How to link products on TikTok


TikTok is now one of the world’s most powerful e-commerce platforms. With TikTok Shop, product tags, and in-app checkout, creators and businesses can turn short videos into direct sales. If you want to promote your products or earn commissions through affiliate links, you’ll need to know how to link products on TikTok correctly.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from account requirements to step-by-step instructions for linking products in videos, on your profile, and during TikTok Lives.

Why Link Products on TikTok?

Linking products on TikTok gives you several benefits:

  • Increase sales directly inside TikTok
  • Allow viewers to shop without leaving the app
  • Boost video engagement and discoverability
  • Earn commissions as a TikTok affiliate
  • Grow your brand or creator identity

TikTok has made product linking extremely simple, but you must meet certain requirements. Below is everything you need to know.

Requirements to Link Products on TikTok

Before adding product links, make sure you meet these conditions:

  1. A TikTok Business Account (optional but recommended)

A business account unlocks more e-commerce tools.

  1. Access to TikTok Shop

Depending on your region, TikTok Shop may or may not be available.

  1. Approved Seller or Affiliate Status

You need:

  • A TikTok Shop Seller account (for brands and sellers), or
  • A TikTok Affiliate account (for creators promoting other people’s products)
  1. Products Must Be Listed in TikTok Shop

You cannot link external products (e.g., Amazon, Shopify) unless they’re connected to TikTok Shop.

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How to Link Products on TikTok Videos (Seller Method)

If you own the product and have a TikTok Shop Seller Account, follow these steps:

Step 1: Upload Your Product to TikTok Shop

  1. Open TikTok Shop Seller Center (web or app)
  2. Go to Products
  3. Click Add New Product
  4. Upload:
    • Product images
    • Description
    • Price
    • Inventory details

Submit it for approval.

Step 2: Create Your TikTok Video

Record or upload your video as usual.

  • Use clear shots of the product
  • Add a demonstration
  • Speak about benefits
  • Use trending sounds or hooks

Step 3: Add the Product Link to the Video

Before posting, do this:

  1. On the posting page, tap Add Link or Add Products
  2. Choose Products
  3. Select the products from your TikTok Shop catalog
  4. Save and publish

Your video will now show a shopping bag icon or product tag that viewers can tap to buy.

How to Link Products as a TikTok Affiliate (Creator Method)

If you don’t sell products but want to earn commission, here’s how to link affiliate items.

Step 1: Open TikTok Shop in Creator Tools

  1. Go to your TikTok profile
  2. Tap the three lines (menu)
  3. Go to Creator Tools
  4. Select TikTok Shop – Affiliate Center

Step 2: Select Products to Promote

Inside the Affiliate Center:

  1. Browse Affiliate Marketplace
  2. Choose trending or high-commission products
  3. Tap Add to My Shop

The products are now available for linking.

Step 3: Add the Product to Your TikTok Video

  1. Create a new TikTok post
  2. On the posting page, tap Add Link
  3. Select Product
  4. Choose from your affiliate list
  5. Post the video
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Viewers who buy through your link earn you commissions.

How to Link Products on TikTok Live

TikTok LIVE shopping is one of the most profitable ways to sell.

Steps to link products during a Live:

  1. Go to LIVE
  2. Click Add Products before starting the stream
  3. Select items from:
    • Your Seller Shop
    • Your Affiliate Shop
  4. Start streaming
  5. Pin a product to the screen for highlight
  6. Promote the product in real time

Viewers will see a product shelf at the bottom of your Live.

How to Add a Product Link to Your TikTok Profile

Some accounts can add a Product Showcase Tab.

Steps:

  1. Go to TikTok Shop Seller or Affiliate Center
  2. Enable Showcase tab
  3. Select products you want to display
  4. They appear as a shopping bag icon on your profile

This helps viewers browse items even when you’re not posting.

Tips for Successful Product Linking

  1. Use Clear Product Demonstrations

People buy when they can see the product in action.

  1. Add Strong CTAs

Examples:

  • “Link in the shopping bag!”
  • “Tap the product tag to buy!”
  1. Use Trending Sounds

Helps your posts reach more people.

  1. Keep Videos Short and Engaging

6–12 seconds works best for conversions.

  1. Post Reviews, Tutorials, and Unboxings

These formats perform well in TikTok Shop.

Common Issues When Linking Products and How to Fix Them

  1. “Products option not showing”

Likely because:

  • TikTok Shop is not enabled in your region
  • You don’t have a Seller/Affiliate account
  • You’re using a personal account (switch to business)
  1. “Product failed to load”

Causes:

  • Product not approved
  • Shop violations
  • Internet connectivity errors
  1. “Cannot add link to LIVE”

TikTok may require:

  • 1,000 followers
  • Verified identity
  • Clean account history

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