about $15.8 billion in U.S. sales by 2025, accounting for roughly 18% of all U.S. social commerce.