Shoppable Photos

Video Tips
NOTE: This feature is currently in beta and available for select sellers. Functionality may evolve as we gather feedback.

💡 Feature Overview

Shoppable Photos let sellers create photo-based posts that shoppers can buy from directly. Instead of relying only on video, you can upload product images, tag your items, and publish. These posts can appear across TikTok surfaces like the For You Feed, Search, and Shop Tab. When users scroll through TikTok and encounter these image-based posts, they can view product details at a glance and purchase directly with one tap via the shopping cart.
A Shoppable Photo post can be created with just:
  • At least 2 images
  • Optional background music
  • One linked product
This format is designed to maximize product visibility with minimal production effort, which is ideal for sellers who want efficient ways to increase traffic, conversions, and customer acquisition.
image

🌟 Benefits

  • Lower Production Cost & Easier Setup
    • No video recording or editing required
    • Perfect for sellers new to TikTok Shop or those with high sample-shipping costs (fashion, electronics, etc.)
    • Only images and the product link are needed, which makes it easy to publish frequently
  • Stronger Traffic Acquisition
    • Shoppable Photos outperform traditional shoppable short videos in view generation
    • Average Video Views (VV) per post are +172% higher than standard shoppable videos
    • Strong GPM (Gross Profit Margin), nearly matching video-based content
  • High New Customer Conversion
    • Among the top 10 performing posts in the last 30 days, 70%+ of sales came from non-followers
    • Image-based browsing creates quick product comprehension and faster purchase decisions
  • Proven Revenue Impact
    • Seller showcases demonstrated:
      • $36K GMV from a single post within 20 days
      • $10K GMV in just 5 days
      • $5K GMV in 10 days
        image

🧭 How to Access This Feature

If you have access to the beta, you can create Shoppable Photos directly from the TikTok app.
Here's how to find it:
image
  1. Open the TikTok app: Tap the "+" button at the bottom of the screen to start creating a new post.
  2. Select the "Photo" option: On the creation screen, choose Photo. If you only see Video or Text, your account may not be included in the beta yet.
  3. Select your product photos: Choose the images you want to use from your phone's gallery.
  4. Continue to the editing screen: This is where you can add sound, text, stickers, filters, and make adjustments.
  5. Tag your products: Tap "Add link" or "Tag products" and choose the items shown in your photos so shoppers can buy instantly.
  6. Add your caption and publish: Finalize your post, then tap "Post" to publish it.
    image

⚙️ How it Works

Shoppable Photos turn your product images into posts that shoppers can buy from directly. Here's the simple flow from creation to purchase:
  1. You upload product photos: Choose 2+ high-quality product images that show your product clearly and from different angles.
  2. You enhance the post: Add text, stickers, or music to highlight features and increase engagement.
  3. You tag your products: The tagged products will appear in the post, allowing shoppers to buy directly.
  4. You publish your Shoppable Photo post: Add your caption, choose your cover, adjust any settings, and tap Post.
  5. Your post appears across TikTok: After publishing, your SHoppable Photo post may show up in the For You Page, Search results, and Shop Tab.
  6. Shoppers tap and buy: Customers can tap on the product tags on your post, view details, and complete their purchase directly in the app.
  7. You track performance: Use Seller Center to review views, clicks, and sales so you can learn what performs best.
    image

🌟 Best Practices

  • Choose the Right Products:
    • Lead with proven winners: Prioritize products with strong CTR, Add-to-Cart, or historical sales within your shop.
    • Ride the trends: Select items tied to seasonal demand, trending aesthetics, or TikTok content themes (e.g., “clean girl,” “gift ideas,” “winter essentials”).
    • Showcase standout items: Use Shoppable Photos for unique, visually striking, or high-impulse products that can grab attention instantly.
    • Test broadly, double-down quickly: Post Shoppable Photos for multiple SKUs, then scale frequency for items generating the highest engagement and conversion.
  • Create High-Quality, High-Converting Content:
    • Image Quality & Composition
      • Use crisp, high-resolution images
      • Make the product the hero: Center the product, avoid unnecessary clutter, and use clean backgrounds.
      • Show multiple angles & key features: Include images showing packaging, materials, usage effects, before/after views, or size references.
      • Use consistent visual style: Stick to one color palette or editing style for a polished, professional look.
    • Text & Copy on Images
      • Keep text minimal but powerful: Highlight 1-3 key benefits or features only.
      • Ensure perfect readability: Use highly legible fonts, strong contrast, and avoid placing text over busy backgrounds.
      • Call out unique value clearly: Focus on what makes your product special, such as “anti-tangle,” “glass skin effect,” “ultra-stretch,” etc.
    • Audio Selection
      • Choose trending or emotionally relevant music to improve watch duration.
      • Avoid distracting audio: No distortion, static, or irrelevant sound effects.
      • Match the vibe: Use upbeat music for lifestyle products, calm music for beauty or wellness, etc.
    • Creative Enhancements
      • Use popular templates from apps like Hypic or Xingtu to elevate your imagery.
      • Add light visual motion (like subtle zoom-ins or transitions) to increase engagement.
      • Repurpose your existing best content: Bring over polished product photos from other platforms—as long as they’re copyright-safe.
Avoid Pitfalls That Hurt Performance
  • Repeating the same images across multiple posts.
  • Using low-quality, cluttered, or irrelevant images.
  • Violating TikTok policies: No copyrighted images, unlicensed music, external platform redirects, or inappropriate content.
  • Linking products with unstable pricing: frequent price changes harm conversion and trust.
  • Overloading images with text or stickers: users scroll past instantly if images feel messy.
    image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question
Answer
Who has access to Shoppable Photos?Only selected sellers currently have access as part of the beta test. Access may expand over time.
How many images do I need?A minimum of two images is required, but 2–5 images typically perform best.
Do I need to create a video?No, Shoppable Photos require only images. TikTok automatically formats them into a scrollable loop.
Can I add music?Yes. Background music is optional but recommended for engagement.
Where do Shoppable Photos appear?They currently appear in:
  • For You Feed
  • Explore Feed
  • Search
More placements (Ads, Shop Tabs, Profile) are coming soon.
Do Shoppable Photos help with new customer acquisition?Yes, over 70% of sales from top posts come from users who do not follow the seller.
What categories perform best?Fashion, beauty, personal care, footwear, accessories, toys, lifestyle goods, and pet supplies.
Can I use photos from my website or other platforms?Yes, as long as they comply with copyright rules and do not violate TikTok’s guidelines.