From TikTok shops to AI-powered carts, here’s what’s trending

E-commerce in 2025 is serving up some serious glow-ups-and if you’re not watching closely, you might miss the moves that are already changing the game.

Let’s talk about TikTok shops. Once just a dancing-and-memes platform, it’s now a full-on sales machine. Brands are using viral videos to link directly to in-app checkouts. If it’s scrollable, it’s shoppable. And this trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Next up? AI-powered carts. We’re not talking basic suggestions. We’re seeing real-time, behavior-based bundles, dynamic pricing, and ultra-personalized recommendations. Think Spotify Wrapped, but for your favorite skincare haul.

The checkout process is also going frictionless. One-click orders, Apple Pay integration, buy-now-pay-later options-they’re all becoming must-haves. If your checkout still feels like a form, your bounce rate is probably hurting.

And here’s a fun one: loyalty is going digital-native. From reward NFTs to gamified referral systems, e-commerce loyalty is taking cues from mobile gaming and crypto. Buyers want more than points-they want exclusive drops, early access, and community cred.

Social proof still reigns supreme, but now it’s coming in the form of live reviews, influencer-curated collections, and real-time customer videos. Gen Z doesn’t just want to see the product-they want to see how it moves, wears, and compares live.

Behind the scenes, automation is the secret sauce. From scheduling content to syncing inventory across channels, the best-performing brands are using automation not just to save time, but to scale smartly. It’s not flashy, but it’s essential.

If you’re in e-com and not experimenting with at least one new channel or tool every quarter, you’re probably already behind. Trends are moving fast, but the tools to catch up have never been easier to access.

Also Read: Trending now: ai isn’t replacing you, but it might replace the way you work

So what’s hot right now? Streamlined UX, platform-native shops, AI assistants, and checkout speed. What’s fading? Clunky emails, generic product listings, and anything that feels like a chore.

E-commerce in 2025 is all about vibe, value, and velocity. If your shop can deliver all three, you’re not just part of the trend-you’re setting it.