With the ongoing boom in social commerce, TikTok has become a key traffic hub for global merchants and creators. In 2025, TikTok Showcase and TikTok Shop, as two core e-commerce tools, offer distinct monetization paths for different user needs. This article delves into how to activate TikTok Showcase and compares it with TikTok Shop.
Table of contents
1. Steps to open TikTok showcase in 2025
TikTok Showcase empowers creators to link products via short videos or live streams, enabling content-based sales. To activate it, meet the platform’s basic requirements as follows:
1. Preparation of basic conditions
- Personal accounts must complete real-name authentication. The follower threshold may vary by region (potentially dropping to 1,000 followers in some areas in 2025).
| Region/Country | Fans requirement | Other core conditions |
| Southeast Asia | ||
| -Indonesia | ≥5,000 | A local business license is required and the Indonesian bank account must be linked |
| -Thailand | ≥3,000 | Real-name authentication + tax registration (annual sales exceeding the threshold) |
| -Vietnam | ≥2,000 | Product category authorization letter is required |
| Europe and America | ||
| -U.K | ≥1,000 | Bind PayPal/Stripe and submit identity certificate |
| -U.S | ≥3,000 | Requires SSN or EIN tax number, FDA/FCC certification |
| - EU countries | ≥2,500 (such as Germany and France) | Need to register VAT tax number and comply with GDPR data privacy |
| Other emerging markets | ||
| -Middle East (Saudi Arabia) | ≥5,000 | Arabic content must account for ≥ 60% |
| -Latin America (Brazil) | ≥2,500 | Bind local payment tools (such as Pix) |
- Content compliance : The account has no violation records and has published ≥5 original contents in the past 30 days.
- Proof of qualifications : Some categories require submission of a product authorization letter or brand collaboration certificate.
2. Activation process
Step 1 : Go to your TikTok personal homepage, click [≡] in the upper right corner to enter the "Creator Center".
Step 2 :Select "E-commerce Tools" → "Apply to open a showcase", and fill in store name, contact information, and other details as prompted.
Step 3 : Bind a payment account (such as PayPal, Stripe, or a local payment tool) and submit identification documents (ID card/passport).
Step 4 : Wait for review (usually 1-3 working days). Once approved, you can add products to videos or live streams.
3. Notes
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In 2025, TikTok may enhance content quality reviews for showcases to ensure a strong correlation between products and video themes.
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Some countries (like Indonesia and the UK) may require additional tax registration.
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When creating a local account, ensure the account’s IP matches the registered IP. Avoid using shared/VPS/compromised IPs, as they can lead to traffic restrictions and account closures. For static exclusive real-person IPs, consider using an unti-detect browser with proxy capabilities like IPFoxy dedicated proxy, which has been tested for purity.
2. Comparative Analysis of TikTok Showcase and TikTok Shop
| Comparison Dimensions | TikTok Showcase | TikTok Shop |
| Core Positioning | Content marketing tool for creators | Merchant-operated e-commerce platform |
| Opening threshold | Low (low number of fans required, suitable for individuals) | High (business license, brand qualification, etc. required) |
| Product Source | Can promote third-party platform products | Only sell products from own stores |
| Traffic support | Rely on natural content traffic + a small amount of platform subsidies | Enjoy exclusive store traffic entrance + advertising |
| Commission Structure | Commission based on transaction amount (5%-20%) | Platform service fee + payment fee (about 2%-8%) |
| Operational complexity | Lightweight, focusing on content creation | Need store decoration, customer service, logistics management |
| Target Group | Internet celebrities, small and medium-sized creators, and part-time sellers | Brand merchants, supply chain team |
3. How to choose: window display or shop?
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Individual Creators: Prioritize showcasing to leverage content advantages, promoting high-commission products (like beauty and fashion items) without inventory pressure.
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Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: If they have a stable supply chain, they can operate both Shop (to build brand image) and Showcase (to expand traffic entrance).
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Brand Enterprises: With Shop as the core, combined with a showcase expert cooperation matrix, forming a "self-operated + distribution" dual-driven model.
IV. Trends and recommendations for 2025
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Technological Upgrades: Features like AI product selection tools and virtual try-ons may integrate deeply with showcases to boost conversion rates.
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Policy Compliance: The EU and Southeast Asian countries may strengthen tax oversight on cross-border e-commerce, necessitating advance planning for local qualifications.
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Operational Strategies: Use short videos and live streams to drive traffic, with showcases focusing on "explosive product traffic" and Shops on "long-tail repurchases".
Conclusion
In 2025, the synergy between TikTok Showcase and Shop will become more evident. Creators and merchants should flexibly choose a combination of tools based on their resources to capitalize on social commerce opportunities. Stay updated on TikTok’s official policy changes, optimize content and product matching strategies, and maximize traffic monetization.
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