Tiktok’s Transformative Impact on Fashion Industry Marketing

Written by Tirsa Parrish

TikTok is a powerful force reshaping the fashion industry. The social media platform is built on creativity and expression, and has impacted how fashion is marketed and received. TikTok allows users to create and share videos on any topic, giving them creative freedom through filters, sound effects, and background music. With over 1 billion users worldwide, its global influence spans over 150 countries. Fashion brands are working to adapt their marketing strategies to TikTok’s algorithms and influencer culture to engage younger generations in their target demographic. 

The platform’s high engagement levels have surpassed those of Instagram and YouTube, making it a dominant player in modern fashion marketing. TikTok boasts an average engagement rate of over 4.6% for content in 2024 which is higher than Instagram's at less than 0.5%. Fashion posts on the platform average slightly higher engagement overall, and the larger the account following, the higher the engagement rate. Brands with over 1 million followers have over 6% engagement rate. The average user spends 95 minutes per day on TikTok. TikTok users are also more likely to engage with content with 29% of TikTok users interacting by liking, commenting, sharing, and saving content.

Fashion TikTok: A Community of Trends and Creativity

The rise of fashion content on TikTok has been extraordinary, with users worldwide flocking to the platform to showcase their style and promote emerging trends. Popular video formats like “Shopping Hauls,” “Fit check,” and “Get Ready With Me (GRWM)” offer an immersive experience for viewers allowing them to virtually accompany users on shopping trips or see their full process of getting ready for the day or an event. These formats provide a personal and engaging way to discover new clothing brands, styles, and fashion trends. 

Many individuals also create and share videos on fashion tips, styling hacks, or DIY tutorials, making fashion more accessible and interactive for the average viewer. TikTok’s culture encourages curiosity, as users often ask where a specific item was purchased or what brand was featured in the video. This passive marketing not only builds brand awareness but also has the potential to drive sales for both well-known and emerging fashion brands. As fashion content continues to evolve on the platform, brands, influencers, and TikTokers alike are finding new ways to engage users, fostering a dynamic relationship between consumers and the fashion industry.

Understanding Tiktok’s Algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm plays a significant role in the discoverability of fashion content, tailoring video selections to individual user preferences through the personalized "For You Page" (FYP). This algorithm helps ensure that users who frequently interact with fashion-related content are more likely to see additional videos related to fashion influencers, styling tips, or brand promotions. 

This system effectively introduces users to new fashion creators, emerging trends, and related content, making it easier for enthusiasts to discover and engage with what’s new in fashion. Emerging designers, established fashion brands, and independent creators have the opportunity to reach a broad and diverse audience on the platform, helping to level the playing field in the competitive fashion industry. 

TikTok's interactive features such as likes, comments, saves, and direct messaging enable instant consumer engagement, connecting users directly to creators and brands. This access to two-way interaction provides immediate feedback helping brands build stronger relationships with followers and better reach their target audience. By fostering real-time conversations, TikTok allows brands to gain insight into consumer preferences better and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly. 

This content often includes behind-the-scenes videos, fashion tips, or styling demonstrations that humanize the brand, allowing consumers to connect on a personal level. By prioritizing authentic and interactive content, brands can capture and keep users’ attention in an engagement-driven space. 

Many fashion brands also leverage TikTok trends by incorporating their products into popular audio or video formats, enhancing their relevance and potential to go viral. Participating in viral trends boosts brands' visibility and helps them integrate seamlessly into the TikTok culture. Ultimately, TikTok provides fashion brands a dynamic platform to promote their products and strengthen their digital presence.

Ads Formats Driving Fashion Forward

TikTok’s innovative ad formats effectively connect fashion brands with target audiences, providing a direct path to potential consumers. One popular format is in-feed ads. This blends ads seamlessly into users' feeds, appearing as regular content while subtly promoting products. These short, engaging videos allow brands to showcase their offerings naturally, and align with TikTok’s creative culture. 

Top view ads offer brands a high-impact opportunity, appearing as full-screen ads when users open the app, instantly grabbing their attention. This format is especially effective for brands launching new collections or boosting traffic during special promotions. 

TikTok’s user base, primarily made up of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, offers brands a direct line to their target demographic. As these younger generations gain more buying power, brands are eager to capture their attention–especially since many prioritize ethical practices and shared values. With their preference for online shopping, Gen Z and Alpha make TikTok an ideal platform for brands to connect, engage, and build brand loyalty.

Tiktok’s Market Share Outside of China, where the app is strictly regulated by their government, TikTok is popular worldwide especially among younger demographics shaping the future of fashion consumption. The platform has over 120 million active users in the US alone, with 1/3 of US adults using TikTok on a monthly basis. Indonesia has the most active users in a single country with over 155 million users. Along with personal accounts, 7 million small businesses use TikTok to promote their brand. 

However, TikTok’s expansion into global markets has not been without obstacles. The platform has faced complete bans in some regions including India; many other countries have banned the app on government issued devices including the US, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia, due to concerns over data privacy and national security. These restrictions limit TikTok’s reach and impact, posing challenges for brands looking to connect with consumers in these affected areas. 

In April, 2024, the US congress passed a bill giving TikTok’s parent company an ultimatum: either sell the app or be banned completely in the US as a security threat. The ban could go into effect by January 19, 2025. 

User-Generated Content: Building Authentic Connections

User-generated content (UGC) campaigns have become a cornerstone of fashion marketing on TikTok, offering brands an authentic way to engage their audience. These campaigns invite TikTok users to create videos around a brand, product, or campaign theme, often featuring a branded hashtag. By participating in challenges or showcasing how they style a particular product, users help brands foster engagement and build a community among their followers. 

UGC campaigns are particularly effective because they create a sense of involvement, leading to more likes, comments, and shares. This organic interaction builds trust and authenticity, as potential customers can see real people wearing products in everyday settings. UGC also allows brands to highlight their products across diverse settings, appealing to a broader range of consumers. To encourage participation, brands often offer incentives such as giveaways, discounts, or free products, sparking excitement and boosting user interaction. By harnessing the creativity of TikTok users, fashion brands amplify their reach and create deeper connections with their audience.

The influence of TikTok creatives on fashion trends is growing rapidly. As content creators gain massive followings, their power to shape consumer preferences and drive demand for specific brands and products becomes increasingly significant. Fashion brands are partnering with these creators to generate buzz and evoke authentic experiences that resonate with TikTok’s fashion community.

The Rise and Risk of Fast Fashion

However, TikTok's fast-paced environment means fashion trends evolve and spread more quickly. Viral challenges and fashion content can rapidly popularize new styles, driving a culture of constant change. This results in trends having shorter lifespans than those of traditional media platforms,fueling fast fashion. Brands in this segment must quickly adapt to stay relevant by producing clothing that aligns with the latest trends. 

This relentless cycle can lead to overproduction and waste. The increased demand for quick, cheaply made garments contributes to environmental harm as items are disposed of after trends fade, punctuating the ecological impacts of fast fashion.

In response to the rise of fast fashion and its environmental impact, thrifting and sustainable fashion have gained in popularity. TikTok has been instrumental in promoting second-hand shopping, with creators showcasing thrift finds and styling them in unique ways. 

Balancing Innovation and Sustainability

TikTok’s impact is undeniable, offering unprecedented opportunities for connection and creativity. However, brands must negate the challenges of trend-driven content while promoting sustainable practices. Ultimately, by embracing TikTok culture, fashion brands can achieve meaningful engagement and long-term success.