Table of Contents

Overview

TikTok started as a social media channel meant as a video-sharing platform. Like Facebook and Instagram that connect different people from around the globe. Various people use TikTok as a form of entertainment, amassing billions of users. With more than 600 million monthly active users globally, TikTok evolved. It has become a great monetization tool that can earn creators good revenue.

Not everyone can strike it big when monetizing the viral social media platform. Getting a lot of followers and views doesn’t actually mean that creators will have a lucrative source of income. But, it’s a great platform to market TikTok Merch with its global reach.

Get to Know TikTok

First launched in September 2016 by ByteDance, TikTok was first known as Douyin. It acquired Musical.ly in 2017, which allowed its users to create and share 15-second lip-sync videos. Incorporating its features into Douyin, the company launched the global version, which we now know today as TikTok.

TikTok derived its success from its online community engagement. The app is available in 155 countries and supports 75 languages. Its reach allows almost everyone with internet connectivity to access and use the app as regularly as possible.

Who’s on TikTok?

Who’s on TikTok? Image Source: Statista, 2021

One of the most common misconceptions about TikTok is the demographics of its users. Many think the app is for Gen Z. It’s true the app’s main users belong to the 18-24 year age range. It also has good participation rates for those aged between 35 to 44.

TikTok’s appeal encompasses more than teenagers. Parents also use the app to share their own spin on the content. Not only that, brands and celebrities also do recognize the popularity of TikTok.

What is the Goal of TikTok Merch?

Take note that the TikTok app, while it has a wide reach, has a specific user base that allows for community building. This translates to targeted marketing to help brands deal with a highly engaged audience through content.

Forging an engaged community of users can be leveraged to motivate them to buy any TikTok Merch presented to them.

TikTok Merch Product Range to Consider

There are two ways for brands to sell TikTok Merch products:

1. Classic merch items

Brands can go for the classic merch items known to sell to a broader market base. This may include logos, memes, quotes, slogans, and the like. These products already have an existing demand. As such, it would be easier for you to offer them to your target base. One thing to note about classic TikTok Merch items is the competition. Many sellers will want to promote the same products. You need to amp up your strategies to make sure yours stands out.

2. Niche merch items (specific to your brand)

If you want to set your merchandise line apart from the usual, going for niche items can be a good strategy. It can be a great opportunity to actually showcase your brand because it can be something unique.

The trick here is to make your pieces a conversation starter. You have to drive the buyer’s motivation to make them take notice and refer your products to their peers and colleagues.

Best Niche Merch Products To Sell Online

Here are some of the top niche merch products that you can sell online:

1. Leather keyrings

If there’s one merch that never goes out of style, this is the leather keyring. Make it even more unique by personalizing it with names. Choose the best quality leather material to attract luxury buyers.

2. Leggings

Invade the fashion scene with some well-made leggings. Make sure to add a wide variety of designs, from plain to printed ones, to cater to a bigger audience. Research trendy looks and try to duplicate them in your offerings.

3. Wallets

Selling wallets online is also another money-making strategy you can explore since there is still high demand for top-notch quality wallets. You may want to take your products to another level by offering vegan wallets or quirky-designed ones.

4. Stationery

Another best niche market that sells online is stationeries. You can use TikTok to appeal to the growing journaling community by providing tips and guides for using stationery items.

5. Scarves

TikTok has already proven to be an effective avenue to sell scarves online. Creating preppy content can help elevate your brand’s aesthetic and appeal.

When it comes to popular TikTok Merch, here are some you can consider:

1) Drinkware

Drinkware also has a great following among online consumers. From colorful tumblers to fancy wine glasses, you can never go wrong by appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Tip:

Choose multifunctional drinkware: Consumers love it when one product affords them flexibility. Sell drinkware that allows them to use for hot or cold drinks. When doing this, never compromise when it comes to the design.

Target more than one audience base: When selling drinkware, it would help to target more than the homemakers. Why not sell something that would also appeal to fitness buffs and stylish groups? Offer them tumblers they can use whether they be at home or working out.

2) Tees and hoodies

Another product that continually sells is tees and hoodies. This product appeals to a wide age range, from toddlers to adults, you’ll surely have a market for these products.

Tip:

Choose trendy styles: Research the market and see which designs are preferred by your target audience. Start from what celebrities are wearing and base off your designs from there. Get recommendations from friends to see its potential once launched.

Make it hip and unique: While it’s safe to sell plain tees and hoodies, don’t hesitate to experiment. Never fear going for quirky designs. There are tons of sellers of tees and hoodies. Make yours stand out.

Carry a wide variety of sizes: Don’t be narrow-sighted when it comes to sizes. While you may have a target audience in mind, it will help if you still consider offering them a wide variety of sizes. Make sure to be as inclusive as possible.

3) Stickers & enamel pins

Like the stationeries, stickers and enamel pins already have an existing community that you can tap. People who use these products are not limited to students. There are various individuals who also use stickers and enamel pins to add a twist to their wardrobe.

Tip:

Create your own design: You can showcase your creativity by selling your personally designed stickers and enamel pins. If you have a knack for arts and crafts, it’s a great opportunity for you to show the world what you can do. Start with some prototypes and see how it goes from there.

Personalize it!: Personalization is the way to go if you want to sell more. Aside from offering a bit of your creativity into the items, you can also encourage buyers the option to personalize the products.

4) Accessories

Selling accessories online is also one option you can consider. You can choose from a variety of industries, from fashion and lifestyle to travel and transportation.

Tip:

Know your market: When selling accessories, it’s important to know who you are selling to. This helps you curate the items you’re going to sell. Build your collection accordingly.

Offer variety: Don’t settle for what’s already in the market. Explore unique options that you can leverage. Study the competition whenever possible.

5) Backpacks and bags

Backpacks and bags also have a good following from online consumers. Consider selling them online to generate good income.

Tip:

Categorize: Ensure you have enough products per category. Try to have different collections for men and women. Segregating them into fashion, travel and outdoors categories will also help.

Durability: When it comes to backpacks and bags, try to look beyond the style. Go for products that can be known for their durability. Choose quality materials.

Designing Your TikTok Merch

Selling your TikTok Merch means you need to invest in engaging products that capture your audience. When designing your merch, you can choose to have already popular designs online and simply add your twist to it.

Another option is to start from scratch and create a design you can call your own. If you have ideas but don’t know how to translate them into the products, hiring a designer can help bring your TikTok Merch design idea to life.

5 things you should look for in TikTok Merch services

1. Drop shipping packages

Allows you to order in low quantities and provide reliable shipping.

2. Print-on-demand offerings

Perfect for those who don’t want the hassle of warehousing and holding excess inventory.

3. Online dashboard

Make it easy for you to check and track online orders.

4. Quality assurance services

Ensures that products are of high quality and best represent your brand.

5. Customization options

Don’t get stuck on the basics. Go for something that will allow your products to shine at any given price, for every audience and occasion possible.

Five of the best merch sites for TikTok

1. Printify

Printify is among the top TikTok Merch sites that offer customization packages, so your products get the visibility it needs. You can unlock your creativity with easy-to-use design tools from any product you have in mind.

2. Gemnote

Gemnote understands what sellers need to wow their customers. With its sleek and straightforward offerings, you can never go wrong when choosing the best TikTok Merch designs. Plus, they also have partnerships with different suppliers.

3. Spreadshop

Whether you’re a creator or a brand owner, Spreadshop provides the best options for creating and selling merchandise. It even comes with plug-ins that let you integrate their system with your existing shop.

4. Custom Ink

This design lab offers the best avenue for tees, hoodies, caps, and many more! They offer high-quality prints for whatever product you have in mind. They’re also known for their superb customer service.

5. Merchly

With pre-selected merch vetted to sell, you’ll get curated products with minimal risk. No minimum orders, so you can budget your resources. It also comes with graphic design services you can use.

How to promote your TikTok Merch?

1. Promote your merch

Curate content for your chosen target audience. Choose the one that appeals to their taste and preference.

2. Gift merch

Try your hand at promoting your products to known influencers. Send them samples of your products and ask them to create a short TikTok post.

3. Pick hashtags for your merch

Increase the visibility of your merch. Explore relevant hashtags you can use.

4. Collaborate with others

TikTok is all about building a community. Leverage the connections you have by collaborating on product design and promotion.

Feel the pulse of the market. Identify the trends and craft posts that match what’s hot.

6. Communicate to your followers

Once you have a TikTok community, engage them. Use your products to start a conversation. Choosing the best time to post also helps.

Best #merch hashtags for TikTok

Here are some of the best hashtags to use to promote your TikTok Merch:

#merchandise, #tshirt, #fashion, #clothing, #design, #music, #art, #apparel, #metal, #streetwear, #brand, #bandmerch, #love, #hiphop, #like, #style, #graphicdesign, #tshirts, #hoodie, #clothingbrand

How to Make Money on TikTok Selling Custom Merchandise

Making money on TikTok through custom merchandise is all about knowing your market and addressing their needs and wants. Once you identify what’s hot, it would be easier to choose the products to sell and promote on your accounts.

It will also help to work with various individuals to showcase what makes your product great. Ensure that you’re addressing a particular gap in the market. Answer why they need to choose your product over the other sellers.

One way to do this is by building a community built on trust. So, it helps to invest in quality materials and excellent online shop platforms.

How Do I Make Money From TikTok Merch?

Your success in making money from TikTok Merch depends on how willing you are to invest your resources in sourcing and designing products that appeal to your followers. The key is to study the market and identify areas where your products can be the best.

Start by conceptualizing the products, designing them, and making a prototype. Once you’ve figured it out, partner with a company that will help you promote and deliver your products.

Don’t stop there. Market your products through TikTok influencers. Do this right, and you’ll see your products flying off the shelves.