TikTok GM Wlazik: Search, Shop, Creators, AI Drive Growth
In an interview with OnlineMarketing.de, Thomas Wlazik, General Manager Europe & Israel at TikTok, discusses the platform's evolution from an entertainment app to a search, discovery, and commerce destination. Key points include TikTok's daily search queries growing over 40% year-over-year, the expansion of TikTok Shop in Germany, and the integration of creators into ad campaigns via tools like Branded Buzz and TikTok One. Wlazik also emphasizes the role of generative AI in ad production through TikTok Symphony, while cautioning that brands must maintain a distinct identity. The interview highlights TikTok's 28.9 million monthly active users in Germany and over 200 million in Europe, with search, commerce, creator tools, and AI as the four pillars for sustainable business growth.
- •TikTok reports over 40% year-over-year growth in daily search queries, now in the billions.
- •TikTok Shop in Germany has seen retailers' daily sales nearly double between August 2025 and February 2026.
- •TikTok has 28.9 million monthly active users in Germany (H1 2026) and over 200 million in Europe (as of Sept 2025).
