Hong Kong — ByteDance’s TikTok is working with brands including streetwear label Hype to test in-app sales in Europe, a move that will intensify its competition with Facebook. and further blur the line between social media and online shopping.

The popular video app is hoping to replicate abroad the success of its Chinese-only cousin Douyin, which racked up $26bn of e-commerce transactions in just its first year of operation. TikTok has begun working with merchants in markets including the UK on ways they can sell products directly to millions of users within the app, people familiar with the matter say...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.