TikTok for beauty brands: How to engage and convert with TikTok and beauty AI

Imagine a single app influencing billions of dollars in consumer spending and revolutionizing an entire industry.

Welcome to TikTok, where the intersection of short-form video content and cutting-edge technology is reshaping how beauty brands connect with their audience.

With 4.7 billion downloads and annual consumer spending hitting $3.84 billion, TikTok is where beauty brands must be to capture consumers, especially the Gen Z market.

In this article, discover how leveraging TikTok’s cutting-edge AI and AR technologies can revolutionize your marketing strategy, drive engagement, and boost sales.

The rise of TikTok and its impact on the beauty industry

Since its launch, TikTok has experienced explosive growth, becoming one of the most popular social media platforms globally. TikTok’s unique blend of short-form, engaging content has captivated audiences, especially Gen Z, who are drawn to its authentic and dynamic nature.

• As of 2023, TikTok boasts over 1.7 billion users and has been downloaded 4.7 billion times worldwide.
• In the last quarter of 2023 alone, the app saw 232 million downloads.
• This rapid ascent is mirrored by significant consumer spending on the platform, amounting to $3.84 billion annually. 

This surge in popularity has had a profound impact on the beauty industry. TikTok has become the primary platform for discovering beauty products and trends, with 39.5% of Gen Z consumers using it for this purpose.

The platform’s influence is reflected in the purchasing behaviors of its users, as evidenced by Kyra’s Gen Z state of beauty report:

• Gen Z shows a high frequency of makeup purchases, with 38.8% buying monthly and 24.3% every two months.
• Additionally, 77% of this demographic state that social trends significantly influence their makeup looks.
• 75% are very likely to convert if a brand engages with trending content on social media.

These statistics underscore TikTok’s pivotal role in shaping beauty trends and driving sales, highlighting the need for beauty brands to adopt real-time, engaging content models to resonate with this audience.

TikTok beauty trends to watch

TikTok is a trend-driven platform where trends change rapidly. This means that your beauty brand must stay updated with the latest trends and be ready to adapt your strategies accordingly.

Why? Because monitoring trends helps you identify new opportunities for engagement and content creation. 

Here are some of the key trends relevant to the beauty industry:

1. Face filters and virtual try-ons. Filters that allow users to virtually try on different makeup looks are incredibly popular. Brands can create their own filters to showcase their products in a fun and engaging way.
2. #BeautyTok. This content category is a treasure trove for beauty enthusiasts. From skincare routines to makeup tutorials, #BeautyTok encompasses a wide range of beauty-related content. Brands can collaborate with influencers to create content under this hashtag to reach a wider audience.
3. “Get Ready With Me” (#GRWM) videos. These videos are immensely popular on TikTok. Creators often use these videos to recommend products and demonstrate how to use them. By incorporating beauty tech solutions like filters, brands can enhance these videos and make them more interactive. Arbelle’s virtual try-on technology can be featured in these videos, as well, to show how products look in real time.

Leveraging TikTok for beauty brands: Tips, tricks, and strategies

To effectively use TikTok to grow your beauty brand, it’s essential to understand the platform’s unique dynamics and the role of AI and AR technologies.

Here are several strategies to harness TikTok for beauty brands, ensuring you maximize your reach and engagement.

1. Create engaging content

Content is king on TikTok. You should focus on creating visually appealing, informative, and entertaining videos that showcase your products. Use trending music, hashtags, and challenges to increase visibility.

Engage with your audience by participating in popular trends and creating original content that resonates with TikTok’s culture. For instance, “Get Ready With Me” (#GRWM) videos are a popular format where influencers and users demonstrate makeup routines, often recommending products in the process.

And to top it all off, by integrating AI and AR solutions, you can enhance these videos with virtual try-ons and personalized product recommendations, making the content more interactive and engaging.

2. Utilize AI and AR technologies

• Virtual try-ons allow users to see how different makeup products will look on their skin before purchasing, reducing uncertainty and increasing purchase confidence. 
• Moreover, our AI-powered shade finder can analyze customers’ skin tones and find the ideal product shades based on their preferences and skin tones, making the shopping experience highly personalized and convenient.
• In addition, AI can analyze user preferences and behavior to recommend products tailored to individual needs. This level of personalization significantly increases the likelihood of purchase, as users feel the products are specifically suited for them. 
• Beauty brands can create a custom TikTok AI beauty filter that users can apply in their videos. These filters not only promote the brand but also allow users to experience the products virtually, enhancing brand exposure and engagement.

3. Collaborate with influencers

Influencers are pivotal in driving trends on TikTok. Partnering with influencers who align with your brand values and aesthetics can significantly boost your brand’s credibility and reach.

Influencers can demonstrate your products in action, provide honest reviews, and create engaging content that their followers trust. According to Kyra’s Gen Z State of Beauty report, 75% of Gen Z consumers are very likely to convert if a brand engages with trending content on social media.

So, by collaborating with the right influencers, beauty brands can tap into this conversion potential and build a loyal customer base.

5. Engage with your audience

Engagement is crucial on TikTok. Respond to comments, participate in duets, and create content that encourages user interaction.

By actively engaging with your audience, you can build a community around your brand and foster loyalty. Additionally, leveraging TikTok’s live streaming feature can provide real-time interaction with followers, offering product demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and exclusive announcements.

6. Analyze performance and iterate

Regularly analyzing the performance of your TikTok content is essential for refining your strategy. Use TikTok’s analytics tools to track key metrics such as views, likes, shares, and engagement rates. 

Understanding what works and what doesn’t, allows you to make data-driven decisions, optimizing your content for better results. Incorporating feedback from your audience can also help in improving your approach and staying relevant.

Stay ahead with TikTok and beauty AI

TikTok, with its massive user base and innovative features, is a goldmine for beauty brands.

By focusing on these strategies and utilizing the advanced technologies available, beauty brands can not only stay ahead of the competition but also create a lasting impact on their target audience.

TikTok for beauty brands is not just a trend; it’s a transformative opportunity to connect with the next generation of beauty enthusiasts and drive meaningful growth. Embrace the power of TikTok and Arbelle’s AI and AR solutions to elevate your brand and thrive in the digital age.

Contact us today and we’ll help!