How to Find Winning Products with TikTok Ads?

TikTok's global monthly active users have exceeded 1.5 billion, spanning over 150 countries and regions. With an average daily usage time of more than 90 minutes, it demonstrates remarkable appeal and user engagement. Through TikTok, we can uncover where people's attention lies, identify hidden product demands, and seize opportunities to generate profit.

Why TikTok Is a Gold Mine for Product Research

TikTok has revolutionized how products go viral and how consumers discover new items. Several factors make it an exceptional platform for product research:

• Authentic Content: TikTok's content feels more genuine and less polished than other platforms
• Algorithm Efficiency: TikTok's algorithm quickly identifies and promotes content that resonates with users
• Diverse Demographics: While initially popular with Gen Z, TikTok now attracts users across all age groups
• High Engagement: Users spend significantly more time on TikTok compared to other social media platforms

Methods for Finding Winning Products on TikTok

Method 1: Analyze TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is the platform's integrated e-commerce solution that allows users to purchase products without leaving the app.

Steps to Research:

1. Open TikTok and navigate to the "Shop" tab
2. Browse through trending categories and best-selling products
3. Pay attention to products with high engagement (likes, comments, shares)
4. Look for products that solve common problems or have a "wow factor"
5. Check the number of orders and reviews to gauge popularity

What to Look For: Products with high engagement rates, positive reviews, and multiple sellers (indicating market demand).

Method 2: Track TikTok Hashtags

Hashtags are powerful indicators of trending topics and products on TikTok.

Key Hashtags to Follow:

• #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt
• #AmazonFinds
• #SmallBusinessCheck
• #ProductReview
• #FoundItOnAmazon
• #DidntKnowINeededThat

Research Process:

1. Search for these hashtags in TikTok's search bar
2. Sort results by "Top" or "Recent" depending on your research goals
3. Save videos featuring interesting products
4. Track engagement metrics (views, likes, comments) over time
5. Look for patterns in the types of products gaining traction

Method 3: Analyze TikTok Ads

Studying successful TikTok ads can provide insights into what products are currently profitable.

How to Find and Analyze Ads:

1. Create a separate TikTok account specifically for ad research
2. Engage with e-commerce content to train the algorithm to show you more ads
3. When you see ads, save them to a collection for later analysis
4. Check the comments section to gauge consumer interest
5. Use TikTok's "Why am I seeing this ad?" feature to understand targeting

Key Metrics to Track:

• Comment sentiment (positive vs. negative)
• Frequency of the ad (how often you see it)
• Ad longevity (how long the campaign runs)
• Click-through indicators in comments ("I just bought this")

Method 4: Follow TikTok Influencers

Influencers often showcase new and trending products before they hit mainstream popularity.

Types of Influencers to Follow:

• Product reviewers
• Niche-specific content creators
• "Haul" creators who regularly showcase new purchases
• Lifestyle influencers who integrate products into daily routines

Research Approach:

1. Identify 10-15 influencers in your target niche
2. Follow their content consistently
3. Note which products generate the most engagement
4. Look for products that appear across multiple influencers' content

Evaluating Product Potential

Once you've identified potential winning products on TikTok, evaluate them against these criteria:

1. Problem-Solving Capacity

The best products solve a clear problem or fulfill a specific need. Products that make viewers think "I need this!" tend to perform well.

2. Visual Appeal

Products that demonstrate well visually are ideal for TikTok marketing. Look for items with a clear "before and after" effect or a surprising function.

3. Profit Margin

Calculate potential profit margins by researching wholesale costs and comparing them to the retail prices seen in successful TikTok ads.

4. Market Saturation

Check if the market is already saturated by searching for the product on Google, Amazon, and other e-commerce platforms.

Case Study: TikTok Product Success Stories

The Cloud Slide Phenomenon

Cloud slides (ultra-soft, pillow-like sandals) went viral on TikTok in 2022, with videos using the hashtag #cloudslides generating millions of views. Dropshippers who identified this trend early were able to achieve profit margins of 70-80% before the market became saturated.

The Car Cleaning Putty

A simple cleaning putty designed to remove dust from car vents became a viral sensation after TikTok users began showcasing its satisfying cleaning results. The product cost approximately $2 to source but sold for $15-20 during its peak popularity.

Implementation Strategy

After identifying potential winning products, follow these steps to capitalize on your findings:

1. Verify Demand: Cross-reference TikTok trends with search volume data from tools like Google Trends
2. Source the Product: Find reliable suppliers who can provide quality versions of the product
3. Test Marketing: Create TikTok-style ads that mimic the organic content that made the product popular
4. Optimize Based on Data: Monitor performance metrics and refine your marketing approach

Conclusion

TikTok has emerged as one of the most valuable platforms for product research in the e-commerce space. By systematically analyzing TikTok Shop, tracking relevant hashtags, studying successful ads, and following influential content creators, you can identify products with significant profit potential before they reach peak popularity.

Remember that the TikTok landscape evolves rapidly, so continuous research and adaptation are essential. The most successful dropshippers don't just find one winning product—they develop a consistent system for identifying new opportunities as trends emerge and fade.

"On TikTok, today's obscure product can become tomorrow's must-have item. The key is recognizing the pattern before everyone else does."

By leveraging TikTok's massive user base and highly engaged community, you can gain invaluable insights into consumer preferences and emerging product trends—giving your dropshipping business a significant competitive advantage.