Do I need an account to shop on live shopping apps?

It depends on the app you are choosing. In most cases, yes, you will need to create an account to make purchases and engage with live streams.

Are live shopping apps safe to use?

Live shopping apps have buyer protection policies, secure payment processing methods, and dispute resolution customer support. Always check seller ratings before making any purchase, and read the refund and return policies to avoid confusion.

Can I return items bought on live shopping platforms?

Return policies vary by platform and seller. Most major platforms offer some level of buyer protection, but you should review specific return terms before making purchases.

Can I watch live shopping streams without buying?

Yes. All platforms let you watch streams for free, with no purchase obligation. You can browse, learn about products, and engage with content before deciding to buy.

What is the difference between an online video shopping app and a live stream shopping app?

A video shopping app includes pre-recorded, shoppable videos. Whereas a live stream shopping app specifically focuses on real-time, interactive broadcasts. The 'live' element is what allows for instant Q&A and community engagement.

How do live shopping sites help brands with visibility and engagement?

The interactive format, with Q&A and comments, encourages immediate participation. These are the key factors that boost online visibility and increase user engagement. Also, the brand must focus on longer viewing times and a stronger connection with the product and brand.

Can small businesses use social media platforms for live shopping instead of a dedicated app?

Yes, platforms like Instagram Live and Facebook Live are excellent starting points. They leverage your existing audience base at no extra cost. In comparison, dedicated apps or B2B solutions like Bambuser offer better e-commerce integration and advanced analytics.

Live Shopping Apps for Real-Time Deals: Top 10 You Must Try

We are not biased. We test and review every product. Here’s our Methodology.

Scrolling through endless product images and reading the not-so-genuine reviews doesn’t excite anyone anymore. This traditional shopping style feels disconnected, as you cannot see what the product looks like or whether it is genuine.

With live streaming taking off on social media, many live shopping apps have come up that have changed the way we used to shop. Now you can see sellers showing products in real time. You can ask questions and get instant answers. You can see items from every angle before adding them to your cart.

We have tested the ten best live shopping platforms over several weeks. We watched hundreds of live streams. We made purchases to test the checkout process. We analyzed features, user experience, product variety, and overall reliability. After intense research, here is our definitive guide to help you find the perfect live video shopping app for your needs.

A Quick Overview Of The Live Shopping Platforms

Live Shopping App	Best Used For
Whatnot	Variety of 250+ categories, including electronics, sports, Pokémon cards, fashion, plants, jewelry & more
TikTok Shop	Discovering trending products through entertaining creator content with seamless in-app checkout while scrolling your feed
Instagram Live	Shopping from brands and creators you already follow with interactive Q&A and a familiar Instagram interface
Amazon Live	Sellers and influencers who want to reach Amazon’s massive customer base and leverage existing Prime member benefits
Facebook Live	Reaching older demographics with desktop/mobile flexibility and permanent video content on business pages
Bambuser Studio	Enterprise brands needing professional-grade live shopping with multi-platform streaming & advanced analytics
Popshop.live	Boutique-style shopping with interactive games, giveaways, and commission-free selling for independent sellers
Voggt	European shoppers looking for unique international products with multilingual support and curated sellers
Channelize	Shopping directly on a brand’s website with personalized one-on-one video consultations and a premium experience
Hoods	Local neighborhood shopping with faster delivery, lower shipping costs, and support for small businesses

List of 10 Best Live Shopping Apps for Real-Time Deals

Table of Content

1. Whatnot
2. TikTok Shop
3. Instagram Live
4. Amazon Live
5. Facebook Live
6. Bambuser Studio
7. Popshop.live
8. Voggt
9. Channelize
10. Hoods
What Things Must Be Kept In Mind While Shopping Online From Live Shopping Apps?
1. Check Product Details and Images Carefully
2. Set a Budget and Stick to It
3. Check Seller Ratings
4. Know About Refund Policy
5. Ask Questions From The Seller
6. Avoid Private Transactions
Conclusion
FAQ

Related Topics

Know More

Pros & Cons
Pros
Largest live shopping platform across the USA, UK & Europe
250+ categories including electronics, sports, Pokémon cards, fashion, plants, jewelry & more
Strong seller verification and product authentication system
Interactive chat features during live streams
Real-time auction with buy-it-now option, flash sales, live show giveaways
Cons
The app can experience occasional freezes and lag issues
The auction format can sometimes lead to very fast bidding wars
Returning orders may incur return shipping costs, depending on the location
Shipping fees for each item add up fast on purchases
Why You'll Love It
Whatnot brings the thrill of live auctions directly to your phone with real-time bidding on collectibles, sneakers, and unique finds across 250+ categories. The platform combines competitive auctions with instant purchase options and community interaction that makes shopping feel like an event.
More about product
Whatnot is a live shopping marketplace that generated over $6 billion in sales throughout 2025. The platform allows sellers to host interactive auction-style livestreams where buyers place bids while connecting directly with hosts and other viewers. It also supports all seller types, from daily users to large businesses.

Auctions generally last 30-60 seconds, and sellers can opt for the instant “Buy It Now” option if they want to skip the bidding process. The platform takes an 8% commission on sales. The app is optimized for mobile use and allows sellers to stream directly from their phones or professional cameras.

Pros & Cons
Pros
Discover trending products while scrolling through the regular TikTok feed
Reviews and ratings are visible before purchase
Easy product tagging and direct purchasing within the app
Frequent discounts and flash sales for users
The algorithm shows items matching the actual interests of the user
Platform's unique algorithmic feed prioritizes relevance and engagement
Access to a vast creator ecosystem for organic and paid partnerships for high-engagement content
Cons
Product quality varies, as there are multiple sellers
Shipping time is usually longer than expected
The return process is complicated, requiring multiple steps and seller approval
Limited seller communication in case of any issue
Some items do not look similar to what is shown
Why You'll Love It
TikTok Shop offers a unique shopping experience by merging TikTok's viral content with real-time shopping. It’s great for discovering trendy and viral products while having fun with the TikTok community. It allows high-quality streams to reach massive new audiences quickly through TikTok’s powerful algorithm.
More about product
TikTok Shop is an integrated marketplace within the TikTok app that has seen 120% growth in US sales compared to the previous year. There are more than 750 categories and over 70 million products available on the platform. The platform allows product tagging, live shopping events, and direct purchases within the TikTok ecosystem.

The platform also allows brands to tag the items included in the live-streaming and offer a seamless one-tap checkout during the broadcast. Sellers can showcase products through in-feed shoppable videos, live shopping streams, and a dedicated Shop tab to increase impulse-purchase potential.

Also Read: TikTok Alternatives

Pros & Cons
Pros
Free to join without any subscription or membership fees required
Purchase products without leaving the app for a seamless experience
Save streams to watch later when it fits your schedule
The Q&A feature lets you ask specific questions during the stream
Shoppable products are tagged directly in the stream
Cons
The notification system is unreliable, so you miss streams from your favorites
Streams disappear after 24 hours unless the host saves them manually
No auction features if you enjoy competitive bidding experiences
Checkout redirects you to external websites
Why You'll Love It
Instagram Live brings real-time shopping directly to your feed, letting you shop while you interact with your favorite influencers and brands. It seamlessly links your live stream to your existing Instagram Shop. This makes the path from product discovery to checkout incredibly quick and visually appealing.
More about product
Instagram Live is the livestreaming feature that allows business accounts to broadcast to their followers in real time. While primarily a social feature, it integrates with Instagram Shopping to enable product tagging during broadcasts. Sellers can tag up to 30 products in a single livestream, and viewers can tap tags to view product details from the catalog without leaving the stream.

Instagram Live supports collaborative streaming, where two accounts can go live together, which is useful for brand partnerships or influencer collaborations. After a stream ends, the video can be saved to IGTV or posted to the feed to maintain visibility and boost performance on Instagram.

Pros & Cons
Pros
Free fast shipping with a Prime membership saves you extra money
Huge potential audience due to Amazon’s massive traffic
Shop directly from streams without leaving the Amazon app experience
Products appear on detail pages so you discover them naturally
Amazon’s return policy is applicable
Trusted payment methods you already use with your Amazon account
Cons
Limited to Amazon-enrolled sellers and influencers
Limited notification options, so you miss your favorite sellers
Only Amazon products are available, limiting your shopping options
Streams lack genuine product reviews
Why You'll Love It
Amazon Live is the trusted platform for a live shopping experience. Amazon Live connects sellers and influencers directly with Amazon's huge customer base through livestreams that appear on product pages and across Amazon.com. This makes it easy for shoppers to discover and buy products without leaving the platform.
More about product
Amazon Live Creator is a free livestreaming app for Amazon sellers enrolled in Brand Registry, Amazon vendors, and influencers in the Amazon Influencer Program. It allows influencers and sellers to broadcast live product demonstrations, reviews, and exclusive deals.

Viewers can interact with the hosts and make purchases in real-time directly through the Amazon app or website. Products featured appear right next to the video player. The platform offers built-in analytics tools to measure marketing performance and help creators improve their shows. Every creator starts as a "Rising Star" with the ability to livestream anytime using the Amazon Live Creator app.

Pros & Cons
Pros
Ideal for detailed product demonstrations
Access to a large and diverse audience of Facebook users
Facebook Shops integration makes purchasing straightforward and secure during streams
Videos remain on pages forever for rewatching when needed
Share streams with friends easily through Facebook's sharing features
Event scheduling helps you plan for upcoming sales
Sellers can create a product playlist, live broadcast the products, and viewers can click through to buy
Cons
Streaming quality is often poor
Younger, trendy brands rarely use Facebook for live shopping
Facebook's algorithm buries live videos in your crowded feed
The checkout process feels outdated compared to modern shopping apps
Limited to Facebook’s ecosystem
Why You'll Love It
Facebook Live Shopping makes it easy for businesses to connect with their audience while showcasing products online. With a large user base, Facebook Live is an ideal platform for both large brands and smaller sellers. It offers a large built-in audience and sends notifications to followers whenever a seller goes live.
More about product
Facebook Live offers a low barrier to entry for merchants using Facebook Shops. It is excellent for deep product demonstrations and community engagement. Live video on Facebook gets better organic reach than static posts.

Facebook's Creator Studio provides analytics on viewer count, peak concurrent viewers, engagement rate, and demographic information. Businesses can save livestreams as permanent video content on their page for continued discovery. Facebook Live supports interactive features like comments, reactions, and polls during broadcasts. This makes it an effective live video shopping app for businesses with large Facebook followings.

Pros & Cons
Pros
A B2B platform is excellent for large businesses and brands
Strong analytics and customer data ownership for the brand
Viewers can add products to the cart right on the screen
Replays stay available so you can shop anytime after streams
Easy integration with existing e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify, Salesforce, etc.
Cons
The interface may feel confusing for first-time users
Requires technical setup and integration with existing websites
The app is not ideal for individual sellers and daily users
You need to leave the app to complete the purchase
Limited product variety compared to open marketplace shopping platforms
Why You'll Love It
Bambuser is the top choice for businesses and brands that are looking to integrate live-stream selling into their e-commerce experience. This platform offers real-time chat features, high-quality video streaming for users and a seamless connection between live broadcasts and online stores.
More about product
Bambuser is a leading B2B live streaming shopping app. It seamlessly integrates live streaming with popular e-commerce platforms, enabling users to purchase in real time. Bambuser also offers a Floating Action Button (FAB) that alerts site visitors to upcoming live events, and an automatic archive that saves all shows for long-term value.

The platform includes strong reporting tools and a customer-facing performance dashboard. It's particularly strong for brands that want to maintain their own branded experience rather than selling on a marketplace.

Pros & Cons
Pros
Dedicated app environment for live shopping only
One-stop platform for fresh fashion, beauty, collectibles, home goods & kawaii
Live streaming with your favorite creators and the opportunity to interact with them
Interactive games such as sending gifts to friends, collecting badges, etc.
Sellers can curate collections from Popshoplive’s 100,000+ product catalog
Seamless integrated payment processing
Cons
Lesser-known brands with limited products
The app interface is outdated and not as polished or smooth as other platforms
Limited number of active sellers compared to bigger platforms
Payment processing is sometimes glitchy, requiring multiple attempts to complete
Why You'll Love It
Popshop.live offers a highly interactive live shopping experience with a focus on smaller brands and creators. It offers commission-free hosting where sellers can run interactive shows with games, giveaways, and auctions while streaming to multiple social media platforms at once.
More about product
Popshop.live is a live-stream shopping platform that is great for small businesses and creators looking to sell products through live video broadcasts. Sellers host interactive live video events and build direct connections with buyers. It supports emerging brands and small businesses. It allows sellers to host live shopping shows without paying seller fees or commissions.

One of the standout features is multi-platform streaming, which broadcasts simultaneously to Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and the Popshop platform itself. This maximizes audience reach without requiring sellers to manage multiple streams.

Pros & Cons
Pros
Verified sellers by the Voggt team
Real-time notifications provide updates on favorite seller activities
A secure payment system protects transactions
Special focus on trading cards, figurines, comics, retro-gaming, etc.
Clean modern design provides a pleasant browsing and shopping experience
Curated sellers mean higher-quality products than open marketplaces
Cons
Limited inventory compared to larger platforms
Not suitable for general retail goods
Limited availability outside Europe restricts access for many shoppers
Customer support operates mainly in European time zones only
The app is sometimes only available in certain countries' app stores
Why You'll Love It
Voggt provides a unique live-stream shopping experience, offering exclusive deals and the chance to interact with hosts in real-time. It provides a trusted, auction-based environment specifically for collectors. You can experience the thrill of live bidding on verified items like rare trading cards and comics.
More about product
Voggt is a live-stream shopping app focused on selling trading cards, including Pokémon (Vintage & Recent), Boxbreaks, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, and sports cards (Football, NFL, and more).

It is great for those who love figurines, vintage toys, LEGO, comics, manga, retro-gaming, art, etc. It is a fast-growing live selling app that is very popular in Europe. It centers around collecting communities. It offers both live auctions and immediate purchase options.

Pros & Cons
Pros
Excellent for businesses looking to integrate live shopping into their e-commerce platforms
No account needed on third-party platforms to complete purchases
Real-time interaction with buyers
High-quality video for a professional shopping experience
Offers no-code setup, built-in analytics, and social simulcasting to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook
Integrates with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento
Cons
Limited discovery of new brands
No price comparison since each brand operates separately
24/7 customer support is not available
Why You'll Love It
Channelize is perfect for businesses looking to integrate live video shopping into their websites, offering an excellent live-streaming solution with high-quality features. Channelize provides businesses with customizable live shopping technology that can be white-labeled and integrated directly into existing e-commerce platforms, creating a branded video shopping experience.
More about product
Channelize offers businesses an easy way to host live shopping events on their own platforms, with conversion rates up to 12 times higher than on traditional platforms. The app provides high-quality streaming and allows users to shop in real-time, making it perfect for brands looking to engage their customers directly.

This app is a sophisticated B2B tool that helps merchants turn an e-commerce store, such as Shopify, into a real-time selling engine. It helps drive impulse buys and boosts engagement on the brand’s own storefront. It is a high-conversion live stream shopping platform.

Pros & Cons
Pros
14-day refund and return policy
Wide range of products and items from both local and international brands
100% authentic guidance during the purchase with detailed product descriptions
Supports high-quality streams from professional cameras
High focus on authenticity and removing false images of the products
Cons
Sometimes there is an issue with registration
Limited product availability depends on your local area activity
A smaller user base means fewer streams to watch daily
Why You'll Love It
Hoods connects you with sellers in your local community through live shopping sessions and listings, making it easy to discover products nearby, reduce shipping costs, and support neighborhood businesses. The major focus of the app is on 100% product authenticity so that you can trust the reviewer.
More about product
Hoods is an online video shopping app that connects consumers with diverse brands. Reviewers provide detailed, authentic guidance during the live stream. Users can see the item from every angle. It runs a talent program. This allows users to earn money by reviewing and selling products.

Hoods supports both live video streaming and traditional static product listings, giving sellers flexibility in how they present their items. The app includes location-based discovery so buyers can browse what's available in their neighborhood or city. While still growing its user base, Hoods works best in areas with active local communities and sellers who prefer neighborhood connections over anonymous online marketplaces.

What Things Must Be Kept In Mind While Shopping Online From Live Shopping Apps?

While live shopping apps offer exclusive access and interactive demos, the need for real-time broadcasts can often lead to some overlooked details. Keep these six factors in mind to ensure you receive the right product at the right budget.

1. Check Product Details and Images Carefully

Before finalizing your purchase, make sure to check the product details and images thoroughly. Sometimes, the product shown in the live streaming may not exactly match what you receive. Be sure the descriptions match the images, and if the details seem a bit off, don’t hesitate to ask the seller for more specifics.

2. Set a Budget and Stick to It

It is easy to get carried away when browsing through live shopping apps with tempting deals. However, always set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and impulse buying, ensuring you get only what you need at the right price.

3. Check Seller Ratings

Always start by researching sellers before making any purchases. Whenever you join a live stream, look into the seller’s profile, check reviews given by customers, and based on that, decide whether to make a purchase. Also, check the sellers’ ratings, connect with previous buyers, and look at how long they have been active on the online platform.

4. Know About Refund Policy

Understand refund policies before you buy. Each platform handles returns and refunds differently. Some offer generous buyer protection while others have strict no-return policies. Therefore, always read about what policy they follow if items arrive damaged or don't match descriptions.

5. Ask Questions From The Seller

Watch carefully what you are buying from the online shopping platforms. Ask questions if you feel anything is unclear, the product description is not properly understood by you, or the price is not properly quoted.

6. Avoid Private Transactions

Always ensure you are making the payment on the right platform. Conduct all transactions through the app's secure payment system. This provides the platform’s security policies to protect you. If the seller asks for third-party payment, then check whether the platform is reliable or not. After careful consideration, make the payment.

Conclusion

After analyzing each live shopping app, it is time to choose the one that matters most to you. We have the best shopping apps for women and men, too. Men can conveniently shop for their favorites right here and skip the trip to the store!

If you love the excitement of bidding wars and hunting for collectibles, Whatnot is the ideal choice. For fashion and beauty enthusiasts, TikTok Shop and Instagram Live let you leverage the beauty brands that are building a strong presence on social platforms.

Users who already use Amazon services should consider Amazon Live to explore its benefits. If you love to shop from the top brands, Bambuser is your go-to option. But if you have a tight budget, then Popshop.live stands out for you. European shoppers must explore Voggt for its choice of products and multi-lingual support. And those who love to support local communities, Hoods brings the live shopping experience right to your neighborhood.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an account to shop on live shopping apps?
It depends on the app you are choosing. In most cases, yes, you will need to create an account to make purchases and engage with live streams.
Are live shopping apps safe to use?
Live shopping apps have buyer protection policies, secure payment processing methods, and dispute resolution customer support. Always check seller ratings before making any purchase, and read the refund and return policies to avoid confusion.
Can I return items bought on live shopping platforms?
Return policies vary by platform and seller. Most major platforms offer some level of buyer protection, but you should review specific return terms before making purchases.
Can I watch live shopping streams without buying?
Yes. All platforms let you watch streams for free, with no purchase obligation. You can browse, learn about products, and engage with content before deciding to buy.
What is the difference between an online video shopping app and a live stream shopping app?
A video shopping app includes pre-recorded, shoppable videos. Whereas a live stream shopping app specifically focuses on real-time, interactive broadcasts. The 'live' element is what allows for instant Q&A and community engagement.
How do live shopping sites help brands with visibility and engagement?
The interactive format, with Q&A and comments, encourages immediate participation. These are the key factors that boost online visibility and increase user engagement. Also, the brand must focus on longer viewing times and a stronger connection with the product and brand.
Can small businesses use social media platforms for live shopping instead of a dedicated app?
Yes, platforms like Instagram Live and Facebook Live are excellent starting points. They leverage your existing audience base at no extra cost. In comparison, dedicated apps or B2B solutions like Bambuser offer better e-commerce integration and advanced analytics.

WRITTEN BY

Arpit Dubey

Content Writer

Arpit is a dreamer, wanderer, and tech nerd who loves to jot down tech musings and updates. With a knack for crafting compelling narratives, Arpit has a sharp specialization in everything from Predictive Analytics to Game Development along with Cloud Computing, IoT, and let’s not forget SaaS, healthcare, and more.

Arpit crafts content that’s as strategic as it is compelling. With a Logician mind, he is always chasing sunrises and tech advancements while secretly preparing for the robot uprising.