Flip, once promoted as the “TikTok for shopping,” has shut down after reportedly burning over $1 billion on marketing and influencer deals. Despite raising $144 million, 16 million users, and $375 million in sales, weak retention and unsustainable costs led to its collapse—highlighting that attention can’t replace loyalty.
Flip — once hailed as the “TikTok for shopping” — has officially shut down, marking one of the most dramatic collapses in the social commerce space. The California-based startup had raised $144 million, amassed over 16 million users, and sold $375 million worth of products before vanishing in August 2025.
Key Highlights
• Flip promised to merge short-form video and e-commerce, letting users shop products through creator videos.
• Despite its meteoric rise, the company reportedly burned through over $1 billion in marketing and influencer deals to buy visibility rather than build organic loyalty.
• Investors cite unsustainable growth costs and weak retention as key reasons behind the downfall.
Lessons From The Collapse
Flip’s fall is a cautionary tale for startups chasing virality without community — proving once again that attention can be bought, but loyalty must be earned.
Sources: TechCrunch, Business Insider, The Verge