How to Make Merch for TikTok: 5 Steps to Get You Started  

As TikTok continues to dominate social media in 2024, more creators are leveraging the platform to monetize their content beyond just views and followers.

One of the most lucrative opportunities for TikTok creators is selling custom merch. Whether it's apparel, accessories, or digital products, merchandise allows creators to strengthen their brand and build a deeper connection with their audience while earning revenue.

In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of making and selling your products and showcase five profitable merch ideas tailored to TikTok’s vibrant community. We’ll also show you how Fourthwall makes selling merchandise on TikTok easy for creators looking to get their foot in the door. 

Why Sell Merch on TikTok?

TikTok has become more than just a platform for viral videos; it has evolved into a powerful ecommerce engine that can drive significant revenue for creators. Here’s why selling merch on TikTok is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss:

TikTok’s Reach and Demographics

TikTok’s user base is primarily composed of younger audiences who are highly engaged and eager to express themselves. This demographic is naturally inclined toward supporting their favorite creators by purchasing merchandise. TikTok creators who can tap into this desire for self-expression have the chance to build a thriving merch business.

The Role of Community Engagement

One of TikTok’s strengths is its ability to foster strong community engagement. Creators often form tight-knit relationships with their followers, which can translate into loyalty and a willingness to buy merchandise. The more engaged your audience is with your content, the more likely they are to support you by purchasing custom merch.

Social Commerce Growth

TikTok has made it incredibly easy to sell products through its in-app features like TikTok Shop. Social commerce—where users can discover and buy products directly through social media platforms—is rapidly growing, and TikTok is at the forefront of this trend. By setting up a TikTok Shop, creators can streamline the buying process, making it seamless for their followers to purchase products without ever leaving the TikTok app.

Examples of Successful Creators Monetizing through Merch

There are countless success stories of TikTok creators who have turned their content into a profitable merch business. For instance, creators like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae have launched successful apparel lines, while niche creators sell unique items like stickers or digital products. These examples highlight the range of possibilities for selling merch on TikTok, regardless of your following size.

Requirements for Selling Merch on TikTok

For the most part, anyone can sell merch on TikTok, whether by promoting products in videos, participating in affiliate programs, posting a link to your shop in your bio, or setting up a TikTok Shop.

However, to take advantage of TikTok Shop, users must meet specific eligibility criteria based on their category: Sellers, Creators, or Partners. Here's a quick breakdown of each one.

• Sellers: To become a Seller, individuals must verify their identity by providing essential documentation, including a certificate of incorporation, a driver’s license or passport, and the last four digits of their tax ID, along with their TikTok account details. To utilize TikTok Seller Center effectively, they must also confirm their business location with a phone number, email, and street address for their warehouse or pickup location.
• Creators: Creators can earn commissions through the TikTok Shop Affiliate program by promoting products in their videos and livestreams. To qualify, they need to maintain an account in good standing, follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines, have at least 5,000 followers, and be at least 18 years old. Meeting these criteria allows them to apply to become a TikTok Shop Creator.
• Partners: Businesses that offer professional ecommerce services or apps to Sellers and Creators can apply to be TikTok Shop Partners. This program is designed to support those looking to navigate the TikTok Shop ecosystem effectively.

By fulfilling these requirements, users can successfully engage with the TikTok community and leverage the platform's ecommerce features to drive sales.

5 Steps to Make and Sell Merch on TikTok

Ready to launch your merch line? Follow these five steps to create and sell your products directly through TikTok.

Step 1: Define Your Brand and Audience

Before diving into the design phase, it’s essential to understand your brand and audience. What makes your content unique, and how does that translate into sellable products?

For example, popular TikToker and designer Anya Karolyn launched her own art and clothing brand, Karo, which reflects the artist's love for fashion, music, and art.

Karolyn's merchandise, which consists of apparel, jewelry, and prints, is branded with some of the artist's signature designs and artwork, which she shares on her TikTok.  

Her merch becomes appealing to her followers because it allows them to connect with her unique aesthetic and style while owning a piece of her artwork. 

Remember, when coming up with ideas for your merchandise, it's important to take the time to assess your audience’s preferences and choose items that best reflect your brand’s identity.

By aligning your products with your content, you’ll not only create merch that resonates with your followers but can increase the likelihood of sales.

Step 2: Choose a Print-on-Demand Service

Once you've defined your brand, it's time to choose a reliable print-on-demand (POD) supplier to help you design and sell your custom merch. 

Many creators have been choosing Fourthwall to fulfill all their POD needs. Fourthwall provides a seamless platform for designing and selling custom merchandise while offering a wide range of high-quality products without the hassle of inventory management.

Fourthwall's user-friendly interface allows creators to quickly set up their own storefronts and integrate them with social media platforms like TikTok, making it easy to promote and sell their products directly to their audience.

Moreover, Fourthwall’s robust support and marketing tools empower creators to engage their followers effectively, turning their passion into a profitable venture while maintaining creative control over their brand.

Step 3: Select & Design Your Merch

Now comes the fun part—choosing your products!

With Fourthwall's extensive product catalog at your fingertips, you can explore a diverse range of customizable items, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more.

The platform provides intuitive design tools that enable you to create unique and eye-catching merchandise that reflects your brand's identity.

You can easily upload your artwork, add text, and experiment with different colors and layouts to bring your vision to life.

Whether you're looking to create stylish t-shirts, cozy hoodies, or vibrant wall art, Fourthwall's user-friendly interface simplifies the design process, allowing you to focus on creativity without any technical barriers

Step 4: Set up a TikTok Shop or Promote via Bio Links

To sell merch on TikTok, you have two main options: using TikTok’s native ecommerce features like TikTok Shop or promoting your products through external links in your bio.

TikTok Shop allows creators to list and sell products directly within the app, making the buying process incredibly convenient for users.

If you’re using a print-on-demand service like Fourthwall, you can integrate your store with TikTok Shop for seamless transactions.

However, if you don't want to sign up with TikTok Shop and set up a business account, you can promote your products by giving your audience a link to your online store in your TikTok bio. 

Just be sure to mention your merch in your TikTok videos and include a clear call to action that encourages viewers to check out your products.

Step 5: Promote Your Custom Merch 

TikTok is all about creativity, so when it comes to promoting your merch, think outside the box.

Consider wearing your custom apparel while participating in trending challenges or launch your own unique challenge, complete with giveaways for participants. This can further enhance your visibility on the platform while attracting new followers who might be interested in what you're selling. 

Don’t forget to utilize relevant hashtags to increase discoverability and encourage user-generated content to amplify your reach.

For instance, using hashtags like #MerchDrop, #ShopSmall, or specific to your niche can help your posts appear in searches, increasing visibility among users actively looking for new products.

Additionally, investing in a TikTok Ads campaign may also help boost your visibility, allowing you to reach a wider audience and drive more sales.

5 Profitable Merch Ideas for TikTok

Looking for ideas on what to sell? Here are five merch products that work particularly well for TikTok creators and are available on Fourthwall:

1. Custom Apparel (T-shirts, Hoodies, Hats)

Custom apparel is one of the most popular merchandise categories for TikTok creators, and for good reason. Whether it’s t-shirts, hoodies, or hats, apparel allows your followers to proudly showcase their support for your brand while adding a personal touch to their everyday outfits.

The versatility of clothing means that it can cater to diverse styles and preferences, appealing to a wide audience, from casual wearers to fashion enthusiasts.

2. Drinkware (Water Bottles, Mugs)

Drinkware products like water bottles and mugs are excellent merchandise options for creators, as they seamlessly combine functionality with branding. These items are commonly used daily, making them a consistent reminder of your brand for your followers.

Whether they're sipping their morning coffee from a stylish mug or hydrating with a branded water bottle at the gym, fans can incorporate your merchandise into their routines, enhancing their connection to your content and aesthetic.

3. Phone & AirPod Cases

Tech accessories like phone cases and AirPod cases cater to a broad audience. Smartphones and wireless earbuds have become ubiquitous in everyday life, and most consumers are looking for ways to personalize and protect their devices, making custom tech accessories appealing and practical purchases.

TikTok creators can create eye-catching videos that demonstrate the unique features of their tech accessories, such as durability, aesthetic appeal, or customization options. This kind of visual storytelling not only highlights the products but also creates authentic marketing for your brand. 

4. Prints

Prints, such as posters, canvases, and other wall art, are tangible representations of your artistry, allowing fans to showcase their support and appreciation for your work in their homes, offices, or personal spaces.

Promoting prints on TikTok through engaging content—such as time-lapse videos of the creation process, styling tips for displaying art, or showcasing prints in real-life settings—can further entice potential buyers while driving viewership. 

5. Enamel Pins

Enamel pins are a popular and trendy merchandise option for creators, offering fans a collectible item that represents your brand or specific themes in a fun and stylish way. These small yet impactful accessories can be designed to reflect your unique artistic style, catchphrases, or motifs that resonate with your audience.

Because of their versatility, enamel pins can be easily worn on clothing, backpacks, hats, or even displayed on corkboards, allowing fans to express their individuality and showcase their support for your brand in various settings.

Sell Your Merch Through TikTok with Fourthwall!

Fourthwall stands out from other platforms by offering creator-centric features like built-in marketing tools, ease of use, and direct integration with TikTok Shop.

With nearly 300 products to choose from, Fourthwall provides creators with an impressive selection of customizable apparel, accessories, home decor, and more to sell to their TikTok audience. 

The platform also offers comprehensive analytics, enabling you to track sales, monitor customer engagement, and understand which products are performing well. This valuable data helps you refine your offerings and marketing strategies over time.

It doesn't matter if you’re a beginner or an established creator; Fourthwall helps you simplify the process of designing, selling, and promoting your custom merch to your TikTok fanbase.

So, if you're looking for the right platform to help you design and sell your own custom merch to your TikTok followers, then sign up with Fourthwall today and get ready to elevate your brand to new heights!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Make a Merch Store on TikTok?

To create a merch store on TikTok, you can either use TikTok Shop or promote your store via a bio link. TikTok Shop allows you to sell directly through the platform while using external links, which lets you direct users to a storefront hosted on another site like Fourthwall or Teespring.

How Do I Sell Clothes on TikTok?

You can sell clothes on TikTok by designing custom apparel through a print-on-demand service like Fourthwall and linking your store to your TikTok bio. You can also sign up with TikTok Shop and sell directly within the app.

How Much Does It Cost to Sell on TikTok?

The cost to sell merch on TikTok varies depending on the platform you use. Print-on-demand services typically don’t require upfront costs, as products are only printed once an order is placed. However, TikTok may take a small commission for sales made through TikTok Shop.

How Many Followers Do You Need to Make Merch?

There’s no minimum follower count required to start selling merch, but having an engaged audience will increase your chances of making sales. Even smaller creators can successfully sell products if they have a loyal fanbase.