TikTok launches a standalone TikTok Shop app in four Asian countries

A standalone shopping app

TikTok has released a standalone TikTok Shop app in select countries, continuing to expand its e-commerce business. The launch was first reported by social media consultant Matt Navarra; the app is available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines on iOS and Android, TechCrunch reports. According to the app's description, users get personalized product recommendations, shopping via livestreams and short videos, app-exclusive offers, built-in payments, order tracking and customer support, as well as free shipping and bonuses on the first order.

Why a separate app

As TechCrunch notes, a separate app allows TikTok Shop to reach shoppers beyond the main TikTok platform and compete more directly with established marketplaces like Amazon and Temu. The launch also signals the company's willingness to invest in social commerce by spinning Shop off into a standalone product. The mirror move in the rivalry with Amazon is telling: earlier, Amazon launched a TikTok-like feed of short videos called Inspireto retain its audience, and now TikTok is attempting the reverse — luring shoppers away from platforms like Amazon into its own ecosystem.

What remains unknown

TikTok did not respond to TechCrunch's request about the app's rollout. It is unknown whether the company plans to expand its availability, including to the US market, where, as the outlet notes, it would have to compete not only with Amazon and Temu but also with major retailers like Walmart and Target. The launch is another step by TikTok beyond social media: in addition to Shop, the company has added games, restaurant guides, sports sections, hotel booking and micro-series, and is also exploring payments.