Social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are transforming retail by enabling global consumers to share shopping stories and initiate trends. Despite 43% browsing for products, only 14% make purchases on social media. Trust issues, including security concerns (37%), seller legitimacy doubts (31%), and product quality apprehensions (27%), contribute to this gap. Established categories like beauty and clothing see over 30% of consumers using social media for shopping, while emerging categories like pet products and toys offer business opportunities. Generation Z leads in social media shopping, with 68% searching for products, and 22% completing purchases. The top categories for social media shopping are clothing on Instagram, beauty on TikTok, and food and beverages on YouTube. Pet products and toys are expected to grow, driven by dedicated pet profiles and online toy purchases.