By skyforbes 
I never thought I’d enjoy shopping this way, but TikTok Live turned it into something surprisingly engaging, not just for buyers who want instant interaction, but also for sellers who don’t need big brands or fancy stores to get started.
I still remember the first time I shopped on TikTok Live. I wasn’t planning to buy anything, I was just scrolling, like usual. Then a live popped up, a seller showing clothes, answering questions in real time. Next thing I knew, I had something in my cart.
That’s the thing about TikTok Live, it flips the usual shopping behavior. On Shopee or Tokopedia, you open the app with a mission: buy something. On TikTok, you come for entertainment but end up shopping. And in Indonesia, this has become huge. My friends and I often shop there because it’s simply cheaper. TikTok throws in promos and subsidies that make prices lower than other platforms, and sometimes we’re even willing to wait weeks for “jastip” items from Bangkok.
What makes it different is the interaction. On regular e-commerce, you only see polished images, videos, or reviews (which can be fake). Sure, they also have live shopping features, and I can still ask questions or see the product in real time. But honestly, when I open those apps, it’s usually with a clear intention to buy something I already planned. If a live show happens to pop up, I might watch for a bit, then move on. I don’t open Shopee or Tokopedia specifically to watch lives.
On TikTok, it’s the opposite. I’m usually just scrolling for fun with zero intention to shop. Then suddenly a live shopping session pops up on my FYP, and I end up watching. Before I realize it, I’m chatting with the host, asking them to show the product closer, getting instant answers and sometimes even buying. It feels more random, more spontaneous, and that’s what makes it exciting. Add the fact that TikTok often gives better deals or subsidies, and it’s easy to see why I personally prefer shopping there.
From the buyer’s perspective, TikTok Live is a win because:
- You can interact directly and get real answers.
- There are exclusive discounts or bundles only available live.
- It feels fun more like hanging out than just shopping.
From the seller’s side, it’s powerful too:
- They can showcase products live and build trust quickly.
- Engagement converts faster viewers don’t just watch, they buy.
- Real-time feedback helps them improve their strategy.
And the best part? It’s super accessible. I’ve seen people selling secondhand clothes on TikTok Live without even opening an official shop. No brand, no endorsement, no fancy setup. They just go live, show their stuff, and if viewers are interested, they screenshot the item and continue the deal via WhatsApp. As simple as that. It proves that literally anyone can try selling with this feature.
At the end of the day, TikTok Live creates what other platforms often lack: connection. It feels less like buying from a faceless store and more like chatting with someone before hitting “buy.” That immediacy speeds up decisions. On other apps, you hesitate. On TikTok Live, you ask, you trust, and often, you buy right away.
Sure, Shopee and Tokopedia also have live shopping features. But let’s be honest, you don’t open those apps to watch lives. On TikTok, you might come for entertainment, and end up leaving with a package on the way.
Even though TikTok Shop now connects with Tokopedia, I still prefer shopping directly from TikTok Live. For casual, fun, and interactive shopping, it just feels way more exciting. Curious, are you team TikTok Live shopper like me, or not really?