- TikTok introduces image search for shopping, challenging Google and Amazon.
- Users can snap photos to find similar products on TikTok.
- Over 15 million sellers join TikTok’s e-commerce push against giants.
In a bold move, TikTok has quietly introduced image search capabilities for its TikTok Shop, allowing users to snap or upload photos to find similar products.
This feature, initially spotted by a user and confirmed by TechCrunch, is currently available in the United States and Southeast Asia.
Snap and shop, TikTok style
Users can access the new functionality through a camera icon in the search bar within TikTok Shop.
Whether you’re admiring a restaurant’s tableware or eyeing an expensive top online, simply capture or upload an image, and TikTok will scour its virtual shelves for comparable items at various price points.
Google, Amazon, watch your back!
Stepping into Google’s territory, TikTok now offers a visual search tool akin to Google Lens. Amazon, another tech behemoth, faces competition as TikTok aims to entice shoppers to its platform.
Executives at Google acknowledged in 2022 that TikTok and Instagram were encroaching on their core Search product.
With over 15 million sellers worldwide, including 500,000 in the U.S., TikTok is not just challenging Google and Amazon.
It’s also vying with companies like Klarna and startups like Cherry, which offer image search capabilities for shopping.
TikTok has invested heavily in platform safety and e-commerce efforts, viewing TikTok Shop as a potential revenue powerhouse.
