Facebook is said to be testing a Live video feature for merchants that let them demo and describe their items for viewers. Customers can screenshot the product they wish to buy and use Messenger to send it to the seller, who can then request payment right through the chat app.
Facebook confirms the new shopping feature is currently in testing with a limited set of Pages in Thailand. The company says that it had heard feedback from the community in Thailand that Live video helped sellers demonstrate how items could be used or worn and provided a richer understanding.
Facebook is also planning new commerce experiences like home rentals in Marketplace in Thailand. “Thailand is one of our most active Marketplace communities,” says Mayank Yadav, Facebook product manager for Marketplace. it is now running the Live shopping test, which allows Pages to notify fans that they’re broadcasting to “showcase products and connect with your customers.” Merchants can take reservations and request payments through Messenger.
Facebook doesn’t take its cut for the payments through Messenger, but the feature could still help earn the company money at a time when it’s seeking revenue streams beyond News Feed ads. It will help Facebook show lucrative video ads. The company could even rely on its Portal smart device to improve the experience even further.