“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,” a Google support page reads.
Google notes that viewers can see a list of featured
products by clicking the shopping bag icon on the bottom left corner of the
video they’re watching. From there, viewers can explore each product’s page and
get more information about it. You’ll also see related videos and purchase
options for the products.
The pilot is launching with a small number of YouTube
creators and is currently limited to users in the United States on iOS, Android
and desktop.
The feature could work pretty well with several types of
videos, such as unboxing channels linking to the products they’re talking about
or chefs linking to kitchen equipment that they’re using.
It’s not surprising that YouTube is testing such a feature,
especially since several other digital giants have been introducing e-commerce
features in recent years.
For instance, Instagram first launched its shopping feature
in 2018, and has since incorporated it within every aspect of its app including
Reels. Similarly, WhatsApp rolled out a new ‘carts’ shopping feature worldwide
last year.