
31 Jan Flip vs. TikTok: A Side-by-Side Analysis of Content and Social Commerce
Summary
What Is Flip?
The Search For the Best TikTok Alternative
Following the temporary TikTok ban this January, the platform’s 170 million active users based in the U.S. are looking for the next big platform to migrate to. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, has recently run several ads promoting its lifestyle photo-focused app Lemon8. Since Lemon8 as well as CapCut were impacted by the 14-hour blackout across U.S. servers, American users are eyeing platforms like Flip which are unaffiliated with TikTok’s parent company. Flip is a social commerce platform that integrates shopping, content creation, and product discovery into a seamless experience. With a focus on product reviews shared by “real” people, Flip is a social commerce trendsetter for brands and creators to keep a close eye on.
Flip’s Mission
Jonathan Ellman and Noor Agha founded Flip in 2019 with the mission to curate an innovative platform that merges “TikTok-like” engagement with premium e-commerce. In an interview with Forbes, Flip CEO Noor Agha was determined to identify the proper patterns between product logistics and UGC, aka user-generated content, in a never-before-seen method. Sharing honest reviews from real customers would be critical for the platform’s success, so Agha and Ellman teamed up to introduce a new method for content creation in which users could share video reviews and promotional content only after receiving their product purchased in-app, ensuring the integrity and validity of user reviews. The duo spent more than two years perfecting this model with an initial focus on the beauty industry and officially launched the platform in 2021. “The hardest thing in the world to do is make an app ecosystem,” Agha told Forbes. “But the staging of the supply chain definitely has made that very achievable, and we figured out that path,” he added, noting how he leveraged his extensive experience in digital and content marketing to support downloads for Flip. Today, Flip has grown into a thriving marketplace with millions of active users and expanded product categories including Kitchen and Homewares, Food, Beverages, Electronics, and more.
Key Flip U.S. Statistics
- According to a recent report from TechCrunch, Flip saw 580,000 downloads in January which some may accredit to its series of ad placements leading up to and following the U.S. TikTok ban.
- Flip reports that it is currently gaining approximately 250,000 new users daily, with people spending an average of 35 minutes in the app every day.
- Agha previously shared that Flip garnered over 2 million active users in just 18 months since the app launched in late 2021 and that creators were earning up to $5,000 per month on the platform in 2023.
- According to a July 2024 report from Forbes, Flip has been downloaded by 5 million users and features more than 5,000 brands.
- Additionally, Forbes reports that 60-65% of Flip’s users are aged 25 to 45, with the fastest-growing segment being those 30 and younger.
Key Flip U.S. User Demographics
The following are some key Flip user demographic data per a report from Adobe:
- One in eight people in the U.S. uses Flip.
- 58% of U.S. users engage with the platform at least once a week.
- 30% of users reported saving over $100 between 2023 and 2024.
- 30% of users reported preferring to shop on Flip vs. TikTok, with 32% of millennials and 28% of Gen Z expressing this preference.
- Approximately 8% of Gen Z think that, as a whole, Flip has the potential to replace TikTok.
A majority (82%) of Americans feel that Flip’s shopping platform promotes impulse purchases.
Flip Features
Create and Earn
Share your authentic product-use experiences with Flip’s amazing community and get rewarded. Regardless of whether you’re an established influencer or just starting out, Flip is a great platform to create and earn.
Scroll, Earn, Discover, Shop
Flip offers a seamless experience where browsing, shopping, and earning rewards effortlessly come together. Discover, shop, and review trending products all in one place!
Real Reviews, Real People
Watch genuine video reviews of products from verified users that entertain, educate, and inspire. Make the best purchasing decisions with reviews created by real shoppers like you.
Community First
Flip is a platform that fosters trust and connection with its users, ensuring a dynamic space where shoppers, creators, and brands all benefit.
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How to Monetize on Flip
Flip Monetization Overview
Flip offers various monetization opportunities for creators big and small. Regardless of your following, all users are eligible for monetization via Flip’s three core monetization structures: product reviews, watch rewards, and invite coupons. Additional creator funds and exclusive offers are subject to creator account review and additional verification
Top Flip Monetization Opportunity: Product Reviews
Unlike being invited to collaborate with brands on other social platforms, Flip empowers its users to earn big by sharing authentic product reviews about their recent purchases. In order to share a product review, creators only need to follow three easy steps:
- Place an Order: Explore the Flip “Shop” tab to discover Trending Products For You, check out Mega Deals, and browse Flip’s vast library of product categories from Beauty to Outdoors. Place an order for your favorite products found in the “Shop” tab or via a video review on your Feed. Note that products not purchased on Flip cannot be reviewed.
- Review Your Purchase: Upon the arrival of your products, you will be prompted to review your purchase on Flip. These review videos will include affiliate links to your featured products so that your friends, followers, and new users can purchase them as well!
- Earn Real Cash: Creators can earn between 5% and 15% commissions per sale depending on the product and brand they review. According to Flip, creators can also earn an additional $15 to $25 for every 1,000 views on their review video within the first 30 days that it goes live. Cash out your earnings directly to your bank at any time or use them as Flip Credits in-app to shop, post, and continue to earn big.
Watch and Earn Rewards on Flip
Did you know that you can earn rewards just by scrolling on your Flip Feed? Flip users can earn $1.68 per every 10 videos they watch on their Flip Feeds which can be used as discounts on every order they make. Watch Rewards credits may be utilized for discounts between 30% to 70% off on your next purchase. Flip also notes that daily streaks can earn users $150 per month under the condition that they watch at least 10 videos a day. The more you scroll, the more you earn!
Invite Friends to Flip to Earn Cash
With so many monetization opportunities, why not share Flip with friends and earn cash together? Invite your friends to Flip and earn $100 or more for every sign-up. When your friends join via your invite, they will also receive a credit of $100 or more to their account to use towards their first purchase. Invite credits or coupons are valid for up to 80% off of purchases on Flip, and the credit reward amount may vary depending on your mutual friend count, as per Flip.
On the House: Flip’s “Frequent Flier” Program
If you frequently purchase and review products on Flip, then On the House is the perfect incentive program for you. Qualify for On the House in less than two minutes by watching over 150 videos in your Feed or posting your first video to start earning free products. Add free On the House products to each of your purchases on Flip and share reviews to ensure that you can add more On the House products to your next order. On the House operates on the following tier system:
- Silver Tier: Earns $0.50 in OTH credits for every $1 spent, lowest tier where all users start, unlocks after creating 1 video and watching 150 videos in 19 days.
- Gold Tier: Earns $1 in OTH credits for every $1 spent, unlocks after creating 5 videos and getting 2,000 views in 19 days.
- Platinum Tier: Earns $2.50 in OTH credits for every $1 spent, unlocks after creating 15 videos and getting 15,000 views in 19 days.
- Icon Tier: Earns $4 in OTH credits for every $1 spent, highest tier available, unlocks after creating 30 videos and getting 50,000 views in 19 days.
Introducing the Flip Founding Creators Fund
What is the Flip Founding Creators Fund?
Flip recently kickstarted its Founding Creators Fund which awards its creators with partnership grants that grow with Flip. According to Flip’s official announcement, the new creator program commits to grant up to $1M daily to creators for the first 30 days following its launch date of January 20, 2025. In total, the Flip Founding Creators Fund will reward eligible creators with $100M worth of equity. So why exactly did Flip launch this ground-breaking fund for creators in the days following TikTok’s shutdown? Flip stated that its commitment to recognizing and supporting its creators served as the motivation for establishing the fund. “We’re aligning our success with yours, giving you a vested interest in Flip’s growth,” Flip shared in its blog. “We believe creators should share in the value they help create. When Flip wins, you win.
How Does the Flip Founding Creators Fund Work?
In order to participate in the Flip Founding Creators Fund, creators must apply via Flip’s official application and be accepted. According to Flip, creator grants are directly tied to Flip’s growth, meaning that each eligible creator has a stake in the financial success of the platform. Flip modeled the following two examples of valuations and how they impacted creator earnings in its announcement:
- Valuation Increase: If Flip’s valuation increases by 10 times, a creator’s original $25,000 grant becomes $250,000.
- Valuation Decrease: If Flip’s valuation declines below its current value by 50%, a creator’s original $25,000 grant becomes $12,500.
Flip confirmed in its announcement that creator grant payouts will take place in the next 5 years. The Flip Founding Creators Leaderboard depicts the leading creator earners participating in the program including their grant amounts and the date they were granted. Additional information regarding payment structure and distribution is available via the Flip website.
Who is Eligible For the Flip Founding Creators Fund?
Creators interested in joining the Flip Founding Creators Fund must meet the following requirements to be eligible for application:
Flip Creator Requirements:
- Must be a Flip creator that shares unique content
- Minimum 4,000 followers on Flip
- 10+ Videos posted with “solid reach” → each video must have at least 3,000 views and must be posted within the last 30 days to be counted
New/Non-Flip Creator Requirements:
- 20,000+ TikTok Followers OR
- 20,000+ Instagram Followers OR
- 20,000+ YouTube Subscribers
In order to maintain eligibility once accepted, creators must fulfill the following criteria for the next 24 months or until the company is sold, if earlier:
- Must keep their Flip profile link in their external social media bios (6 months only)
- Must post on Flip 24 different days per month
- Publish a minimum of 24 posts per month on Flip
How Can I Apply For the Flip Founding Creators Fund?
Creators who fulfill the entry criteria for the Flip Founding Creators Fund may apply via the official application form. In the case that creators are rejected, they are welcome to reapply via the form once they satisfy the eligibility requirements and improve their overall engagement. Flip noted that content engagement factors including average watch time, shares, comments, and more are considered when reviewing creator applications in addition to authenticity. Criteria for the Flip Founding Creators Fund are subject to change, and Flip highly recommends that creators refer back to their website for necessary updates and FAQs.
Flip Reviews
Best Shopping App, @ironangel776
“I’ve been on Flip for a little over three weeks. It’s the best shopping app. It’s the best platform for content creators. It’s a great place to engage with others and build a great community of shopping and reviewing the items that you buy they make it really fun and exciting to make videos, and buy products and share them with others and also be able to make money off engagement and product reviews. I’ve left all the other platforms and I spent all my time on Flip.”
10 Days In, @48wwpinky
“Like every app it takes awhile to get used to. However I find this app very useful when seeing reviews from real people with their own opinions, honest opinions at that. It’s a few bugs that could be fixed like video quality and the algorithm for better engagement. Overall this app concept is actually genius and has so much potential. Also this compares nothing to TikTok in the terms it’s much more real people.”
So Much to See, So Much Fun! @punkoz07
“I absolutely love FLIP. In my down time I love to go to Flip and watch the videos on the products l’m interested in to see what others have or say and if it would work for me, plus all the choices there are for everything you could imagine! Plus I earn rewards and free stuff I have told my adult sons and daughter in law they are looking for a new home and things they need and my sisters so for me it’s relaxing and fun to do! Thank you Flip!”
Amazing App Definetely Will Recommend, @Dart01
“This app is amazing. It’s like TikTok how I spent most of my time watching TikTok now I can do it here…I love the fact that you get paid to watch a video, but for me is more about the content, but definitely love the payout.”
It’s One of the Best Apps Out, @DaGift
“I really like this app. I saw an ad for it and decided to download it. I didn’t have high hopes for it, but I was open. I like that you can get paid for activity on this app that you normally wouldn’t get paid for on other social media platforms. Plus, you can take it a step further and get paid when you create product reviews. I am already starting to level up as I qualified for the next tier in just a couple of months.”
Innovative Shopping! @El.Jay.Be
“If only other selling platforms could be this transparent and genuine. And the discounts!? Too good to be true and yet absolutely genuine. Would love to dedicate more time to being a reviewer. More reviews, more free stuff. The vendors represented are great quality and with my current personal discount (30%), the price I pay beats every other buying option and free items along with the purchase. I RECOMMEND Flip for shopping.”
Love Flip, @sllloooo
“This app is life changing and budget friendly! It’s truly amazing! Not only to you find new, quality products and great reviews but you get a discount on your purchases and free products every order! And when I figure out how to promote my videos I will start making money on FLIP too! Scrolling, shopping, spending time that was on FB and IG is now making me money to spend on my next order…just give it a try you will flip when you see for yourself.”
I Love This So Much! @Lizard_bits
“What a wonderful find! I am having so much fun trying new products and posting honest reviews. Making friends with the Flip community has been so cool! This has been an amazing way to get discounts off of products that you would not normally see in a store. Seeing and providing honest feedback is very valuable for a savvy shopper. I’ve enjoyed getting discounts and free items, as well as getting instant money from views and sales. Highly recommend!”
Discover the Best Beauty Products with Flip: My Experience, @Productjunkies
“I absolutely love the concept of this app! As someone who enjoys exploring new beauty products, I always look up videos and reviews before making a purchase. This app has everything ! need in one place. The ease of finding video reviews is fantastic and really helps me make informed decisions about trying new products. Plus, the rewards are a wonderful bonus!”
Flip vs. TikTok: Expanding Your Content Strategy
Feature | Flip | TikTok |
Launch Year | 2019 | 2016 |
Ownership | U.S. company, privately owned | Chinese company ByteDance |
Content Focus | User-generated product reviews and social commerce | Encourages creative, visually engaging content with extensive filters and effects |
User Demographics | Predominantly ages 25 to 45, with the fastest-growing segment being those 30 and younger | Predominantly Generation Z; diverse global user base |
Monetization | Offers monetization via content watch credits, Flip cash invites, and product-tagged Flips/Clips | Offers monetization through brand partnerships, live gifts, and the TikTok Creativity Program |
Advertisements | No direct ads are placed in-feed | Contains ads integrated into the user feed |
Content Moderation | Platform utilizes strict review regulations and verifications to ensure content integrity | Enforces community guidelines with content moderation to prevent misinformation and harmful content |
Flip FAQ’s
What is Flip?
Flip is a social commerce platform that integrates shopping, content creation, and product discovery into a seamless experience. User-generated content is the heart of Flip and its amazing social commerce marketplace. On Flip, shoppers become creators by sharing video reviews, earning rewards based on engagement, and helping other consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
What are Flip’s monetization features for creators?
Flip offers various monetization opportunities for creators big and small. Regardless of your following, all users are eligible for monetization via Flip’s three core monetization structures:
- Product Reviews: All users are eligible to monetize by purchasing a product on Flip, sharing a review, and earning commissions.
- Watch Rewards: Users get paid to scroll on Flip via Watch Rewards. Extra incentives are rewarded for more videos watched and daily streaks.
- Invite Coupons: Users and friends who sign up using their invite link both may earn $100+ in Invite Coupons to be spent towards their purchases on Flip.
Can creators monetize their content on Flip and TikTok?
Yes, both platforms offer monetization opportunities:
- Flip: Monetization is available through Product Reviews, Watch Rewards, Invite Coupons, and exclusive programs like the Flip Founding Creators Fund.
- TikTok: Monetization is available through the TikTok Creativity Program, brand partnerships, and livestream gifts.
Is Flip available in my country?
Flip is currently available only in the United States. The platform has yet to share any official statement or plans regarding international expansion.
What are the main differences between Flip and TikTok?
Flip and TikTok are both short-form video platforms, but they differ in several ways:
- Monetization Barriers to Entry: Flip empowers creators of all backgrounds and following sizes to share monetizable product reviews with a low, simple barrier to entry. On the other hand, creators interested in sharing affiliate content on TikTok via TikTok Shop meet strict requirement guidelines regarding following size and engagement.
- Shopping Rewards: Flip rewards its customers by providing On the House credits to be redeemed with any purchase, whereas TikTok cycles through various coupons that do not apply to all brands or products.
- Content Focus: Flip’s core content involves UGC and social commerce, and TikTok takes a more diversified approach with livestreams, entertaining videos, and more.
- International Access: Although TikTok was temporarily banned in the United States, it is available in over 154 countries, according to Omnicore Agency. Access to Flip is currently limited to only U.S. users.
What is the Flip Founding Creators Fund and how can I apply?
The Flip Founding Creators Fund is a monetization program which awards its creators with partnership grants that grow with Flip. According to Flip’s official announcement, the creator program commits to grant up to $1M daily to creators for the first 30 days following its launch date of January 20, 2025. In order to participate in the Flip Founding Creators Fund, eligible creators must apply via Flip’s official application and be accepted.
How can I post a review on Flip?
In order to post a product review on Flip, you must make a purchase via the app. Upon delivery, you will be prompted to create a post that will include a product tag. Viewers can access your tagged product to make a purchase which will earn you commissions and possibly bonus rewards. Products not purchased on Flip will not be available to tag in video reviews since Flip’s strict protocols support honest reviews from “real” users.
Is Flip a suitable alternative to TikTok?
Flip may be a useful platform to leverage for new creators and UGC creators considering its low barrier to entry for its primary monetization structure, Product Reviews. Although more creators have access to affiliate commission opportunities, it is important to consider the geographical scope and reach possible on the platform. Flip is currently only available in the United States and has yet to announce plans for a global expansion. Creators impacted by the U.S. TikTok ban or restrictions may utilize Flip as a partial substitute for affiliate earnings but may lose the opportunity to connect with an international audience that was available on TikTok if they solely move to the platform. With that being said, Flip is a pioneer in the U.S. social commerce industry, making it a promising platform to incorporate into creators’ content ecosystem and monetization strategy.
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Partner with The Influencer Marketing Factory to leverage our extensive network of premium influencers. Streamline your campaign management from inception to conclusion, and attract your desired audience with compelling and engaging content.