Lakyn Carlton, sustainable stylist and fashion educator, joins Rachelle and Candice to discuss TikTok Shop, the new in-app purchasing feature. They explore the impact on small businesses, the disingenuous commercial nature of the platform, and concerns about its ethical rollout. The chapter also compares TikTok Shop to Instagram's shopping experience.
TikTok Shop has become overcrowded with merchants and ads, ruining the app's appeal for users.
TikTok Shop lacks trust and authenticity, with cases of stolen videos and deceptive marketing practices.
Deep dives
Reality TV Culture: Cancelled Wedding Drama
In the podcast episode, the hosts discuss the recent news about Lindsay Hubbard and Carl Radke, two housemates from the reality TV show Summer House, canceling their wedding. The hosts speculate if it's another scandal and mention that cameras were present, meaning viewers will get to see more details in the upcoming season. This topic is part of the larger conversation about the culture of reality TV.
The Best Bachelorette Season Ever
The hosts praise the most recent season of the Bachelorette as the best in recent memory. They credit the departure of the franchise's creator, Mike Fleiss, and a return to the show's original format for its success. They highlight the diversity of the final four contestants, with three dark-skinned black men making it to the end, which they describe as a significant moment in the show's history. They discuss the genuine drama and emotions in the season, particularly a raw breakup that felt authentic and compelling.
The Heartbreak and Hope of the Bachelorette Finale
The hosts delve into the finale of the Bachelorette, where the final two contestants were Joey and Dotten. They reveal that it was evident throughout the season that Dotten would be the winner, but charity's love for Joey was also apparent. They describe how emotional it was to witness Joey's heartbreak as he professes his respect and support for charity, leading to the revelation that Joey will be the next Bachelor. The hosts express their excitement for the future of the franchise, as it takes a new direction with a diverse lead.
TikTok Shop: The Dark Side of Influencer Marketing
The hosts discuss the introduction of TikTok Shop and its impact on the platform. They express their disappointment and frustration with the overwhelming presence of ads and product promotion in TikTok videos. They highlight instances of small businesses facing challenges due to the three-day shipping requirement, hidden fees, and delayed payouts. They also uncover cases of stolen videos and deceptive marketing practices, where knockoff products are sold using videos from genuine creators. The hosts critique the lack of trust and authenticity in TikTok Shop, contrasting it with the more transparent and trustworthy approach seen on other social media platforms.
On today’s episode, Rachelle and Candice are joined by sustainable stylist and fashion educator Lakyn Carlton to discuss TikTok Shop — a new feature that lets users purchase products without ever leaving the app. TikTok Shop is a modern day QVC, where merchants can shell products they’ve made — or are authorized to resell — in live videos with products tagged on screen. In the age of Amazon Storefronts and Etsy, it’s not surprising for TikTok to enter the e-commerce space. But the crowded, merchant-filled experience has ruined the app’s appeal and made users consider quitting TikTok for good.
This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton.