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You go into the Shein app just to take a quick look... and there you go: there's that dress, that blouse, that outfit that looks like it was just placed there. just for youCoincidence? Not at all. Shein knows—and knows very well—what you want, even before you type a word in the search.
But how is this possible? Are we talking about digital witchcraft? Mind reading? No. It's technology, data, and artificial intelligence working so harmoniously that it seems like magic.
It's not just what you click, it's how long you look
Shein doesn't just analyze what you buy. The app tracks it. how long do you look at a product, whether you scrolled too quickly or stopped to take a closer look. That's enough to tell you that that type of clothing caught your attention.
If you clicked, added it to your cart, saved it to your favorites, and then abandoned it? That also goes into the database. Even if you never purchased, the information was recorded. The platform gathers all of this information and begins to "design" your consumption profile.
She also knows what other people like you want.
In addition to analyzing your individual behavior, Shein cross-references your data with millions of users like youThis includes your age, location, price range, preferred color, size, style, and even the time you usually shop.
With this data, the app's intelligence begins to predict what you're likely to like. If other people with the same profile liked a new collection of leopard-print blouses, guess what you'll see the next time you open the app?
Shein's algorithm is faster than the competition's
While other apps are still trying to understand your preferences, Shein's algorithm is already anticipating trends in real timeThat's because they don't just focus on likes or sales. The company has a robust big data structure that analyzes:
- Your behavior in the app
- Interactions with ads on social media
- Complaints or compliments made on the website
- Comments you read (or avoid)
- Viewing time for product videos and images
It's like a giant puzzle being put together with your actions — even the ones you don't even realize you're doing.
What about TikTok? Is it in on this too?
Of course it does. If you saw a TikTok video featuring a Shein item and then opened the app, chances are that product or something very similar will appear.
Shein monitors trends in real time on social mediaThis means that if an influencer goes viral with a new outfit, the platform's algorithm immediately starts suggesting pieces in the same style, cut, or color. Sometimes, the piece hasn't even officially arrived in Brazil yet, but it's already showing up for you.
But… does Shein spy on the cell phone microphone?
This is a question that many people have. To this day, there is no technical or legal evidence that Shein, or any other large app, accesses the microphone without permission just to listen to conversations and suggest products.
What happens is that the data you provide (even without realizing it) is so precise that gives this impression. For example: you talk about a bikini with a friend, then see a similar ad. But haven't you already searched for it at some point, liked something on social media, or even typed "to try"?
The algorithm connects all these dots. It doesn't even need a microphone. Just your taps, clicks, browsing time, and general behavior.
What about cookies? Are they to blame for this too?
Total! Cookies are files that websites and applications store to track your browsing habits. When you accept cookies (almost always without reading them), you're authorizing the system to:
- Understand your interests
- Sharing data with advertisers
- Create your consumption profile
With this, Shein can stalk you onlineYou log into Google, Facebook, Instagram… and there's that damned piece you only glanced at briefly in the app. This is all thanks to the magic of cookies combined with retargeting—a marketing technique that makes ads follow you for the rest of your life (or at least until you make a purchase).
The Shein app learns from you all the time
Every click you make on the Shein app trains the recommendation system. It's as if the app gets smarter every time you log in. It adjusts the results, the order of products, the notifications it sends you, and even personalized discounts.
Yes, the app understands what type of promotion makes you clickFree shipping coupon? Surprise gift? Flash discount? The platform tests, sees what you respond to best, and then replicates that in future campaigns.
How to avoid this tracking (if you want)
If you find all of this too invasive, there are ways to limit Shein's "predictive power":
1# Don't automatically accept cookies — choose settings that allow less tracking.
2# Use incognito browsing when searching for products (but be aware that this may limit your experience).
3# Regularly delete your phone's browsing history and cookies.
4# Disable ad personalization in your Google and Facebook account settings.
5# Uninstall the app when you are not using it for a long time (this reduces data accumulation).
But let's be honest: most of us actually like it when the app "guesses" what we want. After all, it saves time and helps us find what we were already looking for, even without knowing it.
In the end: it's marketing, not magic
Shein doesn't read minds, cast spells, or access hidden cameras. What it does—and does very well—is use artificial intelligence, data analysis and consumer behavior to anticipate your tastes and offer the right products.
It's the new world of retail. A world where the store comes to you before you even look for it.
See also: MRV: More than 200 jobs open across the country
May 25, 2025
Graduated in Literature – Portuguese/English, and creator of the website Successful Writer, seeks to expand everyone's knowledge with relevant information on a variety of topics, as a writer. At Vaga de Emprego RJ, she provides opportunities and tips on the job market.