Why Creator IM Matters

Before this update, creators had to sift through mixed notifications and inboxes to manage collabs. Now, Creator IM separates business from the noise, with:

• A dedicated Agency tab to view verified agency messages

• Instant sample requests, product additions, and plan approvals

• One-click responses and real-time connections with sellers

For creators serious about building a revenue stream through affiliate marketing, this tool is a game changer.

🔑 How to Access Creator IM

You can open Creator IM in multiple ways, depending on your flow:

For Messages with Sellers:

• From Creator Center: Tap the Notifications icon

• On a product detail page: Tap Contact Seller

• Via Sample or Invite pages: Click Contact next to the seller’s name

• From the Seller Storefront: Tap Contact in the top right corner

For Messages with Agencies:

• Open the TikTok Shop Creator Center → Navigate to your Inbox
  Here, you’ll see messages filtered under the new Agency tab—clearly marked for easy access.

🔍 Sort, Filter, and Search Like a Pro

Your TikTok Shop tab neatly groups all professional messages:

• New Collab Invites live under Collab Messages

• Sort by New, Unread, Starred, or Unreplied

• Swipe left to archive or prioritize messages

• Use the search bar to find sellers, products, or sample-related chats across four modules:

  • Accounts

  • Messages

  • Products

  • Samples

It’s fast, organized, and efficient—everything your previous TikTok inbox wasn’t.

📦 Manage Samples, Collabs & Product Lists

In Creator IM, you can:

• Request product samples directly from sellers

• Track sample status: To Review, To Ship, or Cancelled

• Receive Targeted Plans with bundled product collabs

• Tap Add All to instantly include products in your Showcase

This real-time IM workflow saves you hours—and helps you react faster to commission opportunities.

🤝 Agency Collaboration: Professional, Verified, Seamless

TikTok’s Creator IM isn’t just for seller communication—it now supports verified agency partnerships, too.

Here’s what creators can do:

Accept or Decline Agency Invitations

• Click “Learn More” to review the terms

• Tap Accept to join or Decline if it’s not the right fit

• Want to change your mind later? You can unlink anytime

Add Agency-Recommended Products

• View product bundles shared by your agency

• Click Add All or select individual items to promote

• Once added, the product card will display “Added” for easy tracking

These verified partnerships often come with better rates, exclusive products, and long-term growth potential—making them ideal for full-time creators.

✋ Block Unwanted Sellers

Creator IM gives you full control. Not interested in working with a particular seller?

• Tap the three-dot menu in your IM thread

• Select Block Seller

• You can unblock at any time through the same menu

This helps you filter your inbox for quality collabs only.

Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Grow on TikTok Shop

Whether you’re a micro-influencer or seasoned content creator, Creator IM makes collaboration easier than ever—no more messy DMs or missed opportunities. From fast-tracking product showcase updates to managing samples and navigating agency partnerships, everything happens where it should: inside your Creator Center.

💼 How Zorilla Marketing Can Help

We help creators like you maximize commission potential, streamline collab workflows, and build long-term brand partnerships on TikTok Shop. If you’re not sure how to find the right products, vet agency offers, or scale with affiliate content—we’ve got your back.

Book a free strategy call with our team today and let us help you make your Shop Tab presence your strongest sales channel.

Also Read:

1. TikTok Shop Sample Campaigns Guide

2. How to sell on TikTok Shop in 2025

3. How to Find Winning Products on TikTok Shop