YouTube Testing a New Feature That Lets Users Buy Products Shown in Videos

YouTube is test running a new feature that allows users to buy products they see in videos directly from the platform. The video streaming platform is currently testing this new feature with a select few US users on android, iOS and the web.

Relevant Information and Buying Options

Providing details of the feature on a Google support page, YouTube reveals that viewers will be able to receive relevant information and buying options for products they see in videos. By clicking on the shopping bag icon that will appear in the bottom left corner of some videos.

They would then be able to explore each product’s page, get more information about it, explore related videos and access options to purchase the product.

As part of their drive towards ensuring a stable ground for the success of this new Amazon-like feature, YouTube has announced that they will initially be working with select creators for this pilot.

Digital Storefront

For a couple of years now, YouTube has been showing users Google Ads in an attempt to venture into the digital storefront niche. Users were able to shop directly from the videos.

Bloomberg reported in October 2020 that YouTube was asking creators to tag and track products featured in their videos using YouTube software. The report also revealed that the data will be linked to Google’s shopping tools and analytics.

The report goes further to state that a YouTube spokesperson had confirmed reports that the new features were being tested with a limited number of video channels. Further, it was stated that creators would be granted control over the products displayed by them.

This test run by YouTube seems to be in line with this same idea. It remains to be seen how and when YouTube will make this feature available to more users.