TikTok, the popular social media platform, is now aiming to challenge Google’s dominance in search with a new feature that allows users to search for similar products using images. This move comes as no surprise, as TikTok has been making strides in cutting into Google’s search market share.
The image search feature on TikTok Shop was first spotted by user Jonah Manzano and is now available to all users in the United States and Southeast Asia. Users will see a camera icon in the search bar, allowing them to take or upload a photo and find similar products for purchase.
This feature opens up a world of possibilities for users. For example, if you’re at a restaurant and like the plate you’re served on, you can snap a picture and find similar items available on TikTok Shop. Similarly, if you’re online shopping and find a top that’s too expensive, you can save the image and search for similar items with a cheaper price tag.
While Google has offered image search for shopping through Google Lens for years, TikTok is now entering the game. Amazon, another tech giant, also offers image search capabilities. By offering this feature, TikTok is not only trying to get people to use its app when looking for new products but also hoping they will make purchases through TikTok Shop.
TikTok is not only competing with Google and Amazon but also with other companies that offer image search tools for shopping, such as Klarna and startups like Cherry. The company has been investing heavily in e-commerce and sees TikTok Shop as its next big potential revenue source. With more than 15 million sellers worldwide and over 500,000 in the U.S., TikTok Shop is becoming a significant player in the e-commerce space.
Despite facing a potential ban in the U.S., TikTok is continuing to expand its e-commerce efforts. President Biden signed a bill in April that could ban TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, fails to sell it within a year. However, TikTok is pushing forward, investing in platform safety and building a team to ensure the safety of TikTok Shop.
In conclusion, TikTok’s new image search feature on TikTok Shop is a strategic move to challenge Google’s dominance in search and expand its e-commerce capabilities. By allowing users to search for similar products using images, TikTok is hoping to keep users on its app and drive more revenue through TikTok Shop. Despite the potential ban, TikTok is determined to make its mark in the e-commerce space.