IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Facebook Wants to Make it Easier to Buy Through Its App

Facebook wants its users to shop for clothes and other products from their mobile phones without ever leaving its app.
We apologize, this video has expired.

Facebook wants its users to shop for clothes and other products from their mobile phones without ever leaving its app.

In an effort to move further into e-commerce and compete with Amazon’s retail offerings, Facebook announced Monday it is testing several ad features that allow users to shop directly through its app.

Few users make purchases on mobile phones because it is slow and cumbersome, but Facebook hopes to win over more ad dollars by smoothing the process. Mobile purchases make up less than 2 percent of all retail sales, according to research firm eMarketer.

Read More: Facebook Goes Beyond 'Like' With 6 New 'Reaction' Buttons

"We're looking to give people an easier way to find products that will be interesting to them on mobile, make shopping easier and help businesses drive sales," said Emma Rodgers, Facebook's head of product marketing for commerce.

Among the new features are ads that take a user through a specific brand's products without redirecting them to another site. For example, a user who clicks on an ad from a boutique could see an expanded page that displays numerous clothing items.

Businesses on Facebook will also be able to display products for purchase directly on their own pages. And users will be able to purchase products directly on Facebook through a “buy now” button that will be more widely available.

Read More: Europe's Top Court Backs Law Student in Facebook Privacy Case