TikTok isn’t just for trending sounds anymore—it’s now a way to fund your business. Thanks to a new partnership with GoTyme Bank, selected TikTok Shop sellers in the Philippines can now get quick, flexible loans based on how well their store performs. If you’re a seller (or thinking of becoming one), here’s what this means for you:
1. It Solves a Real Problem for MSMEs
Accessing business capital remains one of the biggest challenges for micro and small enterprises in the Philippines. Traditional lenders often require extensive paperwork, long credit histories, and collateral—requirements many digital sellers can’t meet. The TikTok Shop Loan program changes that by offering financing based on real-time seller performance. As Albert Tinio, Co-CEO of GoTyme Bank, pointed out, MSMEs are the backbone of the economy and need financial tools that are “thoughtfully designed around their needs," not systems built for larger enterprises. With pre-qualification based on TikTok data and disbursement completed in just one business day, the program removes many of the usual barriers.
2. TikTok Filters, GoTyme Funds
In this partnership, TikTok does more than just provide a platform—it acts as a first layer of vetting. High-performing sellers are identified based on their sales and engagement data. From there, GoTyme Bank handles underwriting, assessing creditworthiness and offering terms that reflect business potential. Nate Clarke, CEO of GoTyme, emphasized that the more active sellers are on TikTok Shop, the better their loan terms become—a structure that rewards platform engagement and growth. This data-driven approach allows for faster decision-making while minimizing risk for the lender.
3. Flexible Terms Fit for Digital Sellers
The program’s flexibility is one of its strongest assets. Sellers can choose loan terms between 3 and 12 months, with interest rates typically starting at 1.5% and going up to 2.5%, depending on risk profile and transaction history. Repayments are handled digitally (through bank transfers or QRPh) and can be customized to suit individual business needs. According to Tinio, the product is intentionally personalized, offering sellers the freedom to align financing with their actual growth goals, whether that’s restocking inventory or investing in equipment.
4. Small Launch, Ambitious Scale
While the program launched with just 16 merchants, this was by design. Both TikTok and GoTyme are prioritizing careful observation and iterative improvements over a mass rollout. But make no mistake—their ambition is large. Clarke noted that they’re aiming to scale to 20% of the TikTok Shop seller base by the end of the year, provided early feedback and performance are strong. Starting small allows both teams to fine-tune everything from loan disbursement to repayment processes, ensuring the experience is smooth before scaling up.
5. It’s a Step Toward Financial Inclusion
Beyond capital, the program signals a deeper shift toward inclusion in the digital economy. Many TikTok sellers operate outside traditional banking channels and have limited access to formal credit. Tinio stressed that this product is about making sure these entrepreneurs aren’t left behind, that they too can access growth capital, build financial credibility, and be recognized for their contribution to the economy. It's a model built on meeting entrepreneurs where they already are online, mobile-first, and ready to grow.
Bonus: TikTok’s Bigger Commerce Play Is Just Beginning
While this is TikTok’s first loan product in the Philippines, similar programs are already live in markets like Thailand and Indonesia. Combined with features like in-app checkout, live selling, and the growing Shop tab, TikTok is clearly moving beyond content into a full-scale commerce engine. This loan program is just one piece of a larger strategy to empower creators and sellers alike.