# Gen Z-Targeting TikTok Tools American Express & TikTok Launch the '#ShopSmall Accelerator' Program By Niko Pajkovic | Published 2022-11-14 | Social Media Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shopsmall-accelerator References: [pymnts](https://www.pymnts.com/news/ecommerce/2022/american-express-taps-tiktok-to-reach-gen-z-shoppers/) & [americanexpress](https://www.americanexpress.com/en-ca/)  [American Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restaurants-in-toronto) has partnered with social media giant [TikTok](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-local-by-tiktok-shop) to launch the '#ShopSmall Accelerator' program, which has been specifically designed to help small to medium sized businesses reach Gen Z consumers through the app. In addition, the new program is being launched in conjunction with the [AmEx](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charitable-loyalty-program)-sponsored holiday 'Small Business Saturday.' Through the program, business owners will learn how to leverage the social media platform as a search engine, increase user engagement, and benefit from trends, hashtags, and communities. Moreover, as part of the #ShopSmall Accelerator, there will be an opportunity for qualified small business owners to get a $100 TikTok advertising credit. “In addition, small business owners will be given access to tools and resources to think like TikTok creators, including a tutorial…on how their businesses can stand out on the platform,” said American Express. Image Credit: American Express ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 13% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Gen Z Engagement:** Small to medium sized businesses need to reach Gen Z consumers through TikTok to enhance customer engagement. - **Influencer Marketing:** The use of influencers on TikTok to market products and services has emerged as an innovative strategy for brands to generate leads and increase sales. - **User-generated Content:** The generation of user-generated content on TikTok can help brands grow their customer base by building brand loyalty and engagement. ### Where This Applies - **Marketing:** Marketing agencies can leverage TikTok's user engagement potential to promote their clients' products and services through engaging content. - **E-commerce:** E-Commerce businesses can benefit from the #ShopSmall Accelerator program's techniques to acquire and retain Gen Z customers on TikTok. - **Advertising:** Advertising agencies can incorporate TikTok into their clients' social media marketing strategies to reach new audiences and increase brand awareness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Social-First Local Shopping Schemes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-local-by-tiktok-shop.md) - [AR Shopping Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/door-to-shop-small.md) - [Social Media Tech Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kronos-advanced-technologies.md) - [Social E-Commerce Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktok-4.md) - [TikTok-Specific Creative Universities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creative-agency-partnerships-cap-university.md) - [Musical Back-to-School Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktok-soundon.md) - [Gen Z Advertising Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youtube-6.md) - [Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/claires-tiktok.md) - [TikTok Event Tickets Feature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ticketmaster.md)