Why Your Small Business Needs To Be On TikTok

#1 It’s huge

TikTok is one of the biggest, fastest-growing social media networks in the world, with more than 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. In the U.S. alone, TikTok has around 136 million monthly active users, making it one of the most-used social apps in the country. That’s a whole lot of potential eyeballs on your business.

#2 It’s where young people search for products

Young people use TikTok to search for products. Many Gen Z shoppers look for food, entertainment, services, and goods on the app, so if your business is not there, they will find your competitors instead.

#3 It’s not just for kids anymore

We all remember the not-so-distant days when TikTok was mostly known as a place where tweens go to post and watch silly dances. While this trend is still alive and kicking, TikTok is so much more than that now.

Today, most American TikTok users are adults over 18, and the 25 to 34 age group is the platform’s largest segment. More and more adults with money to spend—in other words, potential customers—are flocking to the platform for entertainment as well as information. Either way, they are thirsty for original and interesting content. Businesses that manage to grab their attention on TikTok are likely to think of you the next time they need a product or service.

#4 It’s easy and free

TikTok is free to join and low-cost to use. The most popular videos on TikTok aren’t necessarily the most refined and highly produced. Rough footage from your phone that looks authentic, will likely be better received on the platform than a 4K video that looks like a commercial production. TikTok’s app has all the built-in tools you need to create great videos right from your phone. No additional software, hardware, training, or monetary investment are necessary.

So, as long as it’s compelling, even with no budget or technical expertise, your small business’s content will look just as good as that of a larger company with greater financial means.

#5 It’s built for exploration

Unlike other social media channels, the default feed on TikTok doesn’t show content from accounts you follow. Instead, it offers hyper-specific recommendations for content you may like, according to your viewing history and interaction with the app. It does so using a proprietary machine learning algorithm, that pushes content people are engaging with.

This matters because even if your business doesn’t have a ton of followers it can still reach a lot of potential customers who have never heard of you but are truly interested in your product.

#6 Creative liberties

Brands can be a little less restrained on TikTok without hurting their credibility. Even big corporations go there to play and make fun of themselves a little bit, and the public response is typically very positive.

In other words, TikTok is a realm where self-humor and creativity are rewarded, so you don’t need to be afraid to jump on trends and experiment on your business’s account—no one expects you to be too serious there.

Is TikTok good for small businesses?

Yes. TikTok lets small businesses reach new audiences and build brand awareness with little upfront cost, and its recommendation feed can put your content in front of people who have never heard of you.

How much does TikTok for business cost?

Creating an account and posting videos is free. You only pay if you choose to run ads, and you can set your own budget and start small.

Do I need a TikTok business account to sell?

A free business account gives you helpful extras like analytics and contact buttons, so it is a smart choice for most small businesses that want to grow on the app.