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i bought every weird ad on tik tok to see if it's a scam

Gaming

Introduction

I recently decided to explore the world of TikTok shopping. For the last few months, I had been buying everything I came across in ads on the popular social media platform. TikTok has become the modern equivalent of QVC, where creators advertise and sell a variety of products, often with engaging skits and persuasive pitches. Instead of shunning these ads, I aimed to review each product honestly, showcasing the genuine experiences and truths behind these purchases.

The Experiment

In my latest livestream, I took viewers along as I reviewed a series of items sourced from TikTok Shop. I wanted to evaluate not just the products themselves but also how effectively they were marketed. Each item came with its corresponding TikTok advertisement, capturing the essence of what drew me into buying them in the first place.

The Reviews

  1. Chalant T-Shirt

    • TikTok Marketing: The shirt was presented humorously as a symbol of improved attitude.
    • Price: $ 25
    • Review: While I loved the design, the quality was subpar—basic Gildan T-shirt material. Verdict: C Tier.

  2. Canvas Painting

    • TikTok Marketing: A creative twist on a classic painting, reimagined with comedic elements.
    • Price: $ 170
    • Review: Beautifully done, I appreciated the artistry and the reference. Verdict: A Tier.

  3. Korean Sunscreen

    • TikTok Marketing: Promoted heavily, claiming to offer superior protection and a non-sticky feel.
    • Price: $ 20
    • Review: It performed well, but was not drastically different from American sunscreens. Verdict: B Tier.

  4. Freeze-Dried Skittles

    • TikTok Marketing: Marketed as the ultimate candy twist.
    • Price: Less than $ 10
    • Review: Good, but not life-changing. Nostalgically sweet but lacked the chewiness of the original Skittles. Verdict: C Tier.

  5. Rose Bear

    • TikTok Marketing: Sold as an adorable gift option.
    • Price: $ 30
    • Review: A cheap-looking product that failed to impress—more of a novelty than a meaningful gift. Verdict: F Tier.

  6. Nut Milk Maker

    • TikTok Marketing: Ad touted it as the best method to make fresh nut milk.
    • Price: $ 70
    • Review: It worked but was just a fancier blender—overpriced for what it offers. Verdict: C Tier.

  7. Nutella Trick

    • TikTok Marketing: Claimed you could use the lid of Nutella to stamp its logo.
    • Price: N/A
    • Review: Failed due to a lack of two jars needed; obviously a gimmicky scam. Verdict: F Tier.

  8. Functional Chewing Gum

    • TikTok Marketing: Promoted as a healthier alternative to standard chewing gum.
    • Price: $ 18 for 2 packs
    • Review: Lost flavor quickly and felt overpriced. Verdict: C Tier.

  9. Bidet

    • TikTok Marketing: Marketed humorously with the significant benefits of using a bidet.
    • Price: Varies (My own brand was featured)
    • Review: A must-have for comfort and cleanliness. Verdict: SSS Tier (My own product).

  10. Sea Salt Spray

    • TikTok Marketing: Targeted towards men for achieving that beach hair look.
    • Price: $ 19
    • Review: While not a scam, it was pricey for something simple. Verdict: B Tier.

  11. Sud Scrub Face Scrubber

    • TikTok Marketing: Pushed as an essential tool for thorough skin cleansing.
    • Price: $ 20
    • Review: Enjoyable to use, though slightly overpriced. Verdict: C Tier.

  12. Neck Fan

    • TikTok Marketing: Showcased as the ultimate portable cooling device.
    • Price: Reasonable
    • Review: Effective for outdoor activities. Verdict: A Tier.

The Conclusion

Overall, while some items turned out to be genuinely useful or entertaining, a significant number of TikTok Shop products felt like traditional dropshipping ploys—overpriced for what they deliver. The marketing often oversold the features while the products themselves ranged from creative to questionable. A notable takeaway from this endeavor is to remain cautious while shopping on platforms driven by social media trends.

Keyword

TikTok, ads, product reviews, marketing, shopping, sunscreen, sea salt spray, freeze-dried Skittles, functional gum, bidet, nut milk maker, gifts.

FAQ

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is a feature on the TikTok platform where creators can promote and sell various products directly to viewers.

Why did you decide to try all the ads?

I wanted to see if the products lived up to the marketing claims and to determine whether they provide genuine value or if they are primarily scams.

How did you determine the tier rankings for each product?

I assessed each item based on quality, value for money, and how well they performed according to their claims, assigning a grade from F to SSS tier.

Were any of the products a scam?

Most of the products were not outright scams but were often overpriced with marketing that exaggerated their benefits. I did find a couple of items that were gimmicky and underwhelming, leading to lower rankings.

Would you recommend shopping from TikTok Shop?

Approach TikTok Shop carefully. While some products are worth the buy, many are simply marketed with great appeal but lack substance, and thus, it pays to be discerning.