How to Get Approved for TikTok Shop

Getting your products in front of millions of potential buyers on TikTok is a game-changer, and TikTok Shop makes that possible by turning your profile into a direct sales channel. This isn't just about linking to a shop in your bio, it’s about tagging products directly in your videos and letting users check out without ever leaving the app. Here’s a complete guide on how to get approved for TikTok Shop, whether you’re a business owner or a content creator.

What is TikTok Shop (and Why Does It Matter)?

TikTok Shop is an e-commerce feature that allows brands and creators to sell products directly through the TikTok platform. When you're scrolling through your For You Page and see a video with a little shopping bag icon, that's TikTok Shop in action. Users can tap the link, view product details, and make a purchase seamlessly - all within the TikTok app.

The power of this feature is its ability to shrink the gap between discovery and purchase. A person sees a product they love in a viral video and can buy it on the spot. For sellers, this means leveraging TikTok's massive, highly engaged audience to drive sales in a way that feels organic and entertaining.

First, Understand the Two Ways to Sell on TikTok Shop

Before you apply, you need to know which path is right for you. There are two primary ways to participate in TikTok Shop, and the requirements for each are different.

• For Sellers: This is for businesses, brands, or sole proprietors who have their own products to sell. You'll set up your own shop, manage your own inventory, handle shipping, and provide customer service. You are the merchant.
• For Creators (Affiliates): This is for content creators who want to earn a commission by promoting other people's products sold on TikTok Shop. You don't hold any inventory or handle shipping. You simply find products you like in the creator marketplace, feature them in your content, and earn a percentage of any sales made through your videos.

Your application process and eligibility will depend entirely on which of these two paths you choose. Let's break down the official requirements for both.

TikTok Shop Eligibility Requirements: The Official Checklist

Getting your documents and profile ready before you apply is the best way to ensure a smooth approval process. Here are the specific criteria you'll need to meet.

Requirements for Sellers (Brands and Merchants)

If you're selling your own products, TikTok needs to verify that you are a legitimate business that can fulfill orders and provide customer support.

• Location: Your business must be based in a TikTok Shop-supported region. As of now, this primarily includes the United States, the United Kingdom, and select countries in Southeast Asia (like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia).
• Business Verification: You must provide official documentation proving your business is legally registered. For the US, this usually means an EIN from the IRS for your LLC, S-Corp, or Corporation. For sole proprietors, you'll use your Social Security Number (SSN).
• Principal Identity Verification: The person setting up the shop (the business owner or a key representative) must provide a government-issued ID, like a driver's license or passport. The name on this ID absolutely must match the name on the business documents.
• Bank Account: You need a business bank account that matches the legal name of your registered business. Mismatches here are a common reason for rejection.
• Products in Allowed Categories: Not everything can be sold on TikTok Shop. Your products must fall into supported categories. Prohibited items include things like alcohol, tobacco, weapons, medical products, and certain financial services. Always check TikTok's official Prohibited Product Guidelines.
• An Established TikTok Account: While there isn't a strict follower count for sellers, applying with a brand new account with zero posts might raise red flags. It's best to have an active brand account that represents your business.

Requirements for Creators (Affiliates)

If you just want to earn commissions by promoting products, the requirements are different and focus more on your influence and community engagement within the app.

• Minimum Follower Count: You generally need at least 5,000 followers on your TikTok account. This number can sometimes vary by region or during promotional periods, but 5,000 is the standard benchmark.
• Age Requirement: You must be 18 years of age or older.
• Active Account: You need to be actively posting content. An account that hasn't posted a video in the last 28 days is often not eligible. TikTok wants to see that you are consistently creating.
• Good Standing: Your account must be in good standing with TikTok's Community Guidelines. If you have a history of violations or account warnings, your application will likely be denied.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

Once you've confirmed you meet the requirements, the application itself is fairly straightforward. Here's how to do it for both sellers and creators.

How to Apply as a Seller

1. Visit the TikTok Shop Seller Center: Don't try to sign up through the app. You need to go to the official Seller Center website for your region (e.g., seller-us.tiktok.com for the US).
2. Sign Up and Select Your Business Type: You can create your account using your TikTok account or with an email and phone number. You'll then be asked to choose your business type: "Individual" (for sole proprietors using an SSN) or "Corporate" (for registered business entities like an LLC or S-Corp).
3. Upload Your Documents: This is the most important step. You'll need to provide your business registration documents and the personal ID of the business owner or legal representative. Use high-quality scans or photos where every detail is crystal clear. Blurry images will get you rejected immediately.
4. Provide Tax and Banking Information: Enter your EIN or SSN for tax verification. Then, link your business bank account. Double-check that all names and numbers match your documentation exactly.
5. Wait for Review: After you submit everything, your application will go into review. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. You'll receive an email notification once a decision is made.

How to Apply as a Creator (Affiliate)

The creator process is done entirely within the TikTok app.

1. Check for the TikTok Shop Option: If you meet the 5,000 follower threshold and other criteria, you'll see an option for "TikTok Shop for Creator" in your app's settings. Go to your profile, tap the three-line menu icon at the top right, and look for it under "Creator Tools."
2. Begin the Application: Tap the TikTok Shop option and you'll be guided through a short application process.
3. Confirm Your Eligibility: The app will automatically check things like your follower count and account status. You'll need to confirm you are over 18.
4. Get Approved: If you meet all the automatic criteria, you can often be approved almost instantly. Once approved, you can access the product marketplace, add items to your showcase on your profile, and start tagging products in your videos.

Common Reasons for Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)

Few things are as frustrating as getting that "Application Denied" email. Here are the most common reasons people get rejected and how to fix them.

• Document Mismatches: This is the #1 rejection reason. The legal name on your business certificate, your bank account, and your personal ID must match perfectly. "My Brand LLC" is not the same as "My Brand." Make sure every single detail aligns.
• Low-Quality Document Scans: If any part of your ID or business license is cut off, blurry, or has a glare over it, an automated system or human reviewer will reject it. Scan your documents on a flat surface in good lighting.
• Unsupported Product Category: You might have a legitimate business, but if you're selling vape products, supplements with unverified claims, or anything else on the restricted list, your shop will be denied. Read the rules first.
• Creator Account Not in Good Standing: For creators, past sins can come back to haunt you. If you've had videos removed for guideline violations, you may need to wait and build a cleaner track record before being approved as an affiliate.
• Trying to Dodge Location Requirements: Using a VPN or providing documents for a region you don't actually operate in is a quick way to get permanently banned, not just rejected. Be honest about your business's location.

Tips for Getting Approved and Thriving

Beyond filling out the form correctly, here's how to set yourself up for long-term success with TikTok Shop.

1. Build Your Audience First

Whether you’re a seller or creator, a strong presence makes you a better candidate. Don't apply with a bare-bones profile. Spend a few weeks or a month consistently posting quality content that's relevant to your niche. Show TikTok that you understand the platform and can build an engaged community. This proves you’re a serious partner.

2. Keep Your Content and Products Aligned

If you plan to sell skincare products, your content should be about skincare, beauty routines, and self-care tips. This alignment creates a natural and authentic pathway for your audience to trust your product recommendations and become customers. A random meme account suddenly selling scented candles can feel jarring and inauthentic.

3. Master Your Documentation

Before you even click "Apply," gather all the required documents in a folder on your computer. Name them clearly (e.g., "Business-License.pdf," "Passport-Scan.jpg"). Have everything organized and ready to go. This simple preparation step can prevent a lot of headaches and back-and-forth.

Final Thoughts

Getting approved for TikTok Shop is absolutely achievable when you approach it with care and attention to detail. By understanding whether you're a Seller or Creator, gathering the right documentation, and ensuring every name and number matches, you can unlock a powerful new way to sell your products and grow your brand on one of the world's most dynamic social platforms.

Once you're approved, the fun really starts, but it also means an incredible amount of content creation and community management lies ahead. Planning your video schedule, keeping promotions organized, and replying to a flood of new comments is a big job. To make that part easier, we built Postbase. Our visual calendar lets you easily plan your TikTok content alongside all your other social channels, so you have a clear view of your entire strategy. It was designed from the ground up for video-first platforms like TikTok, giving you a reliable way to schedule your shop content without pulling your hair out.