TikTok and Instagram aren't just for viral dances and photo dumps anymore, they're the world’s most popular storefronts. If you're looking to start a side hustle or scale your ecommerce business, mastering dropshipping on TikTok and Instagram through organic marketing is the key to tapping into billions of users. This ultimate guide will walk you through understanding each platform's unique audience, reveal the winning products designed to go viral, and give you the essential tips to boost your Shopify store's profits today.
Getting Started With Your Shopify Store
First and foremost, it's vital to have your Shopify store set up. If you haven't done so yet, you can sign up and have your store ready to go in just a few minutes.
Understanding Your Audience on TikTok and Instagram
Want to know what products you can dropship? First you need to understand the audience on each platform. TikTok is still dominating the social commerce game. You've got about 1.6 billion people scrolling every month, and they're seriously spending—we're talking roughly $33.2 billion in transactions a year! Meanwhile, Instagram is still a shopping beast with over 2 billion monthly users worldwide. Almost half of those active users browse and buy stuff on the platform every single week. That shows you the huge potential for anyone looking to sell products.
However, understanding the differences between the two platforms is crucial. TikTok primarily caters to a younger audience, with most users aged between 16 and 24. This demographic is more inclined to purchase lower-priced items. Conversely, Instagram has a more diverse audience, with the majority aged between 18 to 25, who are more willing to buy mid-range price items.
The audience you're marketing to will influence the products you choose to dropship on each platform. For example, a younger audience with less disposable income, like those on TikTok, will spend no more than $45 per purchase on average. Therefore, you'll need to consider this when selecting products to dropship.
Winning Dropshipping Products for TikTok
In the fast-paced world of TikTok, where high-speed scrolling is the norm, it's crucial to have a product that is visually appealing and capable of stopping a viewer in their tracks. The rise of hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, which has generated over 38 billion views, underscores the importance of choosing a product that can be easily demonstrated, showcasing a 'wow' end result.
The key is to find a low-priced, visually appealing product that tells a story and delivers an incredible end result to the consumer. To do this, you can use tools like pbads.com. This platform allows you to create a free account and find winning products using filters like category, keywords, and even time frames. This way, you can see which products are trending right now, not last season or last year.
For instance, consider a portable mini blender that you can get for less than three dollars. This product is perfectly positioned to be priced in the under $45 range. When you create Instagram ads or organic content, you can tell a compelling story, whether it's showing a student rushing to class with the blender or someone using it during their lunch break at work. The eye-catching innovation of this product makes it a solid choice for dropshipping this summer.
TikTok is also home to many users who run small businesses, such as DIY candles. A silicone mold for candle making could appeal to young business owners and craft enthusiasts. This product is a definite attention-grabber. If you demonstrate this product in use, viewers will likely watch from start to finish to see the final product. Plus, this particular candle shape has been trending on TikTok, and trendy products perform exceptionally well on the platform. This is a product to sell not just seasonally this summer, but all year round.
Ideas for products to dropship on TikTok:
- Portable mini blender / juicer
- Sunset lamps
- Rain cloud humidifier / aroma diffuser
- LED strip lights
- Mini desktop vacuum cleaner
- Lash lift kit / magnetic eyelashes
- Heatless hair curlers
- Portable mini hair straightener
Winning Dropshipping Products for Instagram
Now, let's shift our focus to Instagram. Instagram has evolved into a shopping search engine, making it an ideal platform for selling winning dropshipping products. The type of products you sell on Instagram, however, should differ from those you sell on platforms like TikTok. While TikTok supports cheaper, trendy, and impulse-buy products, Instagram caters to a slightly older demographic that tends to spend more money and trust the platform more due to its longevity. Therefore, you can easily sell items priced between $45 to $100 on Instagram.
Products that are considered luxury or a bit more high-end are ideal for Instagram. The ten most profitable industries on Instagram currently include apparel, jewelry, home decor, beauty products, health products, gadgets, and specific hobby products.
Ideas for products to dropship on Instagram:
- Handheld infrared massager
- Posture corrector
- Designer lamps / minimalist LED lamps
- Modern storage solutions
- Ergonomic office chairs
- Personalized jewelry
- Eco-friendly activewear sets
- Designer soap
- Minimalist kitchen appliances like toasters and kettles
For those looking to maximize profits, consider selling heated vests. These vests can be sold for $99, while their cost on AliExpress is only $20, providing an 80% profit per item. If you manage to sell a hundred of these a month during the colder months, you could potentially earn up to eight thousand dollars per month with your Shopify store. This calculation doesn't factor in advertising costs so if you opt for organic marketing using Reels and Instagram Shopping, the expense for this item could be close to zero.
Tips for Successful Dropshipping on TikTok and Instagram
Here are some tips to increase your dropshipping sales on Instagram and TikTok:
Reliable and Fast Shipping
First things first: fast shipping is non-negotiable. Your customers, especially on TikTok, expect quick delivery. Aim for suppliers who can ship to US buyers within two business days. This is a must for keeping people happy. Don't just pick the cheapest vendor, find reliable supplier networks that connect you with quality goods and trustworthy fulfillment partners.
Mobile-Friendly Online Store
Your website needs to be perfectly tuned for phones because that's where most TikTok and Instagram shoppers live. Your online shop should be lightning-fast and super easy to navigate on mobile. Make sure you also have high-quality photos and videos, compelling product descriptions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Start Dropshipping on TikTok and Instagram
Remember, the goal is not just to attract viewers, but to convert them into customers. By combining style, function, and strategic marketing, you can effectively use Instagram and TikTok to boost your side hustle. Focus on products that photograph well, solve problems, or tap into current trends. Build genuine connections with your audience through authentic content and responsive customer service. With dedication and the right approach, you can build a thriving dropshipping business on these powerful social platforms. Happy selling!
Dropshipping on TikTok and Instagram FAQ
What Is the Best Type of Product to Dropship on TikTok?
TikTok's younger demographic and rapid consumption favor lower-priced, highly visual, impulse-buy products (under $45).
What Is the Best Type of Product to Dropship on Instagram?
Instagram's more diverse audience allows for mid-range to slightly higher-end items ($45–$100), often focusing on aesthetics and luxury.
Why Is Organic Marketing Effective for Dropshipping on TikTok and Instagram?
Both platforms prioritize authentic, engaging video content (especially TikTok videos and Instagram Reels). Products that genuinely trend and gain visibility through hashtags (like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt) can achieve viral reach without paid ad spend.