TikTok has introduced a new livestream commerce feature called “Countdown Bidding”, allowing selected sellers to run live auctions within TikTok Live sessions. The tool brings an eBay-style auction mechanism into the platform’s growing e-commerce ecosystem, aiming to drive engagement and competition among viewers in real time.
According to TikTok, the feature requires sellers to create dedicated listings for items marked as “auction only,” meaning they cannot be added to a shopping cart. Sellers must include detailed descriptions, especially for collectibles and pre-owned luxury goods, the only categories currently eligible for the auction format. Once the product is listed, sellers can enable the auction during a livestream, setting a starting bid and a time limit. Bids submitted by viewers are visible to everyone, and the item goes to the highest bidder at the close of the auction.
In addition to launching Countdown Bidding, TikTok has also raised its in-app sales cap from $7,600 to $13,000 to accommodate high-value transactions, particularly in the luxury segment. The updates are part of the platform’s broader strategy to grow its livestream shopping offerings and convert its vast user base into active consumers.
As expcted, this is yet another piece of TikTok’s rapid and constant focus on eCommerce, something that has already resulted in multiple new tools and feature updates this year alone. As an aside, the company is also expanding into health-related product categories and running seasonal promotions in the UK to drive further adoption, breaking into new markets as these new features and tools continue to improve the seller experience.
