Facebook quietly acquired startup company Packagd last year. Packagd focuses on video shopping and is now helping Facebook build shopping capabilities that would allow users to make purchases directly from live video broadcasts in the platform’s Marketplace section. Facebook confirmed the company is “exploring ways to let buyers easily ask questions and place orders within a live video broadcast.” Packagd previously worked on a shopping solution for YouTube.
Marketplace works much like Craigslist, listing goods and services for users to buy and sell. The purchase of Packagd suggests Facebook is hoping to integrate a live QVC-like video shopping experience into Marketplace.
The social media giant has been exploring ways to diversify its business beyond digital advertising for some time in order to keep up with competitors like Amazon. Shoppable features and e-commerce continue to be a real focus for the company.
Source: Mobile Marketer
