The social media platform TikTok has pioneered a new method of online shopping, having partnered with the US retail giant Walmart to launch a new shoppable livestream capability for its users to engage with.

The new in-app shopping tool was piloted last week when Walmart hosted a one-hour livestream session that enabled customers to shop for Walmart fashion items featured by ten TikTok creators, without having to leave the app.

The event marked the first time that TikTok has hosted a shoppable livestream in the US, reports the Retail Gazette. Now finished, customers can still head to Walmart’s TikTok page to shop the featured items. The event allowed app-users to tap on items worn by influencers in order to add them to their shopping carts.

“We’ve shortened the distance from inspiration to purchase by making it shoppable,” Walmart chief marketing officer William White said via a blog post on the retailer’s website.

“The TikTok community will be able to tap on a product when they see a Walmart fashion item they like during the event. This makes it easy to add the item to their cart and check out, all while doing what they love – enjoying fun content from their favourite creators.

“We’re excited to engage with TikTok on this new experience and learn what’s possible for shopping on a platform that brings its community so much joy. We can’t wait to see what we learn. And we can’t wait to see what you like, comment on, share – and shop – from the show,” White added.