Best Live Shopping Platforms Shortlist
After careful evaluation, I chose these top 10 tools for boosting product conversions and customer engagement.
Live shopping platforms are changing the way customers and retailers do online shopping. Whether you are a big brand or a small business owner, these tools can help you replicate the in-store experience. To help you start, I have done the homework and identified the best live shopping platform. These tools will help you combine e-commerce, live streaming, and social media elements to create a unique experience.
What Is Live Shopping Platform
A live shopping platform is an interactive online marketplace that combines elements of ecommerce and live video streaming. It enables sellers or influencers to showcase products in real-time through live video broadcasts, while viewers can engage with the hosts and make purchases directly within the stream. This format allows for real-time product demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and instant purchase options, creating a more engaging and interactive shopping experience for consumers, akin to a virtual shopping TV channel accessible through digital devices.
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.
Channelize.io
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
- 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
YouTube Live Shopping
Best live shopping platform for cross-channel live redirects
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
- 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
Best live shopping platform for niche businesses
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
- Hosts NFT sales
- Modern interface
- Hosts daily virtual live streams
Cons
- Doesn't provide customer activity data
- Doesn't embed on other platforms
Facebook Live Shopping
Best live shopping platform for a variety of businesses
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
- Free to use
- Provides access to a large audience
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not scalable
- Limited features
Bambuser Live Video Shopping
Best live shopping platform with a wide range of integrations
Bambuser is a live commerce platform that supports one-to-many and one-to-one shopping experiences. Other than live streams, sellers can also host pre-recorded and edited videos on the platform.
Why I picked Bambuser Live Video Shopping: I chose Bambuser Live Video Shopping because it offers a wide range of integrations. It integrates live video shopping capabilities with various e-commerce platforms, social media channels, and websites, allowing businesses to effortlessly reach and engage their target audiences across multiple online touchpoints.
This integration ecosystem enhances the visibility of live shopping events and maximizes the potential for conversions by meeting customers where they already are, ensuring a convenient and personalized shopping experience that boost sales.
Bambuser Live Video Shopping Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the Floating Action Button (FAB) previews. These are pop-up teaser videos that create a sense of urgency and lead to higher visitor-to-viewer conversions.
Integrations include Shopify, Salesforce, Centra, Magento, Storm Commerce, WooCommerce, and Episerver Commerce.
Pros
- Includes chat feature
- Integrates with various ecommerce platforms
- Allows sellers to stream videos in high-definition
Cons
- Lacks transparent pricing
- The basic package doesn't include a live chat feature
Talkshop.live
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
- 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
QVC Live
Best live shopping platform for access to experienced hosts
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
- 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
CommentSold Live
Best live shopping platform for cross-streaming
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
- 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
TikTok Shop
Best live shopping platform for reaching a large audience
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
- 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
ShopShops
Best live shopping platform for collaboration with influencers
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
- Offers three pricing plans
- Provides a 30-day free trial
- Easy to use and simple interface
Cons
- Limited customer support
- Limited customizations
The 10 Best Live Shopping Platforms Summary
| Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Channelize.io Best live shopping platform for a wide range of features | Free plan + demo available | From $49/month | Visit Website |
| 2 |  YouTube Live Shopping Best live shopping platform for cross-channel live redirects | Not available | Free | Visit Website |
| 3 |  NTWRK Best live shopping platform for niche businesses | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 4 |  Facebook Live Shopping Best live shopping platform for a variety of businesses | Not available | Free | Visit Website |
| 5 |  Bambuser Live Video Shopping Best live shopping platform with a wide range of integrations | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 6 |  Talkshop.live Best live shopping platform for pre-paid shipping notification features | Not available | 10.25% + 30¢ per item sold | Visit Website |
| 7 |  QVC Live Best live shopping platform for access to experienced hosts | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 8 |  CommentSold Live Best live shopping platform for cross-streaming | Free plan + demo available | From $49/month | Visit Website |
| 9 |  TikTok Shop Best live shopping platform for reaching a large audience | Free to start using | From 2% for a commission fee | Visit Website |
| 10 |  ShopShops Best live shopping platform for collaboration with influencers | 30-day free trial | From $134/month plus 5% of sales | Visit Website |
Other Live Shopping Options
Here are some other tools that didn’t make the top 10 list but are worth considering.
- Amazon Live
Best live shopping platform for Amazon store owners
- GoLive
Best AI-powered live shopping platform
- Whisbi
Best live shopping platform for 1-to-1 selling
- giosg
Best live shopping platform with ecommerce tools
- Grip
Best live shopping platform for simplicity and ease of use
- Livery
Best scalable live shopping platform
- ConferWith
Best browser-based live shopping platform
- Klarna
Best live shopping platform for creating shoppable content
- Livescale
Best live shopping platform for in-video purchase
- Streams.live
Best live shopping platform with AI-assistant
- BuyWith
Best live shopping platform for moderated chat
- Emplifi
Best live shopping platform for scheduling live events
- GhostRetail
Best live shopping platform for retailers of every size
- Tangiblee
Best live shopping platform for enterprises
- Restream
Best live shopping platform for QR code product pop-ups
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?
What is the difference between live streaming and live shopping?
What are the benefits of a live shopping platform?
Other Shopping Platform Reviews
Live shopping platform aren’t the only tools you’ll need, here are some other options that are worth checking:
Final Thoughts
If you want to engage with your audience in real-time and also increase sales of your products, then live shopping platforms are for you. That being said, it can feel overwhelming when you are looking for a live shopping platform. Regardless, make use of the free plan or free trials of the software mentioned above.
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