Google makes YouTube videos 'shoppable'

May 17, 2019 by
Jeroen Leenders

youtubeSearch giant Google is testing its Google Express marketplace by putting product recommendations and prices below YouTube videos.

According to The Information, the company starts testing this with videos from global footwear giant Nike, among other things, and other brands that are connected to Google Express. Below the relevant videos, links are placed with recommendations that direct consumers to the product on Google’s marketplace.

Product information

In addition, reviews are included along the product information underneath the videos, and customers are informed about the return process. It is not yet known how far these new functionalities will be implemented, and whether all YouTube videos will soon be provided with product links. The Information based the news on a few anonymous sources. However, it is clear that the search giant wants to give its marketplace a boost, to compete against marketplace giant, such as Amazon, for example.

That last statement became clear last week as well, when Google announced that it wanted to significantly expand the Google Express portfolio with more retailers. In addition, the marketplace is undergoing a rebrand.

Shoppable ads

This is Google’s next step into making its content shoppable. In March, the company announced it will start testing 'Shoppable ads' in Google Images. This allows consumers to purchase an item directly from the image. As this is still being carried out on a trial basis, not everyone is able to use this function yet. In addition, the new shoppable ads are only applied to a small part of the images for now.

 

Shiprocket IPO Draws Strong Demand on Final Day of Bidding
India’s e-commerce enablement company Shiprocket has entered the final day of its initial public offering with strong investor demand, putting one of the country’s best-known logistics technology companies on course...
August 14, 2026
Amazon signs global warehouse automation agreement with AutoStore
Amazon has signed a global strategic supply agreement with warehouse automation specialist AutoStore, establishing a framework that could allow the e-commerce giant to deploy AutoStore technology across its international fulfillment...
August 13, 2026
Oman completes nearly 87% of national E-Commerce Plan as digital trade push accelerates
Oman has completed nearly 87% of its National E-Commerce Plan 2022–2027, marking another major step in the Sultanate’s efforts to strengthen its digital economy and establish itself as a regional...
August 10, 2026
Top crossmenu

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close