Key Points:

• Selecting the correct product category is essential for visibility, faster discovery, and maintaining trust on TikTok Shop.
• TikTok Shop’s categorization feature suggests categories automatically, but sellers can manually adjust them to ensure accuracy.
• Misplacing products can lead to violations, so sellers should follow best practices, review listings regularly, and seek approval for restricted categories.

Customers don’t just rely on keyword searches when shopping. They also browse and filter by product type. That’s why selecting the right product category is key to getting your products discovered quickly.
TikTok Shop’s product categorization feature helps you:

• Automatically match your product to the most relevant category.
• Manually adjust categories if the automatic match isn’t right.
• Avoid incorrect category violations that can affect Shop Health.

This guide explains how categorization works, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do if your product requires category-specific approvals.

How the Product Categorization Feature Works

When you create a new listing, TikTok Shop automatically suggests a category for your product. This suggestion is based on the details you enter in your product title.
Best practice for titles to improve categorization:Format your title as:
[Brand] + [Content] + [Scope of Application] + [Product Type] + [Main Function/Feature]For example:

• Nike Cotton Kids’ T-Shirt with Logo Print → Suggested category: Kids’ Fashion > Clothing > Tops
• Philips Stainless Steel Coffee Maker 12-Cup → Suggested category: Home Appliances > Kitchen Appliances

If the suggested category doesn’t match your product, you can manually select the most accurate option in Seller Center.

Why Category Accuracy Matters

Choosing the correct category ensures:

• Better visibility: Your product appears where customers expect it.
• Faster discovery: Shoppers browsing subcategories find your product without confusion.
• Higher trust: Accurate placement makes your shop appear reliable.
• Policy compliance: Avoids violation tickets that affect Shop Health.

Incorrect Category Violations

If you list your product under the wrong category, you may receive a violation ticket titled “Incorrect Category.”Examples of miscategorization:

• Listing a boy’s polo shirt under Menswear instead of Kids’ Fashion.
• Listing a cat toy under Small Animal Supplies instead of Dog & Cat Supplies.
• Listing a refrigerator under Home Appliances instead of Large Home Appliances.

How to fix it:

• Re-list your product under the most accurate category.
• Check competitors’ listings for reference if you’re unsure.

Categories Requiring Extra Approval

Some product categories fall under our Restricted Products Policy. To list items in these categories, sellers must submit documentation and receive approval before going live. For more information, refer to our Your Guide to Category Qualification.

Best Practices

• Use the categorization feature in Seller Center as your starting point.
• Always confirm that the category matches how customers would search for your product.
• Regularly review your active listings to ensure accuracy.
• Use attributes like color, size, or brand to boost visibility within your chosen category.

Actions to Avoid

• Don’t “test” multiple categories for the same product to see which performs better. This confuses customers and violates policies.
• Don’t deliberately miscategorize to try to increase exposure.
• Don’t ignore customer feedback — if buyers report difficulty finding your product, reassess your category placement.