When you’re running a podcast, one of the ultimate goals is to monetize your content. Why??? Because that’s when you can take your podcast from a hobby to an actual career! Once you have a decent fan base going, a great way to monetize is via affiliate marketing and selling merch. (Need inspo on merch? Check out our Dear Media Shop!)
Selling products or sharing affiliate links is great in theory . . . but how do you share it with your fanbase? Social media, particularly TikTok, is one of the best ways to advertise your fave products to your audience! Your posted podcast clips and other TikTok videos will draw in your fans (and future fans) and guide them to your TikTok shop!
Since launching TikTok Shop in September 2023, TikTok has been recognized as one of the best e-commerce platforms for both buyers and sellers. If you want to take advantage of the lucrative opportunities TikTok has to offer, finding trending products on the app is a great place to start. That way you know exactly what to show and sell to your audience! You’ll quickly notice that while these products might be sold by a lot of other sellers, they get a ton of attention from potential buyers.
So, today we’re sharing a guide on how to find trending products on TikTok in real time.
How To Find Trending Products On TikTok
Step 1: Determine your niche.
Before you begin selling products on TikTok, you should have a general idea of what kinds of products you want to sell. Think about what your audience wants and what matches your podcast vibe. Products that fit your category will definitely generate the most hype!
To hear how a couple of super successful found their niche, listen to Tinx chat about TikTok and finding your niche on this episode of Life With Marianna, then check out this episode of Let’s Get Dressed, in which host Olivia Perez sits down with Coco Mocoe, the queen of predicting TikTok trends, to discuss how Coco found her niche.
Step 2: Spend time on TikTok.
This one’s easy, but it’s arguably the most important. To find trending products on TikTok, you should spend time on the app. Browse the shop tab and scroll through the videos. Take note of any videos related to products and the kinds of attention it’s getting.
Wanna know what makes TikTok tik? Don’t miss this episode of Who’s On Content?. EJ sits down with TikTok Director of Creator Community Kudzi Chikumbu as he explains “How Lowering The Barrier of Creation, Everyone Is Now on Content at TikTok.”
Step 3: Follow popular TikTok influencers.
Another great way to find trending products on TikTok is to follow some of the top US TikTok influencers. These creators and influencers, with hundreds of thousands and even millions of followers, often share trending products in their videos (as well as some game-changing TikTok hacks). By doing this, you can learn more about how some of these big names use TikTok to share personal stories, grow their brand, and make money.
Step 4: Take advantage of personalized content recommendations.
Want to know one of the secrets of TikTok? The app’s unique algorithm chooses what content to share with you based on your preferences. So, if you engage with content that’s related to your brand or online business, the algorithm will show you more content, and therefore more products, within your niche. Use the algorithm to your advantage by being intentional about the content you interact with. This way, you’re more likely to find trending products to sell without having to work so hard.
Step 5: Find trending hashtags and keywords with TikTok’s search feature.
You can learn SO MUCH by paying attention to trending hashtags and keywords. TBH, we love using them to keep up with the latest pop culture news, but they’re also super helpful for finding products to sell on TikTok. To be successful (and rock this Successful Era Tee with pride), use trending hashtags and keywords to point you in the right direction.
Step 6: Use TikTok business tools.
If you don’t have a business account yet, GET ONE! A TikTok Business account gives you access to tools that provide valuable insight into which items are the most popular, AKA which ones are more lucrative. Use these tools to monitor data and trends, and soon enough you’ll rake in enough dough to fill this cute Breadwinning Housewife Tote.
For more, get advice and inspiration from our favorite podcast interviews! Check out this episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat where host Amanda Hirsch sits down with TikTok influencer Addison Rae, this interview with style influencer and TikTok star Brittany Xavier on Let’s Get Dressed, and this episode of Career Contessa, where Corporate Natalie discusses TikTok fame, growing a brand, and the myth about influencers. SUCH GOOD STUFF!
Marketing affiliate products and selling merch on TikTok can help you monetize your podcast!
Knowing what products are trending on a huge e-commerce platform like TikTok makes it easier to know what your target audience is interested in buying. Keeping a constant eye on trending hashtags and endorsements from popular influencers also helps you to stay ahead of your competition. Although spending time on TikTok feels less like work and more like play, when used strategically, it can set you up for success. So, keep on scrolling!
For more tips, tricks, and tools for success, head over to the Dear Media blog. Also, be sure to check out our show guide to discover the latest and greatest podcasts to binge. Remember, you can be scrolling on TikTok and brainstorming merch while you listen! It’s time to rethink this strategy, throw on your Rebranding tee, and let’s make this thing HUGE!