Twitter Tests Live Shopping Feature To Make Shopping Easier For Users

Twitter is testing a new feature, Live Shopping. (photo: doc. twitter)

JAKARTA - Twitter is testing a new 'Live Shopping' feature that allows users to browse and shop for goods while watching live streams.

Earlier this year, the social media platform announced a pilot program that would allow users to shop without ever leaving the app. However, that feature is only available for iOS users. This latest test does come with similar limitations.

Twitter has been testing a lot of things lately, including the Twitter Blue subscription service. Subscriptions allow users to read ad-free articles within the Twitter app and customize the app with custom app themes and icons.

Most importantly, it allows users to undo Tweets before they are sent. While it may not be an actual edit button, it does delay messages providing a brief opportunity to make changes. The sub subscription costs $3 per month, so users will have to decide if that's an acceptable amount for some cosmetic features and the ability to snooze Tweets before they hit send.

Twitter is now testing a new Live Shopping feature that makes it easier for users to shop while watching a live stream. During the broadcast, viewers will see a list of products below the video along with the option to be redirected to a page to purchase any item without having to close the video or app.

The first live broadcast will be on Sunday, November 28, at 7 p.m. ET. Twitter is partnering with Walmart and will feature singer Jason Derulo, according to the announcement.

The event will last 30 minutes and highlight, "electronics, home supplies, clothing, seasonal decor, special guest surprises and more," although it will only be available to access on iOS and desktop.

Other social platforms, such as Instagram and WhatsApp, have also been testing their in-app shopping features. It's not clear which company will top the line in this situation, or even if users really want to shop through social media services.

With all of these services seemingly intent on making shopping part of their strategy, it seems likely that some versions of Twitter's features will remain, even if they don't look or function exactly as the versions under test.

Twitter is in an interesting place, and the company has a habit of always testing new features. While some new features have been rolled out and have finally become part of the general experience, others have been left out.

Therefore, Twitter could easily choose to end its shopping ambitions altogether, and in no time.