Join the “Holiday Shop-Along Spectacular” Event on TikTok!
Walmart and TikTok announced yesterday that, together, they are creating the first pilot test of a shoppable product experience on TikTok’s video-sharing app.
TikTok is a place where Gen Z flocks for style inspiration, particularly as the app’s revered creators often kick-start and spread fashion trends. It is, therefore, unsurprising that retailers have spotted the platform’s potential to attract young online consumers to their brands. Walmart already markets its products on TikTok, but the retailer is now taking it up a notch as it experiments with actually selling products on the app.
Walmart and Tiktok’s collaborative shoppable product experience will be in video form, specifically live-streamed video. The pilot test event, called the “Holiday Shop-Along Spectacular” will be held today (Friday, December 18th at 8 PM EST, 5PM PST) on Walmart’s TikTok profile. It will be hosted by TikTok star Michael Le, who has blown up on the app on the back of his dance tutorials and routines. Walmart’s products will be featured in video content by himself and 9 other rising TikTok creators, including Devan Anderson, Taylor Hage and Zahra Hashimee.
So how exactly will the Shop-Along event work? During Walmart’s livestream, TikTok creators will flaunt their favourite Walmart products in their own personalised way – it could through a wardrobe tour, fashion show or even a dance routine performed whilst kitted out in Walmart apparel.
TikTok and Walmart have tried to make the shopping experience as effortless as possible for users. Whilst TikTok creators are showcasing their favourite pieces, little pins will appear so that users can tap and pop the items in their trolley. Once finished, users are directed to a mobile checkout. Alternatively, users can tap the shopping trolley icon at the end of the event, browse any items that appeared in the livestream and select what they wish to buy.
For any users that miss the live event, the items will be available for purchase on Walmart’s TikTok profile once the Shop-Along finishes.
Walmart’s U.S. Chief Marketing Officer William White commented on the new partnership, “We’re constantly looking for ways to innovate the shopping experience for our customers. We’re moving faster than ever to find new and improved ways to better serve our customers and meet them where they are. We created this event for, about, and by our community, reflecting the lives, passions and styles of a diverse set of creators so everyone watching will feel represented, no matter who they are or how they outfit their closet.”
The vice president of Global Business Solutions at TikTok, Blake Chandlee, stated, “At TikTok, we’re constantly exploring new ways to inspire creativity, bring joy and add value for our community. Creators and brands have found a creative outlet to connect with audiences through TikTok Live, and we’re excited to further innovate on this interactive experience to enable our community to discover and engage with the brands they love.”
He continued, “Brands have had an incredible impact on the community throughout this year, and we’re thrilled to see Walmart embrace the creativity of TikTok and this first-of-a-kind experience to meaningfully engage with their community.”
For Walmart, this live-streamed TikTok shopping event is an entry point into an increasingly lucrative market. For TikTok users, it is a chance to nab some of the most popular TikTokers’ top picks – go check it out on Walmart’s TikTok today!
Finally, for our previous #SocialShort, click here.
