25 Best Live Shopping Platforms In 2024
10 Best Live Shopping Platforms Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 25 tools reviewed.
Live shopping has long been an IRL thing. You go to a place and they sell you a thing—easy. In the attempt to make ecommerce more like in-store, online live shopping has emerged to create the Zoom version of IRL shopping.
Merchants just have to choose the platform they will use to make this virtual reality come to life. "Easier said than done", says the hypothetical ecommerce merchant in my brain.
You want to deliver an interactive shopping experience that properly engages your customers' need for having it both ways—online and in-store shopping merged. They should be able to watch live demos, ask questions, and purchase as seamlessly as in the real world.
To find the best platform for your brand, you need some sort of software savant to tell you about which ones are best, why they're so great, and give you the pros and cons for each.
If only there were someone... Oh yes, that's me—your guide to live shopping platforms. Using our in-built repository of ecomm expertise and a snazzy scoring system, I've identified a handful (or two) of the best live shopping platforms for all types of brands.
After you...
What is a Live Shopping Platform?
Live shopping platforms are internet gallerias where sellers host real-time video streams to showcase and sell products. Pretty slick, right?
They combine the immediacy of live video with the convenience of online shopping, allowing viewers to watch product demonstrations, interact with hosts through questions or comments, and make purchases on the spot.
The purpose is to add an interactive and personal dimension to ecommerce, enhancing customer engagement and trust.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Live Shopping Platforms
Here are the best live shopping tools that cater to a wide range of needs. I’ve included a summary of each tool and what makes it unique, standout features, pricing details, available integrations, and a list of pros and cons.
Best live shopping platform for a wide range of features
Channelize.io enables ecommerce brands to add live shopping experiences to their websites and apps.
Why I picked Channelize: Channelize is an end-to-end solution that offers a wide range of features. The software allows sellers to interact live with customers through features, like live chat, and product demonstrations. Additionally, sellers can multi stream their events across a variety of platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and others.
The miniplayer feature of Channelize.io is a floating video player that allows buyers to check the product page without leaving the live shopping experience. It also includes in-show product promotion, product spotlight, shopping show analytics, custom RTMP support, and more.
Channelize Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include audience analytics feature that shows unique insights about user behavior and their preferences.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop, Wix, and Shoplazza.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Experience with a variety of industries
- In show add-to-cart function available
- Pre-built integrations with ecommerce platforms
Cons:
- Additional add-ons can be expensive
- Multistreaming is only available in top plans
CommentSold is a live selling video commerce platform that allows shops to sell live on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It enables businesses to transform their product listings into virtual events that can be streamed across all their channels simultaneously, reaching customers where they prefer.
Why I picked Channelize: Channelize is an end-to-end solution offering many features. The software allows sellers to interact live with customers through live chat and product demonstrations. Additionally, sellers can multi-stream their events across various platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and others.
The mini-player feature of Channelize.io is a floating video player that allows buyers to check the product page without leaving the live shopping experience. It also includes in-show product promotion, product spotlight, shopping show analytics, custom RTMP support, and more.
Channelize Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include an audience analytics feature that shows unique insights about user behavior and their preferences.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop, Wix, and Shoplazza.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Experience with a variety of industries
- In-show add-to-cart function is available
- Pre-built integrations with ecommerce platforms
Cons:
- Additional add-ons can be expensive
- Multistreaming is only available in top plans
QVC Live is a television channel that broadcasts live shopping shows and other interactive programs. It is part of the QVC network, which includes QVC, QVC2, QVC3, and In the Kitchen channels. QVC Live features exclusive deals, original series, and live programming that viewers can watch and shop for products at the same time
Why I picked QVC Live: QVC employs experienced hosts who are skilled at presenting products and engaging with viewers. These hosts can effectively highlight the features and benefits of your products, leading to higher conversion rates.
QVC hosts often specialize in specific product categories, allowing them to develop an in-depth understanding of the products they present. This expertise enables them to discuss intricate details, functionalities, and benefits of your products with confidence, reassuring potential buyers that they are making informed choices.
These hosts are skilled storytellers who can create a narrative around your product. They can highlight its origin, innovative features, and how it could integrate into a customer's lifestyle, making the product more relatable and desirable.
QVC Live Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include marketing and promotion. QVC promotes its live shows and products through various channels, including television, streaming services, and their website. Sellers can benefit from the marketing and promotion efforts of QVC to increase the visibility of their products.
Integrations weren't included on their website but it's a safe bet to assume they connect to most social media platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers interactive features
- Established reputation in the home shopping industry
- Wide audience reach
Cons:
- Limited airtime
- Need to complete an application process to become a vendor on QVC
GoLive is a live shopping platform trusted by brands like Guess, Samsung, LG, and so on.
Why I picked GoLive: GoLive's sentiment analysis feature analyzes and interprets the sentiment expressed in text data. This means that as live shopping sessions are happening, GoLive can analyze the sentiment of the text data generated in real time.
It is also capable of emotion mining, which involves extracting and analyzing various emotions expressed in the text. This allows brands and retailers to gain insights into the emotional responses of their customers during live shopping sessions.
GoLive Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include AI-powered chatbots that can engage with shoppers, answer their questions, and provide real-time assistance.
Integrations weren't included on their website but it's a safe bet to assume they connect to most social media platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Interactive chatbots that can engage with shoppers
- Personalized recommendations for shoppers
- Real-time insights on customer data
Cons:
- Limited features
- Limited information available on pricing and features
Facebook Live Shopping is a feature of Facebook that combines live video streaming with ecommerce. It allows businesses to sell their products through live video broadcasts on Facebook.
Why I picked Facebook Live Shopping: Facebook has a large user base, making it an ideal platform for businesses of all shapes and sizes to sell their products. For example, ecommerce sellers can use Facebook's live shopping feature to demonstrate their products’ features and answer customers' questions. Additionally, local businesses, artisans, and craftsmen can also use it to reach a broader audience beyond their local area. They can showcase their products, share their stories and build a loyal customer base.
Similarly, fashion and beauty industry brands can leverage Facebook Live Shopping to demonstrate makeup techniques, show clothing items, and provide styling tips. This visual and interactive format can help customers visualize how products will look and work.
Facebook Live Shopping Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include live stream notifications. These are notifications sent out to users when a Facebook Live Shopping event is about to begin. They serve as reminders for users who have shown interest in the live shopping events or interacted with similar content.
Integrations weren't included on their website but it's safe to assume it probably integrates with other META platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free to use
- Provides access to a large audience
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not scalable
- Limited features
In 2022, YouTube unveiled its live shopping feature, which allows creators with more than 1,000 subscribers to showcase products on live streams.
Why I picked YouTube Live Shopping: I liked that the platform enables cross-channel live redirects. With cross-channel live redirects, creators with at least 1000 subscribers can redirect their viewers from a live stream or premiere to one on a different channel. This feature enables creators to collaborate with other creators and expand their reach.
Additionally, YouTube has partnered with Shopify, a popular e-commerce platform, to enable onsite checkout and sync inventory for eligible YouTube creators. This partnership enhances the shopping experience by allowing viewers to complete their purchases without leaving the YouTube app.
YouTube Live Shopping Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include live chat moderation tools, which enhance audience engagement and prevent online harassment. These tools enable creators to block words and assign moderators, ensuring a positive chat experience for users.
Integrations weren't included on their website.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compatible with both mobile and desktop
- Free to use
- Provides access to a large audience
Cons:
- Available in limited countries
- Users require at least 1,000 subscribers
NTWRK is a live video shopping platform that blends entertainment, commerce, and pop culture. It's designed to create a unique shopping experience by combining live streamed content with limited-time product drops, often featuring exclusive and hard-to-find items from various brands and artists.
Why I picked NTWRK: Niche businesses often cater to a specific audience with unique interests. NTWRK allows them to connect directly with their target audience through curated live shows and product drops, ensuring the right people see their offerings.
They can showcase products, tell the brand story, and interact with viewers through Q&A sessions, polls and chats, fostering community and authenticity. Also, they host daily live streams that feature trending products and well-known pop culture figures.
NTWRK also has a built-in payment function. It accepts payment methods from major credit card companies, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. This allows users to purchase directly within the app during the live video streams and shopping events.
NTWRK Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include virtual festival features that allow users to participate in immersive online events that feature exclusive drops, experiential content, and interactive experiences. The virtual festival showcases exclusive and highly-coveted product releases from a variety of brands and artists. Users have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition items that are only available during the festival.
Integrations weren't included on their website but it's a safe bet to assume they connect to most social media platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Hosts NFT sales
- Modern interface
- Hosts daily virtual live streams
Cons:
- Doesn't provide customer activity data
- Doesn't embed on other platforms
TikTok recently launched its live shopping features in November 2022. With the launch of these features, TikTok has expanded into the realm of social commerce, offering a great opportunity for sellers to reach a large audience.
Why I picked TikTok Shop: With the help of TikTok Shop, sellers can tap into the large audience of the social media app. It has 1 billion users, with 50 million daily active users in the US alone, making it one of the most popular social media channels.
Moreover, through TikTok Shop, you can increase your brand exposure and get more eyeballs on your business. Additionally, if your business caters to Gen-Z and millennials, TikTok is the place to be since more than half of TikTok's user base comprises Gen-Z and millennials.
TikTok Shop Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include filters and effects that allow you to improve the quality of your live stream video. For example, you can filter your face or add a green background. The platform also allows its users to invite a co-host, which presents a great opportunity for collaboration with influencers.
Integrations include Prestashop, Base, Square, BigCommerce, OpenCart, Ecwid, and Shopline.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated into TikTok app
- Large and active user base
- In-app checkout feature available
Cons:
- Limited functionalities
- Analytics data is only available for 28 days
CommentSold is a live selling video commerce platform that allows shops to sell live on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It enables businesses to transform their product listings into virtual events that can be streamed across all their channels simultaneously, reaching customers where they prefer.
Why I picked CommentSold Live: CommentSold is well-suited for cross-streaming due to its ability to integrate with various social media platforms, allowing businesses to sell products across multiple streams simultaneously. Sellers can easily set up live streams on their website, mobile app, Facebook page, and groups. Also, the platform provides push notification that keeps customers updated about promos, important events, and new arrivals.
CommentSold Live Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include real-time inventory and a waitlist feature that allows ecommerce businesses to manage their inventory across all channels from a single dashboard. The inventory updates in real-time, ensuring businesses can keep track of their stock levels and avoid overselling. The waitlist feature also allows customers to express their interest in sold-out products by adding the item.
Integrations include PayPal, Shopify, Instagram, Stripe, Meta for Business, Shippo, Intercom, Square for Retail, TikTok, and Avalara.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers three pricing plans
- Provides a 30-day free trial
- Easy to use and simple interface
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- Limited customizations
Best live shopping platform for pre-paid shipping notification features
TalkShop.live is an online platform for live streaming and home shopping shows with a built-in buying experience. It allows users to go live and sell products through interactive video broadcasts.
Why I picked Talkshop.live: TalkShop.live offers automated fulfillment, which includes pre-paid shipping labels with automated shipping notifications for sellers and customers. The automated fulfillment feature makes the fulfillment process easier and more efficient for sellers, as they don't have to manually create shipping labels or send shipping notifications to customers.
Additionally, the automated shipping notifications keep customers informed about the status of their orders, which leads to increased customer satisfaction. This helps sellers build a positive reputation and increase customer loyalty.
Talkshop.live Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include TalkShop.live iOS Seller app, and desktop or mobile browser.
Integrations include Shopify and WordPress. You can also get additional integrations through API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Offers seamless in-platform purchasing
- Provides a unique and interactive platform for sellers
Cons:
- Pricing details are not transparent
- Not highly customizable
The Best Live Shopping Platforms Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Channelize.io | From $49/month | Website |
| CommentSold Live | From $49/month | Website |
| QVC Live | Pricing upon request | Website |
| GoLive | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Facebook Live Shopping | Free | Website |
| YouTube Live Shopping | Free | Website |
| NTWRK | Pricing upon request | Website |
| TikTok Shop | From 2% for a commission fee | Website |
| ShopShops | From $134/month plus 5% of sales | Website |
| Talkshop.live | 10.25% + 30¢ per item sold | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Live Shopping Options
Here are some other tools that didn’t make the top 10 list but are worth considering.
Selection Criteria For Live Shopping Platforms
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best live shopping platform for this article:
Core Functionality
To assess and compare various live shopping platforms, I examined their fundamental capabilities. Here are the essential functionalities that each platform must offer:
- The platform should support real-time video streaming, enabling sellers to broadcast live product demonstrations.
- The platform should facilitate direct interaction between sellers and viewers, allowing for comments, questions, and feedback during the live session.
Key Features
To achieve the core functionalities listed above, the platform should offer the following features:
- Live Video Streaming: Live shopping platforms are built around real-time video streaming. Sellers or influencers use live video to showcase products, answer questions, and engage with viewers in real-time.
- Product Display: Products are prominently displayed within the live video stream, often with detailed descriptions, pricing information, and links to purchase.
- Interactive Chat: Live shopping allows viewers to interact with the host, ask questions about products, request demonstrations, and provide feedback through chat or comments. Some platforms even enable viewers to make purchase requests or reservations through chat.
- Real-time Sales Promotion: Hosts can offer exclusive discounts, limited-time offers, or bundle deals during the live stream to encourage immediate purchases.
- Product Links and Shopping Carts: Live shopping platforms integrate e-commerce functionality, allowing viewers to add products to their shopping carts directly from the live stream. This makes it easy for viewers to make purchases without leaving the platform.
- Product Recommendations: AI-driven algorithms or human hosts may provide personalized product recommendations based on viewers' preferences, browsing history, or questions asked during the live stream.
- Viewer Engagement Tools: Platforms often provide features like polls, quizzes, and giveaways to keep viewers engaged and entertained during the live stream.
- Purchase Options: Viewers can choose from various payment methods and have the option to save payment information for faster checkout.
- Social Sharing: Live shopping platforms usually include social sharing options, allowing viewers to share the live stream with friends and followers on social media.
- Analytics and Insights: Sellers can access data and analytics related to viewer engagement, sales performance, and audience demographics to make informed decisions and refine their live shopping strategies.
- Multichannel Integration: Some live shopping platforms offer integration with other social media platforms, websites, and ecommerce marketplaces, allowing sellers to reach a broader audience.
- Cross-border Shopping: Live shopping platforms may support international shipping and provide language translation features to cater to a global audience.
- Reviews and Ratings: After making a purchase, viewers can leave reviews and ratings for the products they bought, contributing to the overall credibility of the platform.
- Loyalty Programs: Some platforms offer loyalty programs or rewards for frequent viewers and shoppers, encouraging customer retention.
- Monetization Options: Sellers and influencers can earn revenue through commission on sales, sponsorships, advertising, or tips from viewers.
- Mobile Accessibility: Live shopping platforms are often accessible via mobile apps, making it convenient for viewers to shop on the go.
- Customer Support: Customer support features, such as live chat or email support, are typically available to assist viewers with questions or issues related to their purchases.
Usability
I looked for live shopping platforms with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, complete with well-structured menus. It should facilitate a straightforward process for going live. Users should be able to start their streams quickly and efficiently.
Customers must have a smooth and enjoyable experience when using the platform. This also includes the performance of the platform during the broadcast. Lag, buffering, or technical glitches can be detrimental to the viewer experience and can result in a loss of audience engagement.
Software Integrations
I emphasized platforms that integrate with popular e-commerce and payment gateways such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and PayPal. The ability to connect with these widely used tools enhances the overall efficiency of your live shopping experience. Additionally, I looked for platforms that offer APIs for custom integrations, enabling you to connect the live shopping platform with your existing CRM.
Scalability
Scalability is another key factor to consider when selecting a live shopping platform. It should be able to accommodate an increased number of users, handle high traffic during the live sessions, and manage large product catalogs. A scalable platform also ensures that your live shopping experience remains smooth and responsive as your audience and offerings expand.
People Also Ask
Do you have more questions regarding live shopping software? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
How much do live shopping platforms cost?
Live shopping platforms offer a variety of pricing options based on the type of platform and the services it offers. Many live shopping platforms charge monthly fees, which can range from $49/month to $999/month. Some platforms also charge a commission on the sale of products.
What is the difference between live streaming and live shopping?
Live streaming involves broadcasting real-time video content to an audience, typically for entertainment or informational purposes. On the other hand, live shopping combines the concept of live streaming with e-commerce, allowing viewers to shop for products directly showcased in the video, often with interactive features like real-time product information, purchasing options, and customer engagement, turning the viewing experience into a shopping opportunity.
What are the benefits of a live shopping platform?
The live stream shopping market is expected to grow to more than $55 billion by 2026. With the booming live shopping scene, there are plenty of benefits for sellers. Some of these benefits are:
- Boosts brand awareness: These platforms provide a dynamic and engaging way for brands to showcase their products and interact with their audience.
- Helps create a personalized shopping experience: It provides an opportunity for sellers to answer customer’s questions and provide personalized recommendations.
- Drives conversions: The real-time nature of live shopping, along with limited-time offers and exclusive deals, creates a sense of urgency among viewers, encouraging them to make spontaneous purchases.
- Enhances customer trust: Live interactions between hosts or influencers and viewers allow for transparent product demonstrations, addressing concerns instantly, and building a sense of trust and authenticity.
Other Shopping Platform Reviews
Live shopping platform aren’t the only tools you’ll need, here are some other options that are worth checking:
Merge IRL and Online Commerce With Live Shopping Platforms
You can have something close to the in-store experience without having to rent commercial real estate, hire cashiers, and share physical space with strangers. So, this must be the future.
Live shopping platforms are the ticket.
You can open up this new sales channel to engage with customers that want that live real-time experience but online. There are many options to make this happen, so hopefully we've helped you make this very important decision.
If you aren't quite sure about a paid option, try the free trial and see what you think.
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