TikTok is testing in-app monetization with 'Link in Bio' and social commerce URLs

TikTok
TikTok (Image credit: TechCrunch)

What you need to know

  • TikTok is experimenting with ways to commercialize its platform in the U.S.
  • Users can now add links to e-commerce sites to their profile bio.
  • URLs can also send viewers quickly to shopping websites straight from videos.

A report suggests that TikTok is beginning to experiment with ways to monetize its platform, which has over a billion users.

As reported by TechCrunch, some users are now being given the option to add a URL to their bio. Whilst this could be to any website, it can, of course, include e-commerce sites, which would allow users to direct people who view their profiles to those sites, opening up the possibility of using affiliate links in-app.

As you can see from the Tweet above, not only has TikTok introduced URLs to bios, but now when watching a video, a quick swipe will take you directly to an e-commerce URL.

As TechCrunch notes:

In the video, we also see TikTok is permitting users to add a URL in their profile bio. Instagram has long allowed this functionality, which is used by a large number of accounts for a variety of reasons. While influencers usually direct their fans to merchandise stores, some news publishers use it to drive people to news articles, for instance. The current set of restrictions on Instagram, however, leave a lot to be desired.If TikTok, which has amassed over a billion users, retains these features, it could disrupt what many industry figures call "social commerce." Social media companies and messaging apps in recent years have lured customers through their core services and introduced shopping features.

TikTok has confirmed that these two features have been rolled out as part of "experimentation" to try and improve the app experience for its users, as spokesperson said:

"We're always experimenting with new ways to improve the app experience for our users. Ultimately, we're focused on ways to inspire creativity, bring joy, and add value for our community."

It seems that the features have only been rolled out for testing in the U.S. at this stage. If they were to become permanent features, it would make TikTok potentially one of the most attractive social commerce destinations for both content creators and viewers.

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9