TikTok launched a stand-alone TikTok Shop app in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines on iOS and Android. The app was first spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra.
The app offers personalized product recommendations, shopping through livestreams and short-form videos, app-exclusive deals, in-app checkout, order tracking, and customer support. Users can access free shipping offers and exclusive first-order benefits.
The stand-alone app allows TikTok Shop to reach shoppers beyond the main TikTok platform and compete directly with Amazon and Temu. TikTok did not respond to TechCrunch's request for comment on the rollout.
It remains unknown whether TikTok plans to release the app more widely or bring it to the United States. If TikTok does launch in the U.S., it would compete with Amazon, Temu, Walmart, and Target.
The launch reverses a competitive dynamic with Amazon. Amazon previously introduced Inspire, a TikTok-like short-form video feed, to draw consumers away from TikTok and drive sales on its platform. TikTok is now making a similar play by launching its own dedicated commerce app to draw consumers away from Amazon.
The stand-alone app marks another step in TikTok's expansion beyond social media. The company has added games, restaurant guides, sports hubs, hotel booking, and microdramas, and is exploring payments.