Glossary/Retail Media & Commerce/Social Commerce
Retail Media & Commerce
Social Commerce
Buying products directly within social platforms such as TikTok Shop or Instagram.
By Brandon Mina·CEO, BrandPilot AI·Updated November 2026
Short answer
Social commerce is buying products directly within social media platforms, such as TikTok Shop or Instagram, without leaving the app. It combines discovery through creators, posts, and live streams with integrated checkout. The model shortens the path from inspiration to purchase and lets brands turn social engagement directly into measurable sales.