Turning Travel Inspirations from TikTok into Reservations on Booking.com

In a significant move, TikTok has introduced a new feature called TikTok Go, a creator monetization program that allows local merchants, including hotels, to pay influencers commissions or offer vouchers for promoting their businesses. This development marks a significant step in social media platforms monetizing travel content.

TikTok Go provides a platform where creator suggestions are directly bookable. Creators, with at least 1,000 followers, who are 18 or older and have accounts in good standing, can participate in the program. They can set their location and view available tasks from hotels and other venues such as restaurants, earning commissions by driving sales through promotional content.

Amanda Dishman, a travel creator who runs family blog Salty Vagabonds, welcomes the accessibility of TikTok Go's commission opportunities. This week, she gained access to the program.

The integration enables users to book available rooms at specific hotels by entering check-in and check-out dates. Each hotel has a dedicated landing page on TikTok with prices, amenities, reviews, local activities, and related TikTok videos. Users can tag hotels in their own videos, increasing property visibility on the platform.

TikTok Go aims to address frustrations within both travel planning and creator monetization. It offers a free and accessible alternative to membership-based travel clubs or paywall-protected recommendation services. In fact, Curated Spaces, a London startup, has combined the creator economy with travel bookings, allowing influencers to curate and earn from independent accommodation recommendations.

While commissions from expensive purchases like hotel stays may occur less frequently compared to cheaper items like clothing and accessories, TikTok Go presents a potential new revenue stream for travel influencers.

However, the search results do not provide information about who developed the TikTok Go program that allows local merchants like hotels to pay influencers or issue activity vouchers. The company's previous partnerships with companies like Ticketmaster and Fandango for booking concert and movie tickets set a precedent for transaction capabilities within the app.

TikTok Go's transparency and fair rewards for influencer partners make it an attractive proposition for content creators looking to monetize their travel-related content. The platform offers a seamless integration of travel planning and social media, making it easier for users to book their next holiday directly through the app.