Google has revealed that it is currently testing a way for viewers to buy items that are used or featured in videos by YouTube content creators. The new shopping feature is aimed at helping creators to easily sell products via the platform, including their own merchandise (T-shirts, mugs, etc) as well as accessories and gear that they are highlighting in their videos.
According to the recent blog update by Google, the test will include a new shopping bag icon in the bottom left of the screen, which will display a list of items featured in a creator’s video when clicked upon. Tapping on an item listed in the shopping bag will direct viewers to the product’s respective web page which will display more information, related videos and purchase options.
Google says that the pilot programme will only run in the US region for now. It added that the test is only offered to a limited number of YouTube creators, and is accessible by users on Android, iOS and web. The company did not reveal the duration of the testing period or an expected rollout date at this time.
This new YouTube shopping experience would definitely open up new collaboration opportunities for creators and specific brands by using the former’s channel to promote products or services offered by the latter. The long and short of it, like it or not, there’s a possibility that we could see a rise in infomercial-like content on the platform if Google and YouTube are to green light this feature.
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