TikTok Trend #1: Maximize Your Visual Search Capabilities 

You may have heard us say TikTok is on its way to becoming Gen Z’s search engine of choice with one Google exec claiming nearly 40% of young people turn to TikTok “when they’re looking for a place for lunch” rather than going to Google. 

Get ready for this to blow up in 2023, a big TikTok trend is going to be the increase of visual search capabilities on the platform. 

On TikTok, users are met with quick videos rather than the walls of text on a traditional search engine. Remember that in today’s media-filled world, people are more responsive to visual content versus stand-alone text.

The Secret Behind TikTok’s Algorithm

When someone looks for information on TikTok, the results are catered to their tastes based on their past searches and history. The platform uses this information to feed them more of the same types of content for maximum engagement. We know Gen Z loves personalization and it’s part of why they’re drawn to TikTok and why we see this becoming a big TikTok trend in 2023.

Make sure your captions are accurately describing your content to viewers in a manner that aligns with how they’d be searching for something in the app. Plus, TikTok recently expanded the length of descriptions from 800 to 2,220 characters. 

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TikTok Trend #2: The TikTok LIVE Shopping Experience

LIVE shopping was initally introduced on Douyin (aka the Chinese version of TikTok), and they saw massive success on the platform. In 2023 you can expect live commerce to be a big TikTok trend.

If you’re trying to target younger demographics, you don’t want to be late to this. Live commerce especially appeals to audiences interested in innovative shopping formats and experiences. Think QVC for Gen Z. When QVC launched in 1986, it reached nearly 8 million homes and made $110 million in sales in its first year. For perspective, TikTok has the potential of reaching 90 million users in the U.S. alone. 

It Isn’t Online Shopping, It’s Live Shopping 

This combines instant purchasing of products featured by a host with live audience participation through chat and reaction features. It’s entertaining, immersive, and keeps viewers hooked particularly when time sensitive coupons and deals are added in. 

TIP: Start planning your TikTok LIVE Commerce deals for 2023. These live deals create “FOMO coupons” that can drive a major increase in sales.

A New Solution for Increasing Sales

Brands that have started utilizing live commerce report conversion rates near 30% (more than 10x higher than conventional ecommerce) and they see their share of younger audiences increase by 20%. 

Half of TikTok users have bought something after watching a TikTok LIVE. Plus, a recent survey found nearly a quarter of adults outside of China want to discover new products via a livestream featuring an influencer or brand.

Still Need Convincing?

Walmart piloted a livestream fashion event on TikTok that netted 7x more viewers than expected and enabled it to add 25% to its TikTok follower base. This was a “Holiday Shop-Along Spectacular” that featured 10 creators showing off their favorite Walmart fashion finds in unique ways.

Want to learn more about maximizing your visual search capabilities and how user generated content can help you boost sales in 2023? Download our free guide here.

TikTok Trend #3: Go All in on User Generated Content to Boost Sales

We’re in the age of authenticity on social media and UGC for brands will be a big trend on TikTok in 2023. Think of UGC as the modern day word-of-mouth marketing that raises awareness through content that’s already been created by the users themselves. These are real reviews of your brand by people who are using your products or who are already fans. 

TIP: Make sure you’re monitoring brand mentions across social platforms so you don’t miss out on any potential UGC opportunities. 

UGC Has A Big Impact in Driving Sales

The TikTok trend of UGC is more than just good content. A study of U.S., U.K., and Australian consumers found people are 2.4x more likely to say UGC is most authentic when compared to brand-created content. Plus, 90% of shoppers say UGC influences their decision to make a purchase. 

Strive to Achieve Authenticity With Your Content

In 2023, it’s going to be more important than ever for brands to utilize repurposed content as people crave authenticity from businesses. In fact, 88% of consumers say that authenticity is a key factor in determining what brands they like and support. Plus, Gen Z and millennials trust influencers more than celebrities as brand spokespeople. 

Interested in learning more about TikTok trends and tips? Get in touch with our team of expert TikTok and social media strategists by filling out the form here.