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Top Live Shopping Platforms of 2026: TikTok, Amazon & More

top-live-shopping-platforms-of-2026:-tiktok,-amazon-&-more
Top Live Shopping Platforms of 2026: TikTok, Amazon & More

Top Live Shopping Platforms of 2026: TikTok, Amazon & More

28th

January, 2026

 

Amazon Influencers
Influencer Marketing
Amazon Marketplace
Artificial Intelligence
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Live commerce is exploding in popularity as consumers flock to interactive, shoppable videos. In fact, US livestream e-commerce sales grew nearly 50% in 2025 to reach $14.6 billion. Platforms from TikTok to Amazon are doubling down on live shopping features, giving brands new ways to engage audiences and boost online sales. This post explores the top live shopping platforms of 2026 and how e-commerce brands (including Amazon sellers and DTC founders) can use them to connect with customers in real time. You’ll learn what live shopping is, why it’s so powerful for modern influencer marketing, and which platforms are leading the charge. By the end, you’ll see how even micro influencers and everyday content creators can turn live streams into sales engines – and how your brand can get in on the action.

What Is Live Shopping?

Live shopping (also known as live selling or livestream commerce) is the practice of showcasing products through live video streams on social platforms or shopping apps, allowing viewers to buy products in real time. In a live shopping event, a host (often an influencer or brand rep) demonstrates products live, interacts with the audience via chat or Q&A, and provides purchase links or in-stream checkout. It’s essentially a digital-age QVC: blending entertainment, education, and instant shopping.

This format merges content and commerce. Viewers get an interactive demo – they can see how a product works, ask questions, and get answers on the spot. Meanwhile, one-click purchasing is usually integrated right into the stream, so excited shoppers don’t have to leave the video to buy. The result is a seamless, engaging experience that drives urgency (limited-time offers or exclusive deals are common) and capitalizes on social proof (seeing other viewers’ questions or purchases).

Live shopping has transformed retail in markets like China, where it now accounts for roughly 60% of all e-commerce. In the US, it’s still emerging (about 5% of online sales), but growing fast – revenue from live shopping is forecast to grow 36% this year. Notably, younger consumers are embracing it: only 34% of Gen Z shoppers were interested in live shoppable streams in 2020, but that jumped to 61% by 2023. In short, live shopping is quickly becoming a mainstream way to shop online, especially as social media and e-commerce converge.

How Live Shopping Differs from Traditional E-Commerce: The key distinction is real-time interactivity. Traditional e-commerce is static – customers read descriptions and reviews on a product page. Live shopping, on the other hand, is dynamic and social. A few ways it stands out:

    • Higher engagement and conversion: Shoppable live videos can achieve conversion rates of 9–30%, far above the 2–3% typical of standard e-commerce. Interactive elements (chat, polls, live demos) keep viewers hooked and more likely to buy on the spot.

       

    • Authentic, influencer-driven content: Hosts are often influencers or micro-influencers whose personable style builds trust. Their excitement is contagious, and viewers feel like they’re getting a personal recommendation rather than an ad. This authenticity mirrors UGC (user-generated content), making the experience feel more genuine.

       

    • Entertaining and informative: Live streams turn shopping into an event. Whether it’s a makeup tutorial, unboxing, or flash sale countdown, there’s an entertainment factor that keeps audiences watching. Shoppers learn about the product in-depth – far beyond what a text description can convey.

       

    • Community and FOMO: Viewers see each other’s comments and purchases, creating a sense of community (and a bit of friendly FOMO). Limited-time deals or low-stock alerts during a live sale spur viewers to act quickly or risk missing out.

Benefits of Live Shopping for E-Commerce Brands

Why should e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers care about live shopping? Here are some key benefits of this rising trend:

    • Boosted Engagement and Sales: Live shopping is incredibly engaging, which often translates into higher sales. The interactive format keeps viewers around longer and more invested in the products. Many brands report conversion rates in double digits during live events, drastically outperforming typical online store metrics. It’s not uncommon for a well-promoted live stream to sell out of featured items in minutes.

       

    • Authenticity & Trust through Influencers: Partnering with content creators or micro influencers in live sessions adds authenticity to your marketing. These hosts speak the audience’s language and offer relatable demos. Their authentic enthusiasm builds trust with viewers, who perceive recommendations as genuine advice rather than a hard sell. (According to studies, micro-influencers can generate up to 60% higher engagement rates than bigger influencers – a testament to the trust and connection in their niche communities.)

       

    • Real-Time Feedback & Community Building: During live streams, brands get immediate feedback. Viewers ask questions, voice objections, and the host can address them on the spot. This real-time interaction not only helps convert hesitant buyers, it also humanizes the brand. Over time, recurring live shoppers start to form a community around your brand events, leading to loyal repeat customers.

       

    • Reduced Returns & More Informed Customers: Seeing products live from multiple angles – and hearing a host explain or even try them – helps shoppers make more informed decisions. This can significantly lower return rates, as customers know exactly what to expect. For example, a clothing retailer doing a live try-on can show how an outfit fits, describe the fabric, and answer sizing questions, reducing the likelihood of returns due to unmet expectations.

       

    • Higher Visibility on Platforms: Many social platforms algorithmically favor live content. Going live can push your brand’s video to more users, especially on platforms like TikTok where live commerce is heavily promoted. Also, live videos often remain available as recordings, providing evergreen content that can continue to attract views and sales after the live event (particularly on YouTube or when integrated into your own website).

       

    • Immediate Urgency and Exclusive Promotions: The live format naturally creates urgency – limited-time discounts, “only 5 left in stock!” callouts, or special bonuses for live viewers can spur impulse buys. This sense of “shop now or miss out” is hard to replicate with static product pages. It’s a bit of old-fashioned sales psychology supercharged by real-time tech.

For brands, these benefits boil down to one thing: more engaged customers who are ready to buy. It’s a powerful channel for product launches, seasonal promotions, or just energizing slow-moving inventory. And thanks to modern tools, you don’t need a TV studio or massive budget to get started – just a smartphone, the right platform, and a savvy host.

micro-influencer platforms

Unlock the Power of Micro Influencers and Elevate your Brand Today!

Live commerce is exploding in popularity as consumers flock to interactive, shoppable videos. In fact, US livestream e-commerce sales grew nearly 50% in 2025 to reach $14.6 billion. Platforms from TikTok to Amazon are doubling down on live shopping features, giving brands new ways to engage audiences and boost online sales. This post explores the top live shopping platforms of 2026 and how e-commerce brands (including Amazon sellers and DTC founders) can use them to connect with customers in real time. You’ll learn what live shopping is, why it’s so powerful for modern influencer marketing, and which platforms are leading the charge. By the end, you’ll see how even micro influencers and everyday content creators can turn live streams into sales engines – and how your brand can get in on the action.

Top Live Shopping Platforms of 2026

Dozens of platforms now offer live shopping capabilities, but a handful stand out as the leaders in 2026. Below we cover the top live shopping platforms – from social media giants to specialized apps – that e-commerce entrepreneurs and Amazon sellers should know about. Each platform has its own strengths, audience, and use cases, so you can choose the ones that best fit your brand’s goals.

1. TikTok Shop (TikTok Live Shopping)

TikTok isn’t just for viral dances – it’s become arguably the hottest live shopping platform today. TikTok Shop enables brands and creators to sell products directly through live streams and in-feed videos on TikTok. Given TikTok’s massive reach among young consumers, it’s a goldmine for product discovery and impulse buys driven by trends. Nearly half of TikTok’s users (48.9%) have made purchases via TikTok Shop, showing how quickly the app’s commerce features have caught on.

Key features: During a TikTok live stream, the host can showcase products with on-screen pins and links. Viewers tap to see item details and purchase without leaving the app. The algorithm is a big advantage – TikTok’s For You page will surface live shopping streams to relevant viewers even if they don’t follow your brand, creating discovery opportunities no other platform matches. TikTok also heavily promotes trending live events and limited-time deals, drawing in large crowds.

Why use it: TikTok Live is ideal for product discovery and trend-driven sales. If you have a visually appealing product or something that can demo well in a short video, TikTok can drive huge spikes in demand (sometimes overnight). Beauty, fashion, gadgets, and home goods do particularly well. Collaboration with creators is key here – trends often take off when popular TikTok creators host live shopping events for your brand. (Stack Influence, as a micro-influencer marketing platform, has helped many brands partner with TikTok creators to amplify their live shopping campaigns, connecting products with the right niche audiences in an authentic way.) The downside is TikTok’s audience skews younger, and you might not get as much customer data from sales. But for sheer reach and virality, TikTok Shop is hard to beat.

Notable trend: Major retailers have jumped on TikTok Shop. Even QVC, the old TV shopping giant, gained 100,000+ new customers through TikTok Shop in one quarter of 2025, proving that live social selling isn’t just for upstarts – it’s transforming mainstream retail too.

2. Amazon Live

For Amazon sellers, Amazon Live is a must-know platform. It’s Amazon’s built-in live streaming hub where brands and influencers stream interactive shopping shows on Amazon’s website and app. Think of it as Amazon’s own version of HSN or QVC, but integrated with Amazon product listings. Amazon Live has been growing steadily from 2023 to 2025 as the company invests in creator-driven commerce. It’s not a traditional “social network,” but it behaves like one by pairing live video with Amazon’s enormous marketplace audience.

Key features: Through the Amazon Live Creator app, sellers or approved influencers can go live to demo products. The stream appears on your product pages and on a public Amazon Live page. Customers watching can see product details beneath the video and purchase with one click (since it’s all tied into Amazon’s cart). They can also follow your Amazon Live channel and get notified of future streams. The chat allows for real-time Q&A. A big plus: Amazon Live videos, once recorded, often stay accessible on your listings, continuing to inform future shoppers.

Why use it: If you already sell on Amazon, this platform offers built-in credibility and reach. Your live stream can attract any Amazon shopper browsing your category, not just your followers. It’s especially powerful for showcasing product features or answering FAQs live (which can then live on as a video FAQ on your listing). For example, a kitchen gadget seller can do a live cooking demo using their product – those replays become persuasive content on the product page later. Amazon Live is also great for driving reviews and engagement; viewers can leave comments that boost your product’s visibility. The trade-off is you’re limited to Amazon’s ecosystem (you won’t get viewer emails or detailed analytics like on your own site). Still, for Amazon-centric brands, it’s a no-brainer to test. Amazon has even created a tiered Influencer Program to recruit creators for live streaming, seeing huge success with existing YouTube/TikTok streamers joining in.

Tip: Promote your Amazon Live events on social media and to your email list ahead of time. Amazon’s organic discovery is decent, but a pre-promotion can significantly increase live viewership – which in turn boosts your ranking on the Amazon Live page during the stream. And consider partnering with an influencer marketing agency or platform to find micro-influencers who can host live streams for your brand; their personality and following can draw in viewers who trust their recommendations.

3. YouTube Live (YouTube Shopping)

YouTube has long been the home of product reviews and unboxings, so adding live shopping is a natural fit. With YouTube Live, brands and creators can stream live video and utilize YouTube Shopping features to tag products. YouTube’s advantage is deep content and an algorithm that favors longer engagement – perfect for more complex or premium products that benefit from detailed demos.

Key features: YouTube lets you add shopping cards to live videos, linking to products on your own website or approved merchants. In 2022-2023, YouTube partnered with Shopify to make it easy for merchants to integrate their product catalog and enable in-stream checkout. During a live stream or even in regular videos, viewers might see a pop-up panel with featured products and click to buy. Live chat on YouTube is robust, and streams can be scheduled with waiting room pages to build anticipation. Importantly, live videos on YouTube can remain as regular videos after the stream, often continuing to rack up views (and sales) for months or years. This evergreen aspect sets YouTube apart: a live product tutorial today becomes a searchable product review tomorrow.

Why use it: YouTube Live is ideal for high-consideration products and storytelling. If your audience needs education (tech gadgets, appliances, B2B products, etc.), a YouTube live session allows for in-depth walkthroughs. It’s also great for creative demos – e.g., a makeup brand doing a full makeover, or a fitness brand hosting a live workout with shoppable gear. The platform’s searchability means your content has lasting value. Another plus: YouTube’s demographics are broad (everyone from Gen Z to Gen X uses it), so you can reach a wide range of customers. The production quality can be higher here – some brands invest in multi-camera streams or professional hosts – but even a solo creator with a ring light can succeed if the content is engaging. Keep in mind that to really leverage YouTube Shopping, you’ll want to have your own online store or Shopify setup for integration. That way, you capture the customer data and manage the checkout.

Fun fact: YouTube reports that live streams and short-form videos tend to have higher engagement than standard uploads. For instance, engagement rates on YouTube for micro-influencers’ live/short videos can exceed 5%, significantly above typical long-form video posts. This higher engagement is a strong indicator that live content resonates and keeps viewers interacting – exactly what you need to warm up a customer before purchase.

4. Whatnot

Whatnot is a fast-growing dedicated live shopping app that started with collectibles (think comic books, trading cards, sneakers) and has expanded into many categories. If TikTok is like an “everything bazaar,” Whatnot is a more niche, community-driven marketplace for live selling. It’s often compared to a mix of eBay and Twitch – hosts go live to auction or sell products to an audience of enthusiast buyers. Whatnot’s rise has been impressive: the platform was expected to exceed $6 billion in gross sales in 2025, indicating how popular it’s become among hobbyists and collectors.

Key features: Sellers (or influencers) on Whatnot schedule live show “rooms” where they auction items or sell at set prices. The platform handles payments and even shipping logistics in some cases. It’s heavily community-oriented – users can follow sellers, get notifications of live shows, and even chat and build relationships with sellers. Categories range from sports cards and anime figurines to vintage fashion and electronics, each with passionate sub-communities. Whatnot often features flash sales and auctions where starting prices are low and items can bid up in real time, adding excitement. The urgency and gameified nature (countdown timers, bid wars) drive a lot of engagement and spending in short bursts.

Why use it: If your brand deals in collectibles, limited-edition items, or has a strong niche appeal, Whatnot is a fantastic platform to tap into high-intent communities. For example, an indie streetwear brand could drop a limited run of sneakers via Whatnot and attract sneakerheads looking for the next exclusive item. Or a trading card shop could break open rare card packs live and auction them. Whatnot’s user base is there specifically to shop and bid, so conversion can be very high. Even outside of collectibles, some DTC brands are experimenting with Whatnot to move inventory in a fun, interactive way (often with steep discounts or one-off items). The drawback is that it’s a standalone app – you have to build your following on there, which can take time. However, success stories abound: many small sellers have grown loyal customer bases on Whatnot, turning live streaming into a full-time business. Brands can also partner with popular Whatnot streamers to host events featuring their products, leveraging those streamers’ followings.

Stat: On Black Friday 2025, shoppers spent over $75 million on Whatnot in a single day (3× the previous year’s total), showing that dedicated live shopping platforms like this can mobilize serious buying power during peak seasons.

5. eBay Live

eBay Live brings live commerce to one of the world’s original online marketplaces. Launched in beta for collectibles, eBay Live allows top eBay sellers (and eBay itself) to host live video auctions and sales events on the eBay platform. It’s an attempt to modernize the auction experience and engage younger shoppers who are used to live video. So far, eBay Live has focused on categories like trading cards, coins, collectibles, luxury items, and sneakers – areas where real-time bidding and showcasing can add value.

Key features: eBay Live sessions are typically scheduled events where a host will present items up for auction. Viewers can participate in the live chat and place bids in real time. The interface integrates the bidding process seamlessly with the video, and you see bids updating live. Some events are auction-style (bidding starts at a price and highest bidder wins when time’s up), while others are fixed-price drops or “Buy it now” with limited quantity (first come, first serve). eBay often does live events from interesting locations (like hobby shops or conventions) to tie into the community vibe. Sellers benefit from eBay’s infrastructure for payments and its large existing user base of buyers.

Why use it: If you’re an Amazon seller or e-commerce brand expanding into collectibles or unique products, eBay Live could be a channel to consider. It’s still relatively new, so getting in early could help your brand stand out. The built-in trust of eBay (with its buyer protection and huge audience) is a plus. For now, this platform is a bit more niche and not all sellers will have access or need it – but it’s indicative of a larger trend: even traditional marketplaces see live shopping as the future. As eBay Live expands categories (reports indicate it’s adding more product verticals), brands selling on eBay may find live sessions a great way to drive excitement, especially for limited stock items, collectibles, or seasonal promotions. Keep an eye on this if your target market overlaps with eBay’s core categories.

6. Popshop Live

Popshop Live is a mobile-first live commerce app that has gained buzz for its boutique, pop-up shop vibe. It enables small businesses and creators to host live shows selling products, often with a fun, casual feel – almost like running your own live TV channel from your phone. Popshop Live focuses on creativity and community; many sellers are artists, crafters, or niche curators (vintage clothing sellers, K-beauty retailers, etc.). It’s currently invite-only for sellers (to maintain quality), but it’s expanding steadily.

Key features: Sellers on Popshop can set up a virtual “pop-up store” and schedule live events. During a live stream, you can easily add new products on the fly, showcase items, and chat with viewers. It integrates with Shopify, which is great for inventory sync and checkout. The app also allows scheduling of shows in advance and promoting them to followers. One distinguishing feature: Popshop encourages a show format – hosts often give their streams a theme or make it like a mini show with segments (for example, a comic shop might have a “New Arrivals Friday” live show each week). This creates anticipation and habit among viewers. Because it’s a standalone community, users often browse the app for interesting live shows even if they don’t know the seller, which can bring new eyeballs if you’re featured or trending.

Why use it: Popshop Live is all about engagement and niche communities. If your brand has a strong story or aesthetic and you enjoy interacting directly with customers, this platform makes it easy to build a loyal following. It’s particularly useful for indie brands or retailers that want a more controlled environment than the wild-west of big social media. On Popshop, you’re not competing with as much noise – the audience there is specifically looking for cool products and interactions. The downside: scale is smaller (it’s not billions of users like Facebook). But that can be an upside for building tight-knit customer relationships. Brands have reported very high repeat purchase rates from Popshop shoppers because of the personal connections formed in live shows. If you get an invite or early access, it’s worth experimenting, especially if your product demos well and you love the idea of a “talk show” style selling experience.

7. NTWRK

NTWRK is a curated live shopping app that’s like a hypebeast’s dream. It focuses on limited-edition drops, streetwear, sneakers, collectibles, and pop culture items – often in collaboration with celebrities or artists. NTWRK streams feel exclusive and event-based; users tune in at specific times for big product drops, often hosted by a notable figure. The app has been described as “QVC for Gen Z,” with a heavy emphasis on culture and cool factor.

Key features: NTWRK runs on scheduled episodes – for example, a famous designer might host a live episode to release a new limited-run sneaker, or an artist might drop exclusive merch. The platform handles the drop mechanics (limited quantity, countdowns) and checkout. It’s not an open platform where anyone can sell; NTWRK curates who and what gets featured, ensuring a consistent brand aesthetic. Viewers can chat and sometimes even interact with the host (some shows have Q&A segments). Because everything is limited availability, there’s always a rush – items frequently sell out during the live stream. NTWRK also archives content, so if you miss a drop you can watch the video (though you might miss the product).

Why use it: For brands in the streetwear, art toy, or trendy merchandise space, NTWRK offers access to a highly targeted audience of collectors and trendsetters. Being featured on NTWRK can significantly boost brand cachet. The app’s users expect cutting-edge and exclusive items, so it’s not for every brand. But if you have something special (or can create a limited collab product), pitching it to NTWRK’s team could be worthwhile. The platform handles a lot of the heavy lifting and marketing for the event if you’re selected. As a viewer or buyer, NTWRK is a fun way to engage with your favorite brands or personalities – it turns shopping into something like attending a virtual hype event. The scarcity model means it’s great for selling out a new product quickly, though perhaps not the platform for evergreen, in-stock items (since the audience is primed for new-new-new).

8. Dedicated Live Shopping Solutions (Bambuser, TalkShopLive, etc.)

Beyond the consumer-facing apps above, there’s also a category of live shopping solutions that brands can integrate into their own websites or use for specific campaigns. Companies like Bambuser, TalkShopLive, Channelize, ShopShops, Spin Live, and Livescale provide tools for hosting live streams either on your site or on their networks. Many of these started as B2B solutions – for example, Bambuser allows an e-commerce site to embed a live video with shopping features, so customers can watch a live demo on the brand’s own webpage and purchase in one spot. TalkShopLive, on the other hand, functions more like a network (it’s popular for authors and media personalities doing live book talks and selling signed copies, for instance).

Key features: These platforms vary, but common offerings include: in-stream checkout integration (often with Shopify or other carts), multi-platform streaming (simulcast to social media), and analytics on viewer behavior. Some like Bambuser focus on a seamless white-label experience – the customer might not even know Bambuser is powering the video on your site – while others like TalkShopLive have a destination site where consumers can discover live shows. Livescale and Spin have features like real-time gamification (quizzes, spin-the-wheel for discounts) to keep viewers engaged. Buywith (another platform) even offers co-browsing, where an influencer can host a live shopping session by sharing a brand’s website screen with viewers – kind of like a group shopping tour of the site.

Why use them: If you want full control over the customer experience and data, hosting live shopping on your own site via a service like Bambuser can be ideal. You drive traffic to your site, you keep the customer data, and you’re not constrained by another platform’s rules or revenue share. This is great for established brands with significant web traffic or those that can bring an audience from email/social to their own live events. On the other hand, using a network like TalkShopLive or ShopShops can expose you to new audiences if the platform promotes your events. These solutions are often tailored for influencers and small businesses too – for example, ShopShops started by helping U.S. influencers sell Chinese luxury goods via live streams to global audiences. They often have commission models, so consider cost vs. benefit.

Many large retailers (e.g., in fashion and beauty) have used such platforms to run their own live shopping shows embedded on their sites, especially during the pandemic era. If you’re a tech-savvy brand or have a unique story to tell, exploring a dedicated live shopping tool might give you the best of both worlds: live engagement plus direct ownership of the sales channel.

Example: Beauty brand Clarins used Livescale to host live skincare tutorials with shopping integration on their website, seeing thousands of viewers and strong sales uptake during the streams. These kinds of proprietary events work well for brands with an existing fanbase.

9. Instagram and Facebook (Meta) – (Note: Limited Live Commerce)

You might be wondering, what about Instagram Live or Facebook Live? After all, these were huge social media platforms that did experiment with live shopping features. The reality is that Meta (the parent of Facebook and Instagram) phased out its native live shopping features in 2023. Businesses can still go live on IG or Facebook and talk about products, but viewers no longer have an in-app checkout for live video. Purchases have to happen through linked product tags, Instagram Shop, or by directing people to a website.

Why did this happen? Simply put, Meta saw stronger traction in other commerce areas (like static Shops and Reels) and decided to pull back on fully interactive live commerce in the West. They likely found that user adoption wasn’t as high as expected on their platforms for live buying, at least compared to the engagement on TikTok or dedicated apps. However, you can still leverage Instagram or Facebook in your live strategy – just in a slightly different way. Many brands use Instagram Live to build hype or do product reveals, then direct viewers to click the link in bio or the shopping tag afterward. It’s more manual but can still be effective for engagement, if not seamless conversion.

Bottom line: Instagram and Facebook Live today are best used for brand engagement and content, not direct sales. You might host a live Q&A, a product showcase, or an influencer takeover on Instagram Live to get the audience excited – then have them purchase via your IG Shop or site link. So while they aren’t “top live shopping platforms” in the sense of direct purchasing, they remain important as part of a holistic social commerce strategy. Just remember that true live shopping (with checkout in-stream) is currently better done elsewhere.

(Pro tip: If you have a strong Facebook or IG following, don’t abandon live content there – use it to funnel viewers to your TikTok Shop or website live events. For example, start a live on Instagram telling fans to join your actual shopping live on your site or

How to Succeed with Live Shopping (Tips for Brands)

Selecting a platform is only half the battle – execution is key to live commerce success. Here are some quick tips for e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers to maximize results from live shopping initiatives:

    1. Plan Engaging Content: Don’t wing it. Outline your live session like a mini show: have an introduction, product demos with clear talking points, and a conclusion with a strong call-to-action. Storytelling and authenticity are crucial. Teach or entertain first, sell second. A hook – like an exciting reveal or a problem/solution demonstration – in the first 30 seconds will keep viewers watching.

       

    2. Leverage Influencers or Charismatic Hosts: The host’s personality can make or break the stream. If you’re not comfortable on camera, partner with someone who is – such as a micro-influencer in your niche. Their relatability and enthusiasm will engage viewers (and their built-in following can boost your audience). The trust they’ve built with fans transfers to your product recommendation. Just ensure they align with your brand values and genuinely like your product (authenticity is non-negotiable).

       

    3. Promote Ahead of Time: Treat a live shopping event like an actual event! Promote it on all your channels – email newsletters, Instagram stories, Facebook groups, TikTok posts, etc. Tease what products or special deals will be featured. You can even use a countdown or “set reminder” post. This pre-buzz is essential to get a critical mass of viewers when you go live. The more that join early, the more likely you’ll hit platform algorithms to attract new eyeballs in real time.

       

    4. Offer Limited-Time Exclusives: Give viewers a reason to buy during the live. Offer a special discount code that’s only valid for the duration of the stream, or throw in a free gift for purchases made live. Highlight low stock (“only 10 left!”) if true. This taps into the urgency factor. You can also do live-only product bundles or first access to new releases. These perks make the audience feel rewarded for showing up and encourage immediate action.

       

    5. Engage the Audience: Make it a two-way conversation. Greet viewers by name as they join (on platforms where you can see names). Encourage questions (“Ask anything about the product – I’m here to help!”). Use the poll features or ask trivia if available (“Which color do you guys like best? Vote in the poll!”). The more viewers feel involved, the longer they’ll stick around and the more connected they’ll feel to your brand. High engagement not only boosts sales, it pleases the platform algorithms (especially on social media) to potentially feature your live to more people.

       

    6. Test and Learn: Start small and iterate. Your first live stream might have 5 viewers – that’s fine. Record it (most platforms allow saving the video) and re-watch to see where you can improve. Analyze what timeslots get the most viewers, which products sparked the most questions or excitement, and if there were technical hiccups. Gradually, you’ll find the formula that works for your audience. Consistency helps too – a regular schedule (say, going live every Wednesday at 7 PM) can build a loyal following over time.

       

    7. Follow Up: After the live event, follow up with those who watched or showed interest. For instance, you can send an Instagram DM or email to viewers thanking them for joining, along with a link to shop any remaining items. Perhaps extend the offer for a couple of hours for them. If the platform provides data on who watched or engaged, use that for retargeting ads or personalized outreach. This can convert those who didn’t buy during the live but are considering it afterward.

By keeping these best practices in mind and choosing the right platform, your brand can tap into the live shopping wave effectively. Remember, successful live commerce is a blend of the right technology (platform) and the right human touch (authentic hosting and engagement). Brands that master both are seeing real payoffs – not just in immediate sales, but in long-term customer loyalty and content that can be repurposed across marketing channels.

micro-influencer platforms

Unlock the Power of Micro Influencers and Elevate your Brand Today!

Live commerce is exploding in popularity as consumers flock to interactive, shoppable videos. In fact, US livestream e-commerce sales grew nearly 50% in 2025 to reach $14.6 billion. Platforms from TikTok to Amazon are doubling down on live shopping features, giving brands new ways to engage audiences and boost online sales. This post explores the top live shopping platforms of 2026 and how e-commerce brands (including Amazon sellers and DTC founders) can use them to connect with customers in real time. You’ll learn what live shopping is, why it’s so powerful for modern influencer marketing, and which platforms are leading the charge. By the end, you’ll see how even micro influencers and everyday content creators can turn live streams into sales engines – and how your brand can get in on the action.

Conclusion Top Live Shopping Platforms of 2026

Live shopping is no longer just a trend – it’s becoming a cornerstone of the e-commerce and influencer marketing landscape in 2026. Brands that embrace this interactive format can create richer shopping experiences that today’s consumers (fed up with static product pages) are craving. We’ve covered the top live shopping platforms of 2026 – from TikTok’s viral streams to Amazon’s built-in channel and specialized apps – each offering unique ways to connect with shoppers. The common thread is engagement: these platforms let you meet customers where they are and turn shopping into an event.

For e-commerce entrepreneurs and Amazon sellers, there’s huge upside to getting involved early. Even if only around one-fifth of US shoppers have tried live commerce so far, that means there’s plenty of room to grow – and those who innovate now can capture a loyal audience before the space gets crowded. The key is to choose the platform(s) that align with your audience and products, and approach live shopping not just as a sales channel but as a community-building strategy.

Whether you team up with micro-influencers to add authenticity, encourage UGC and real customer interaction, or host your own weekly show, live shopping can humanize your brand and dramatically boost conversion rates. Remember, success comes from delivering value – be it entertainment, education, or exclusive deals – not just pushing products. Do that, and sales will follow.

Ready to dive in? Pick a platform from our list and experiment with a small live event showcasing one of your best products. Use the tips we outlined to plan it out. You might be surprised at the excitement (and sales) a 30-minute live stream can generate. Live commerce offers a fresh way to drive ROI while delighting your customers – it’s the next best thing to shopping in person, and in 2026 it’s poised to be bigger than ever. Don’t let your brand miss out on this interactive e-commerce revolution.

Live commerce is exploding in popularity as consumers flock to interactive, shoppable videos. In fact, US livestream e-commerce sales grew nearly 50% in 2025 to reach $14.6 billion. Platforms from TikTok to Amazon are doubling down on live shopping features, giving brands new ways to engage audiences and boost online sales. This post explores the top live shopping platforms of 2026 and how e-commerce brands (including Amazon sellers and DTC founders) can use them to connect with customers in real time. You’ll learn what live shopping is, why it’s so powerful for modern influencer marketing, and which platforms are leading the charge. By the end, you’ll see how even micro influencers and everyday content creators can turn live streams into sales engines – and how your brand can get in on the action.

By William Gasner

CMO at Stack Influence

William Gasner is the CMO of Stack Influence, he’s a 6X founder, a 7-Figure eCommerce seller, and has been featured in leading publications like Forbes, Business Insider, and Wired for his thoughts on the influencer marketing and eCommerce industries.

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turning creativity into currency

our headquarters

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Miami, FL 33132

our contact info

[email protected]

Live commerce is exploding in popularity as consumers flock to interactive, shoppable videos. In fact, US livestream e-commerce sales grew nearly 50% in 2025 to reach $14.6 billion. Platforms from TikTok to Amazon are doubling down on live shopping features, giving brands new ways to engage audiences and boost online sales. This post explores the top live shopping platforms of 2026 and how e-commerce brands (including Amazon sellers and DTC founders) can use them to connect with customers in real time. You’ll learn what live shopping is, why it’s so powerful for modern influencer marketing, and which platforms are leading the charge. By the end, you’ll see how even micro influencers and everyday content creators can turn live streams into sales engines – and how your brand can get in on the action.

Live commerce is exploding in popularity as consumers flock to interactive, shoppable videos. In fact, US livestream e-commerce sales grew nearly 50% in 2025 to reach $14.6 billion. Platforms from TikTok to Amazon are doubling down on live shopping features, giving brands new ways to engage audiences and boost online sales. This post explores the top live shopping platforms of 2026 and how e-commerce brands (including Amazon sellers and DTC founders) can use them to connect with customers in real time. You’ll learn what live shopping is, why it’s so powerful for modern influencer marketing, and which platforms are leading the charge. By the end, you’ll see how even micro influencers and everyday content creators can turn live streams into sales engines – and how your brand can get in on the action.

© 2025 Stack Influence Inc

© 2025 Stack Influence Inc

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