New Delhi: Facebook said that it has launched a new app for Shopping on its platform.


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"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to online shopping has rapidly accelerated, with an estimated 85% of people worldwide now shopping online. We want to make shopping easier for people and empower anyone, from an entrepreneur to the largest brand, to use our apps to connect with customers and grow their business. That’s why we’re creating new ways for people to shop on our apps and providing tools to help businesses sell online," the social networking giant said.


"We're also making Shops available to any eligible business and adding customization features, messaging and new insights," the company added


"With Live Shopping, we're making it easier for people to shop in real time. We've been testing this feature on both Facebook and Instagram," it said.


Facebook Shop is now being testing in the US.


Facebook Live Shopping includes new features to help businesses easily set up a live experience featuring products from their Shop and sell directly from the video.


Facebook said it is waiving "selling fees for businesses through the end of the year" to reduce the cost of doing business online, especially given the current economic crisis.


Messaging through Shops combines the in-store experience of being able to ask a salesperson questions with the convenience of online shopping.


Messaging allows businesses to provide personalized assistance so people can make more informed decisions about their purchase.


"Customers can view products right within the chat, making it easy to share products with friends and family to get feedback before making a purchase. We're testing this feature on Messenger and Instagram Direct now, and will start testing it on WhatsApp soon," the company said.


Facebook also announced to expand checkout feature on Instagram to all US businesses and creators. Checkout helps users shop inside Instagram or Facebook without leaving the app and remembers your payment information.


Instagram Live Shopping is now available to all businesses and creators using checkout in the US.