TikTok isn’t just a platform for viral dances and quirky trends—it’s a $120 billion social commerce opportunity by 2025. For resellers, this means a goldmine of potential customers, especially Gen Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z spends an average of 97 minutes daily on TikTok, making it their top app for social interaction—and shopping. But cracking this market isn’t easy. Gen Z can sniff out inauthenticity faster than a TikTok sound gets remixed. They demand realness, value alignment, and content that feels personal, not pushy.
1. Know Your Audience: Why Gen Z Doesn’t Play Games
Gen Z isn’t interested in flashy sales pitches. They prioritize authenticity over polish, preferring behind-the-scenes clips or raw product demos to high-budget ads. According to The Age NZ, 72% of Gen Z users follow brands that “keep it real,” while the Financial Times notes this generation’s knack for spotting “fake engagement” from a mile away.
Translation for resellers: Drop the corporate lingo. Show your personality. Share unedited videos of you unboxing new arrivals, styling outfits, or even fumbling a setup once in a while. Gen Z connects with struggle sessions as much as successes.
Example:A reseller once shared a video titled “Day 1 of My Reselling Trybe Box—Let’s See If I Can Sell This Mess.” The video garnered 50K likes because it was relatable, not perfect.
2. Trending Sounds: Your Secret Weapon for Algorithm Love
On TikTok, music isn’t background noise—it’s the backbone of content discovery. Using a trending sound can boost engagement by 58%, according to The Age NZ. TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes sounds with high resonance, pushing them to more For You Pages.
- Find viral sounds on TikTok’s Discover page or tools like TrendTok. Look for tracks with 100K+ uses but aren’t oversaturated.
- Repurpose sounds cleverly. For example, use a viral lo-fi beat for a calming “unboxing my vintage finds” video or pair a catchy pop remix with a “5 ways to style this thrifted sweater” clip.
- Avoid dead-end sounds. If a track is already overused (think 1M+ duets), even 10x edits won’t save your video.
Pro tip: Add your own twist. TikTok rewards creativity within trends.
3. Hashtags: Not Just Keywords—They’re Community Gates
TikTok treats hashtags as navigation tools, not just keywords. Videos with 3–5 relevant hashtags perform 55% better The Age NZ. But unlike Instagram, TikTok’s hashtag ecosystem is tighter, with smaller, niche tags often performing better.
- Mix high-volume hashtags (e.g., #ResellingTips, #TikTokSaysYoureRich) for reach.
- Add niche tags (e.g., #Y2KVintage, #ThriftingWithPurpose) to connect with micro-communities.
- Avoid spamming. Overloading videos with 20+ hashtags looks desperate.
Example: When selling a vintage denim jacket, use #VintageStyle + #GenZFashion + #SecondhandSzn. This blends broad reach with specific interest.
4. User-Generated Content (UGC): Let Your Customers Do the Talking
Gen Z trusts other Gen Z-ers more than polished influencers. Popular Pays reports that UGC campaigns (like asking customers to tag your brand in their outfit posts) can double engagement.
- Create a branded hashtag. Run a contest with a prize (e.g., “Tag #MyVintageRevivalLook for a chance to win $50!”).
- Repost customer content. Comment on their post to show appreciation: “This style slaps! Thanks for supporting!”
- Collaborate on projects. Invite followers to design a TikTok transition using your product—they’ll share it twice if they feel involved.
5. Micro-Influencers: Better Than Brand Deal Burnouts
Gen Z isn’t impressed by celebrities. Instead, they follow micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) who speak directly to their niche. Ricky Spears explains that micro-influencers often command 2x higher engagement than big names.
- Prioritize alignment over reach. A creator who lives in your brand’s lane (e.g., a thrift-flipper if you sell vintage denim) will convert better than a random beauty guru.
- Offer long-term partnerships. Instead of one-off promo codes, collaborate on a series—“3 Weeks of Outfit Inspo” with your products. This builds genuine loyalty.
6. Community First: Turn Followers Into a Tribe
Gen Z shops for more than products—they buy into communities. Socialwick notes that brands that reply to every comment and reshare user content grow 3x faster.
- Go live during peak times. Host Q&As, styling sessions, or “rate my finds” sessions at 7–9 PM on weekdays and 10–11 AM on weekends The Age NZ.
- Poll them constantly. “Drop a 🧶 if you want more cozy knit content!” keeps followers engaged.
- Acknowledge negativity. Respond to constructive criticism with openness: “You’re right—this size chart needs work. Let me fix it!”
7. TikTok Shop: Why You Need It (And How to Use It)
Skip the link in bio—TikTok Shop lets shoppers buy directly from your video. Halcon Marketing reports that in-app checkouts reduce cart abandonment by 40%.
- Tag products in videos and Lives. Users can click to buy without leaving the app.
- Use limited-time offers. “Last 3 left—20% off till midnight!” works because Gen Z hates missing out (a phenomenon known as FOMO).
- Optimize product descriptions. Use Gen Z lingo: “Vibe-check approved 🦸♀️” or “Wear this to the next house party or return it—no stress.”
8. Authentic Content: How to Make Them Care
Gen Z won’t buy unless they see the real value. Shopify highlights that behind-the-scenes content (e.g., how you source unique items or prep products for shipping) can increase trust by 30%.
- Day-in-the-life: “This morning’s haul was $50 of Y2K gold ✨”
- Product demos: “Let’s see if my $200 Shein fake really works…”
- Haul reactions: Unbox items and admit when you hate them. Honesty goes a long way.
9. Stay Ahead: Master the TikTok Trends Life Cycle
Trends on TikTok have a lifespan of 72 hours. If you’re late, you’re toast. The Age NZ advises checking the Discover page hourly to catch rising sounds, effects, or challenges.
- Quick remixes. If a “3 ways to style this sweater” trend pops, repurpose it with your item in 24 hours.
- Create your own. Start a challenge like “Tag a friend who needs this dress,” then duet to seed it.
- Leverage TikTok trends lists. Tools like Tokboard or TrendTok track top sounds in your niche.
10. Values Matter: Sustainability Isn’t a Buzzword Anymore
Gen Z will spend $26B on secondhand goods in 2025 Popular Pays. Resellers have an edge here—emphasize sustainability without sounding preachy.
- Explain why you resell. “I thrift clothes because I’m anti-waste—and I love scoring gems for $5 😌”
- Share stats. “Buying secondhand saves 700 gallons of water per denim pair!”
- Donate profits. “I’m giving 5% of October sales to climate nonprofits—here’s why.”
11. Timing Is Everything: Post When Gen Z Is Awake (And Bored)
Peak hours aren’t arbitrary. According to The Age NZ, evenings (7–9 PM) and weekends (10 AM–4 PM) are when Gen Z is most engaged.
- Mondays/Wednesdays: Drop tutorials (e.g., “How to style vintage boots without looking dated”).
- Weekends: Share hauls and outfit ideas.
Bonus: If you post on a weekday afternoon, add text overlays like “Save for later” to target users who’ll check it after work.
12. Interactive Features: Why Polls Beat Static Posts
TikTok’s poll stickers, quizzes, and Live shopping features create “moments of choice,” which Gen Z eats up Halcon Marketing.
- Product polls: “Which jacket color should I stock next? Blue vs. Black?”
- Q&As: “Ask me anything about reselling in the comments! Live tomorrow at 8!”
- Live shopping: “Comment ‘GIFT’ for this 20% off code—it’ll be gone in 10 mins!”
Conclusion: Win at TikTok by Thinking Like Gen Z
In 2025, reselling on TikTok isn’t about spamming links or copying trends—it’s about building a relationship. Gen Z wants to feel seen, valued, and entertained. By mixing platform-specific tools (trending sounds, UGC, shopping tags) with raw, honest content, you’ll create a brand that stands out.
And don’t forget: the best strategies evolve. Check TikTok’s trends daily, listen to fans, and be willing to pivot. Gen Z rewards the adaptable. Post consistently. Stay fresh. Above all? Be yourself—fake it and they’ll roast you for it.
