What is Shoploop? Inside Google’s New Online Retailer Review Platform

Shoploop is a direct response to Facebook and Instagram’s e-commerce expansion and aims to be a ‘more interactive’ way of showcasing reviews on e-commerce platforms.

“The experience on Shoploop is more interactive than just scrolling through images, titles, and descriptions on a traditional e-commerce site,” said a spokesperson for Google.

“All Shoploop videos are shorter than 90 seconds and help you discover new products in an entertaining way, whether you want to try at-home nail stickers, revive your second-day hair or get a concealer that gives full coverage.”

What is Shoploop?

Shoploop allows users to scroll through a feed of various categories and save products that interest the user or shop via the e-commerce platform directly.

“Once you find a product that interests you, you can either save the product to buy it later or click straight to the merchant’s website to complete the purchase. You can also follow your favorite Shoploop creators and share videos you like with your friends and family,” Google explained.

Shoploop was created by Google’s Area 120 which are an experimental team that creates projects for the platform.

The Shoploop videos may seem similar to the other apps that are currently popular, such as TikTok and Twitter. But  Shoploop isn’t an app – it’s only available to use via the mobile site.

This may help increase its user generation, as people who want to work with the platform don’t have to download an app. According to a report from Google, 87 percent of shoppers said they didn’t need an app to be a loyal retail shopper, and 63 percent said they would delete an app if they were forced to use it buy from the retailer.

Every video is shorter than 90 seconds and aims to provide three functions: to be ‘a platform with short-form and live, interactive videos that helps people discover new products and shop’.

This new platform for Google is a step forward from its previous e-commerce developments. In April this year, Google made its listing in Google Shopping available for free and expanded on its pool of products.

Who is Shoploop For?

According to Google, there’s a specific type of consumers and businesses that the platforms reaching.

“Content creators, publishers and online store owners in the beauty industry in categories such as makeup, skincare, hair and nails,” the statement read. “Our goal is to provide them with a platform where they can review and recommend products and help others shop directly from their videos.”

At the moment, there’s a waitlist to become a Shoploop creator. This is a huge step for Google to take in an effort to sit at the front of innovation for mobile users.

The power of product reviews is unmatched in e-commerce, and directly competing against the likes of Instagram and Facebook may be the boost that Google needs to become the leader of social commerce.

Power Retail is dedicated to providing critical and live e-commerce retailer benchmarking data and shopper insights for the online retail industry. Click here to find out more about Power Retail E-Commerce Intelligence or here to sign-up for the free weekly Pulse Newsletter for more essential online retail content.