Snapchat's visual search tool now lets people find and buy products on Amazon
Snap has launched a visual search collaboration with Amazon that makes it easier for people to search for products in Snapchat, then buy them from the e-commerce giant.
This new feature could help assuage investors
Using Snapchat's existing visual search tool, people can now use the app to point their camera at physical product or barcode to then be redirected to an Amazon pop-up card for that product or something similar.
The service is in testing and will be made available only to a small percentage of Snapchat users in the US initially. It's unclear whether, or how, Snapchat and Amazon will split the revenue on sales driven through the partnership.
Explaining the technical wizardry behind the process Snap said in a blog post: “When the item or barcode is recognized, an Amazon card will appear on-screen, surfacing a link for that product or similar ones available on Amazon.
"Tap your selection to visit the Amazon App (if you have it installed on your phone) or Amazon.com, where you can complete your purchase or keep browsing."
Snapchat’s valuation has fallen precipitously since its much-hyped IPO as investors fret that it is struggling to commercialise its dedicated userbase.
This new feature could help assuage investors, and builds on a longer line of e-commerce plays from the messaging app like its shoppable AR lenes.
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