YouTube reveals new feature that allows users to buy products shown in videos on the platform

It looks like YouTube is jumping on the e-commerce bandwagon. The company is testing out a new feature that allows users to actually buy the products that are shown in selected YouTube videos. Currently, the service is only being tested out in the US on Android, iOS and the internet. Creators that have been chosen by YouTube can actually add particular products to their videos which can be purchased. You can click on the shopping bag icon whenever it appears in a video to use the feature. 

In a support thread Google stated, “We’re testing a new way for people to easily discover and purchase products featured in YouTube videos. Creators in this pilot can add certain products to their videos. Viewers can then see a list of featured products by clicking the shopping bag icon in the bottom left corner of the video. From there, viewers can explore each product’s page to see more information, related videos, and purchase options for that product. We are currently piloting this feature with a limited number of creators. It is visible to users in the US on iOS, Android, and desktop.”. 

Users will now be able to view the products on sale in videos and buy them straight away using the shopping bag icon. In a recent report on Bloomberg, Google revealed that it was testing out the feature on a select number of channels. The company also stared that creators will have control over what products they actually feature.