How to Sell on TikTok Using Gelato in 2025

I remember when TikTok first burst into the scene – and like a few other people, I assumed it was going to be a passing fad (anyone remember Vine?).

Now TikTok isn’t just one of the biggest social media apps in the world – it’s also an ecommerce environment in its own right – with it’s own dedicated “Shop” section, seller tools, and integrations with platforms like Gelato.

If you want to take connect with the approximately 1 billion people worldwide shopping on TikTok, working with a print on demand vendor is a great way to do it.

It takes the hassle of actually producing and shipping products off your plate – so you can focus on creating the awesome content that actually convinces people to buy.

Today, I’m going to show you exactly how you can sell on TikTok – using one of my favorite POD platform providers – Gelato.

60-Second Summary TikTok’s Massive Reach: With over 1 billion monthly users, TikTok can quickly turn a creative video into a viral phenomenon- it’s perfect for showcasing your print on demand products. Gelato’s Eco-Friendly Advantage: Gelato reduces carbon emissions by printing locally in over 30 countries. Customers love the sustainability factor, and you’ll love the fast delivery. Why the Combo Works: On TikTok, you can connect with audiences personally and spotlight your unique Gelato items. The immediate, interactive nature of short videos leads to high engagement and spontaneous purchases. Tips for Success: You’re going to need to invest some time into actually advertising your products with great content on TikTok. Fortunately, Gelato will handle most of the admin work for you – so you can get creative. Personalization: Try personalizing your items and filming behind-the-scenes clips of the design process – these two tactics can really boost your sales. Why Sell on TikTok with Gelato?

The more I’ve used TikTok over the last couple of the years – the more I’ve fallen in love with it.

You get a lot more than short videos here. TikTok is home to a vibrant and engaged community of people constantly looking for a creative bargain.

Plus, TikTok’s unique algorithm means even small creators can go viral overnight.

While many social platforms rely on followers for reach, TikTok’s “For You” page can show your content to thousands (or even millions) of people who’ve never heard of you before.

If you’re a creator looking to monetize your following, TikTok is a brilliant choice. The Shop feature is easy to use, and you can even access ads, influencer partnerships, and shoppable videos to help ramp up your sales.

So, why use TikTok with Gelato?

Simply put, print on demand is a great business model for TikTok sellers, because it requires minimal effort.

You don’t have to deal with inventory or fulfillment channels – and you can sell a huge range of products. Gelato stands out for me because it offers a few unique benefits.

First, it’s an eco-friendly company – which is great since most of TikTok’s users are Gen Z customers who want to buy from sustainable brands.

Plus, you get some great specialized products from Gelato – I particularly love their high-quality paper products (prints, canvases, you name it).

Selling Internationally with Gelato

Another really big reason to consider selling with Gelato on TikTok? Global reach.

Gelato’s production network spans over 30 countries. That means your customers, whether they’re in Toronto, Tokyo, or Berlin, get their orders printed locally. Why does that matter?

Faster shipping: No one likes waiting weeks for an order. Local production usually means delivery in a few days. Lower costs: Fewer import fees and no international shipping charges? Yes, please. Eco-friendlier: Shorter delivery routes = lower emissions, which your Gen Z and eco-conscious buyers really appreciate.

This is a real win if your TikTok content goes viral in another country. You don’t have to scramble, Gelato’s already got production covered near your buyers.

How to Sell on TikTok using Gelato

Thanks to Gelato’s new partnership with TikTok (announced in 2024), selling on TikTok with this print on demand provider is pretty simple.

Honestly, most of the work you’ll have to do comes down to actually setting up your TikTok account, creating designs, and promoting your brand.

Step 1: Create a TikTok Account (and Switch to a Business Account)

If you haven’t used TikTok yet, download it from your favorite app store and set up an account with your email address or a social login. I personally like using a separate work email for my brand’s TikTok, just to keep business and personal accounts separate.

TikTok will automatically give you a personal account by default, but you’re going to want a Business account so you can set up a Shop, run ads, and add links to your profile.

Fortunately, upgrading is pretty easy. Just open the app on your smartphone, then:

Go to your Profile tab, and tap the three-line menu (top-right). Select “Settings and Privacy,” then “Manage Account.” Tap “Switch to Business Account” and choose the best category for your brand.

After that, TikTok should walk you through anything else you’re going to need to do, like “confirming” you want to switch. After you’ve created your account, I’d recommend editing your profile a little – adding a high-resolution photo, and a great bio.

Step 2: Create a TikTok Shop in Seller Central

Here’s where you enable direct selling on TikTok. Instead of just linking people out to your website, you can let them buy directly through your TikTok Shop.

Sign in to TikTok Seller Center: Head over to TikTok and sign in with your TikTok credentials. Provide Your Business Info: You’ll need to share details like your country, business type, and official documents (like a tax ID or business registration) if you’re setting up a shop as a formal business. Add Warehouse/Pickup Address: TikTok needs to know where orders will originate or return to. Since you’re using Gelato, you might set the return address accordingly (Gelato also supports returns to your specified address if necessary). Verify Your Documents: Upload relevant documentation to confirm your identity or business status. This might include an ID, business license, or other official forms. Link Your Bank Account: Lastly, you’ll connect a bank account to receive payments and manage returns.

This step takes a little administrative time, but once you’re approved, your store can exist right inside TikTok. If you’re in a region where the TikTok Shop feature is supported – you’re going to make it a lot easier for people to buy your products immediately.

Step 3: Integrating Gelato with TikTok

Ok, now you’ve got your TikTok account ready, you need your POD provider. Head over to Gelato’s website, and click on “Sign up for free.”

You’ll need to enter a few details, like your location, and so on, after you’ve created your account. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward.

Once you’re logged in, head to the “Stores” tab in your Gelato dashboard.

You’ll see a page with all the integration options you have. Click on “TikTok Shop”.

You’ll need to choose your region (UK or US), and sign in with your TikTok credentials. You might also be asked to confirm that you do want to connect the two accounts.

That’s really all there is to it. Once you’ve completed the integration, TikTok and Gelato will be able to speak to each other directly.

That means any product you create in Gelato can be synced to your TikTok shop. Plus, whenever someone places an order, that order information will go straight to Gelato, so they can handle the fulfillment process.

Bonus: Managing Everything from Your Phone

One thing to keep in mind after you set up your TikTok Shop and integrate Gelato, is you don’t have to manage everything from a desktop.

TikTok’s mobile app gives you access to your shop, analytics, video creation tools, and your messages, all in one place. Gelato’s mobile dashboard works great in your browser. You can create products, track orders, and check print files right from your phone. Need to tweak prices, upload new designs, or reply to customers? No problem. Most of the experience is tap-and-go friendly.

If you’ve got a decent smartphone and a few apps, you're already equipped to run your POD empire from anywhere, the couch, coffee shop, or even the beach (if that’s your thing).

Step 4: Choose and Design Your Gelato Products

Alright, now you’re ready to start building your product catalog. Quick tip – if you have existing products in your TikTok shop, you can import them into Gelato too – which makes it easier to keep track of everything you’re selling.

If you’re starting from scratch. I’d recommend starting with:

T-Shirts & Hoodies: Always a safe bet because fashion items are huge on TikTok, especially if you have fun slogans or vibrant designs. Posters & Wall Art: Gelato excels in delivering high-quality wall art – anything from canvas prints to framed posters. I’ve had great success showcasing these in short TikTok videos, especially if the art ties into a popular TikTok aesthetic or trend. Phone Cases & Accessories: Quick impulse buys that are great for short-form videos. You can demonstrate them in everyday situations – this resonates with TikTok’s casual vibe.

Also, Gelato recently added a CreateAI suite to its dashboard. It includes simple tools like automatic mockup generation, rapid product launch templates, and basic store migration features.

These are especially helpful if you're setting up your store quickly or switching from another POD platform. The tools are included even on the free plan, so they’re easy to test.

After you pick the product you want to create from Gelato’s product catalog, you’ll be taken to the design tool, where you can upload your graphics, tweak colors, and add existing assets, like photos.

You’ll even get a warning if your images are low resolution.

I personally love testing designs in small batches. I’ll create a product, order a sample from Gelato, then film a mini “unboxing” or product reveal on TikTok. If it gains traction, I know it’s time to double down and promote it more widely.

If you’re selling on a bunch of platforms, here’s a quick sheet on what sells best where:

PlatformTop-Selling ProductsWhy They WorkTikTokT-shirts, Stickers, Wall PrintsTrendy, visual, perfect for quick buysEtsyPersonalized Mugs, Canvas PrintsGreat for gifts, people love custom optionsShopifyAll-over Print Tees, Phone CasesMore branding control, plus email marketingSquareGreeting Cards, Local Wall ArtAwesome for IRL events and artist markets Step 5: Pricing Your Products for TikTok

One of the questions I get a lot is: “How much should I charge for my stuff?” And the truth is, it depends. But if you're selling through TikTok, you’ve got to think in terms of quick, feel-good purchases. Here’s a rough guide I use for pricing:

Product TypePrice RangeWhy it WorksStickers & Decals$3 – $8Super easy add-on or impulse buyPhone Cases$15 – $25People love fun, visual phone accessoriesT-Shirts$20 – $30Classic price point—good margin, good vibeHoodies$35 – $50More premium, but still TikTok-friendlyWall Art/Posters$25 – $60Price depends on size, but bundles help

My tip? Always factor in Gelato’s base costs and other fees, and still leave room for a profit and the occasional promo. Sometimes, offering “free shipping” or a 2-for-1 bundle feels like a better deal, even if your prices are a bit higher.

Step 5: (Optional): Offer Personalization

If you really want to give yourself an edge in the TikTok market – check out Gelato’s Personalization Studio. It allows you to sell products that customers can add their own elements to, with “personalization layers”. All you need to do is:

Turn on the personalization option for a specific product in your Gelato dashboard. Set the “layers” you want people to be able to edit. For instance, you could leave a text box for them to type in their name or a date, or let them upload an image. When a customer places an order on TikTok (or your connected store), Gelato automatically receives the personalized design and prints it—no manual editing required.

Couple of caveats here. Gelato’s personalization studio currently only works with Shopify and Etsy, so you’ll need to link your TikTok shop to one of those platforms (rather than just connecting Gelato and TikTok directly).

Plus, you’ll have to pay an extra $1 fee for every personalized item.

Still, people are often willing to pay a premium for personalized items. That can mean better profit margins for you. Plus, you don’t have to do any extra manual production steps, so it’s a win-win.

Step 6: Promote Your Gelato Products on TikTok

Now, it’s time to get promoting. You really don’t need to do anything else, because Gelato will automatically collect orders from TikTok shop, and handle the fulfillment for you. That’s why I recommend focusing all your energy on marketing.

My best advice? Create super-engaging TikTok content. Produce behind-the-scenes videos of you coming up with designs, or showcase your product in action, by wearing or using it yourself.

Work with influencers to give yourself a little reach, and encourage user-generated content, by asking people to respond to your videos with unboxing content, or similar clips.

Other quick tips:

Use Trending sounds & hashtags: Stay on top of trending audio clips and relevant hashtags in your niche. If you hop on a trend early, your videos can skyrocket. Embrace Storytelling: Humans are wired to respond to stories. Even something simple – like telling the inspiration behind a design – can spark a deeper connection with viewers. Go Live: TikTok’s Live feature allows you to connect with followers in real time. This is a great way to show off products or answer customer questions on the spot. Plus, customers love seeing their items being boxed up in real-time (if you have a few on hand). Try paid Ads: If your budget allows, you can test TikTok ads. Options include In-feed ads, TopView ads, and Collection Ads that showcase a small gallery of your items. You’ll want to pay close attention to targeting- aim your ads at the demographics or interests that match your ideal customer.

The main goal is authenticity. TikTok users can spot forced or overly “corporate” marketing from a mile away. So stay real with your marketing.

Bonus Step: Content Strategy for TikTok

Since content is everything for a good TikTok promotional strategy, here are some quick tips on the type of content you should be sharing:

Design process videos: People love seeing a product come to life. Start with a blank canvas (literally), then fast-forward through your design process. Even better if you talk through your creative choices. Mini unboxings: Just film yourself opening a sample order from Gelato. Keep it real and show your genuine reaction. That kind of authenticity plays really well on TikTok. Aesthetic tie-ins: Align your products with a niche trend. Think cottagecore, vintage horror, or tattoo revival. For example, creators like @brigz have built whole audiences just by tapping into a look people vibe with. “Wear it, show it, use it”: This is super simple, just wear your t-shirt or show off your art print hanging on your wall. A few seconds is all it takes.

Honestly, you don’t need to overthink this stuff. If you’re having fun and sharing your creative energy, that shows, and it makes people want to support what you’re doing.

Step 7: Monitor Your Results and Optimize

After you’ve got the basics set up and your products posted, you’re not done. Continuously review your metrics- both on TikTok and in your Gelato dashboard – to see what’s performing well.

TikTok Analytics: Pay attention to which videos get the most views, likes, comments, and shares. Note any spikes in your follower count. Sales Data: Check which products are selling the best. You might find that certain product types (like T-shirts) do better on TikTok than, say, wall art. Engagement Rate: A high engagement rate means your audience likes what you’re doing. Keep making more of that content style. Feedback & Comments: Sometimes your customers will tell you directly what they like or want to see next. If they’re requesting different colors, designs, or personalization options, pay attention!

Take all of these insights and optimize! If a particular video style is outperforming others, double down on it. If a design isn’t selling, maybe it’s time to tweak it or retire it.

How Long Does It All Take?

I know setting up something new can feel a little overwhelming, but trust me, it’s way faster than you’d think. Here’s roughly how long it takes to get everything rolling:

Day 1: Create your TikTok Business account and register in Seller Center. Day 2: Connect your TikTok shop to Gelato and start uploading your first products. Day 3-5: Film a few fun videos (unboxings, design reveals, etc.), start posting, and build your shop visuals. By the end of the week: You could be live and taking your first orders.

You don’t need to be a full-time content creator to make this work, just carve out a few focused hours over the course of a week, and you’ll be up and running. I did mine in a few lunch breaks and a Saturday afternoon.

Selling on TikTok with Gelato

TikTok is a fantastic platform for creators looking to earn a little extra cash, by activating a huge community of engaged followers.

With Gelato, you can boost your chances of sales by selling unique, high-quality custom products – without taking on any inventory or fulfillment challenges.

Now that there’s a direct integration available on Gelato for TikTok Shop, getting started couldn’t be easier. Just keep in mind, you’ll need to consider using a platform like Shopify or Etsy if you want to take advantage of the personalization studio.

Final piece of advice? Go all-in on creating and promoting high-quality, unique, and sustainable products – your customers will love this on TikTok, and your profit margins should soar.

The post How to Sell on TikTok Using Gelato in 2025 appeared first on Ecommerce-Platforms.com.