Short video platform TikTok plans to prohibit e-commerce links from external sites such as Shopify starting on September 12. This move follows the example set by its Chinese counterpart Douyin, which banned links to third-party retailing sites, including Taobao, in 2020 to enhance in-platform shopping. According to a report from Chinese media outlet Caixin on Thursday, TikTok has already updated the notice on its Business Help Center page. This change implies that external e-commerce platforms will no longer be able to drive traffic to their individual stores and products through TikTok unless they opt to establish online stores on TikTok Shop. A previous report by The Wall Street Journal stated that TikTok is preparing to officially launch its e-commerce business in the US in August. [Caixin, in Chinese]
