Facebook tests shopping via live video streams

Facebook is easing life for shoppers as it is testing a new feature that will let merchants sell items via the social media app's live streams.

Social media site Facebook is testing a new feature that will eventually let merchants to more efficiently sell items on a live stream. Customers can then take screenshots through which they can message the merchant directly, reported Tech Crunch.

When a seller shows off new items on their live stream, the customers will see a screenshot button through which they can take photos of their desired items and message the merchant directly. The merchant can then send payment requests through Messenger to streamline the process.

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Facebook is adding a live video mode for sellers. Viewers can message you during the broadcast with screenshots of the product and you can take payments from your inbox.
Facebook is essentially giving users their own live Home Shopping Network. pic.twitter.com/gQDuuJkqNr

— Jeff Higgins Wants To Build A Snowman (@ItsJeffHiggins) November 29, 2018

Reports suggest that the feature is currently being tested in Thailand, where number of independent sellers have sold number of products including cosmetics and handbags. The merchants would schedule regular streams to demonstrate their new items and offer incentives for free items if users shared their live streams onto their respective news feeds, reported The Verge.

“Thailand is one of our most active Marketplace communities” Mayank Yadav, Facebook’s product manager for Marketplace, told TechCrunch. This makes it ideal for testing of new commerce-focused features. Also, the merchants informed that the feedback from customers was more useful than providing the pictures alone.

Moreover, for now, Facebook says that it will not take a cut of the payments made through live streams. Also, it did not mention if the feature would exit Thailand, if it makes it to a full rollout.