Twitter begins testing shopping feature on brand profile pages
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Twitter will begin allowing businesses to showcase products for sale at the top of their profile page, the social networking company said on Wednesday, as it seeks to grab a piece of the lucrative online shopping world.
The San Francisco-based company is following in the footsteps of larger rival Facebook which opened a “Shops” feature last year to let consumers purchase products directly through Facebook and Instagram.
Twitter said it will begin testing the new shopping feature with “a handful of brands” in the United States.
Users can scroll through a carousel of products at the top of the brand’s profile. The customer can tap on a product and then pay through the retailer’s website.
The test is a renewed attempt to offer shopping on Twitter. The company previously experimented with a “Buy Now” button and product pages in 2015.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is Twitter testing with this new feature?
What is Twitter testing with this new feature?
Twitter is testing a new shopping feature that allows businesses to display products for sale at the top of their profile pages. Users can scroll through a product carousel, tap on an item, and complete the purchase on the retailer’s website.
Q.Which companies has Twitter followed by implementing this feature?
Which companies has Twitter followed by implementing this feature?
Twitter is following rival social media company Facebook, which launched a “Shops” feature last year. This enabled consumers to buy products directly through Facebook and Instagram, a model Twitter now seems to be emulating.
Q.Has Twitter attempted to offer shopping features before?
Has Twitter attempted to offer shopping features before?
Yes, this is not Twitter's first foray into online shopping. The company previously experimented with a “Buy Now” button and dedicated product pages in 2015, indicating a renewed focus on e-commerce capabilities.
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