How to Set Up Your First Print-on-Demand Products on TikTok Shop (Step-by-Step Guide)
Aug 19, 2025
TikTok Shop is hands down the hottest opportunity for print-on-demand (POD) sellers in 2025. If you’ve ever dreamed of launching an online store, TikTok Shop makes it easier than ever to get your first products live, reach millions of buyers, and start making sales quickly — sometimes in days, not months.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to:
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✅ Open your TikTok Shop seller account
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✅ Connect your shop to Gelato for instant POD fulfillment worldwide
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✅ Upload your first product listing with a strong profit margin
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✅ Optimize your listing so TikTok’s algorithm recommends your products to buyers
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✅ Use a bonus hack to make your products stand out from day one
By the end, you’ll have your TikTok Shop ready, your first POD product live, and a clear plan to start making sales.
Why TikTok Shop Is the #1 POD Opportunity in 2025
TikTok has transformed from a social app into one of the fastest-growing e-commerce marketplaces. With built-in checkout and product recommendations baked into the algorithm, TikTok Shop is the perfect place for new sellers.
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Massive organic reach: Your product can appear directly in front of millions of TikTok users.
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Fast traction: Sellers are reporting their first sales within days of launching.
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Low barrier to entry: No inventory, no upfront costs — just your designs and a POD partner like Gelato.
If you’ve struggled with crowded platforms like Shopify or Etsy, TikTok Shop is your chance to ride the next wave early.
Step 1: Create Your TikTok Shop Seller Account
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Go to the TikTok Seller Center.
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Click “Sign Up.”
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Choose Individual or Business Seller (most POD sellers use a business if they have an LLC).
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Upload your required documents (ID, business license if applicable).
💡 Pro Tip: Match your business name to your brand name for trust and professionalism.
Step 2: Connect TikTok Shop to Gelato for POD Fulfillment
At Shirt School, I recommend Gelato as your POD partner.
Here’s why:
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Global fulfillment network — ship products anywhere in the world.
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No inventory required — print on demand only when you sell.
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Huge product catalog — t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, wall art, and more.
How to connect Gelato to TikTok Shop:
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Log in to Gelato.
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Go to “Integrations.”
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Select TikTok Shop and authorize the connection.
That’s it — your TikTok Shop is now linked to a worldwide fulfillment system.
Step 3: Add Your First Product
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In Gelato, choose a product (popular choices: t-shirts, hoodies, mugs).
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Upload your design — bold, colorful visuals perform best on TikTok.
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Set your retail price.
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Aim for a 40%+ profit margin so you have room to reinvest in ads or marketing.
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Step 4: Optimize Your Listing for TikTok’s Algorithm
TikTok is built on discovery. The right listing setup will help your products show up in For You Pages and search results.
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Product Title: Use your main keyword + style/theme.
Example: “Funny Teacher Coffee Mug – Back to School Gift.” -
Description: Write 2–3 short, benefit-driven bullet points.
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Attributes & Categories: Fill out everything — TikTok uses these fields to match buyers to your products.
Step 5: Make Your First TikTok Video
Your listing is live — now it’s time to promote it with TikTok content.
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Show your product in use (e.g., wearing the shirt, unboxing the mug).
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Trending sounds and niche hashtags help your video gain traction.
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End with a call to action: “Tap the little cart and grab yours today!”
⚡ Bonus Hack: Test multiple product designs at once. Run 2–3 listings in parallel, then cut the underperformers and double down on what sells.
Ready to Launch Your First TikTok Shop Product?
Getting started on TikTok Shop is easier than you think — but the key is taking action now while the marketplace is still young.
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Open your seller account today.
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Connect to Gelato for seamless fulfillment.
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Upload your first product and let TikTok’s algorithm do the heavy lifting.
📺 Want to see the full walkthrough? Watch my step-by-step video here:
👉 How to Set Up Your First Products on TikTok Shop for POD
Final Thoughts
TikTok Shop is the #1 opportunity for print-on-demand entrepreneurs in 2025. The earlier you start, the faster you’ll learn what works — and the more you’ll benefit as the platform grows.
Have you tried selling on TikTok Shop yet? Drop your questions or experiences in the comments below — I’d love to hear about your first product launch!
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