Live commerce is a form of e-commerce where sales are conducted in real-time through live streaming. Unlike regular online shopping with merely pictures and descriptions. Live-streaming lets sellers and customers chat directly. In live-streaming, people can see product demos, ask questions, and join in right away.

Despite the real-time nature of live commerce, image editing and background editing still play a crucial role. Before going live, sellers often get things ready like special offers and pictures of the items they'll sell. They might fix these pictures to look even better. They can also change the background behind them to look more professional.

Tools such as AI Background Generator are valuable for professionals in live commerce. It provides quick and easy ways to edit images and create visually appealing backgrounds. If you do not add a new background, the tool can also simply erase the current background.

What is Live Commerce?

Live Commerce on Laptop

Live commerce is a more recent evolution of e-commerce wherein a business can happen in real-time through streaming. It is basically live television being mixed with online shopping. Streamers can stream and display products for customers and customers can make a purchase decision on the spot. Live-streaming commerce is hence more dynamic as well. 

Live-streaming commerce is like a live TV show for selling things. Sellers show off their products on video, and viewers can watch and chat with the seller. Viewers can even ask the seller to show how the product works or get a closer look, which can make them feel more confident about buying.

Social media platforms have always been good for streaming or going live, which makes them suitable choices for live commerce as well. Social media is key for Live-streaming. It lets sellers reach a lot of people fast because people are already on these platforms and sharing things with friends. There are also special apps for live-streaming commerce, like Amazon Live and Alibaba's Taobao Live, that sellers can use.

live commerce

Image editing is important in live commerce to ensure that products are presented in the best possible light. This may include making the image more creative with new backdrops. Or you can remove background from image completely and only keep the product there.

Live-streaming commerce can be tricky. Sometimes the video quality isn't great, or the stream cuts out. It can also be tough to keep people watching if the presentation isn't interesting. Live selling is different from regular online selling too. Plus, you can't show off everything you sell in a stream, unlike a website where you can list everything.

Where Did the Live Commerce Trend Begin?

TikTok on Phone with Product

The live commerce trend originated in China. It is termed as 'zhibo daihuo', which translates to "livestreaming e-commerce" or "livestreaming sales." Live-streaming commerce became a big thing around 2016. That's when online stars, influencers, and companies started using live video to show off products and chat with their fans. While it started off slow, Live-streaming took off big time after 2017.

This trend took off in China around the same time smartphones and social media got really popular. Apps like Taobao Live and Douyin (like TikTok in China) made it easy to watch live streams and buy things right there, without leaving the app.

Since live streaming e-commerce in China was such a hit, other countries like the US and Europe are jumping on board too. Social media giants like Facebook and Instagram are even adding features to let people shop directly from live videos.

Live Commerce vs. Traditional E-Commerce

Online Business Modes

Live commerce or live streaming e-commerce differs from traditional e-commerce in several key ways. Regular online shopping is like looking through a catalog and buying things on a website. Live-streaming is more like a live show where sellers can chat with viewers in real time. This makes it more engaging for everyone involved, like a faster and more exciting way to do business.

Both regular online shopping and Live-streaming can use influencers to promote products. But with Live-streaming, influencers can chat with viewers directly, which can be more powerful. This social aspect can help drive sales and create a sense of urgency among viewers. Live streaming can be more exciting and unpredictable than regular online shopping, but websites let you see a lot more products at once.

What Are the Benefits of Live Commerce?

Interaction Online Live Commerce

Live streaming e-commerce offers several benefits for both sellers and buyers. For sellers, live commerce provides a more engaging and interactive way to showcase products. This also extends to them being able to showcase the product better and in more detail, answer popular questions, and more. Hosting such live-streaming e-commerce sessions can also build a following. 

Live-streaming makes shopping more fun and informative. You can see products being used and ask questions to learn more about them. Sellers might even offer special discounts during the live stream. 

It can also be more social. Viewers can chat with the seller and each other, making it feel more like hanging out and shopping with friends.

Live Commerce Trends in 2024

Tech in E-Commerce

Live commerce is here to stay! Experts say it's going to keep growing and could be a big part of online shopping in the future, maybe accounting for 1 out of every 10 purchases. As of now, live streaming e-commerce is experiencing growth, thanks to all the streaming platforms and the benefits it provides.

Live-streaming commerce is getting a makeover! Some of the latest trends in live commerce including many upgrades. New things are popping up, like using special glasses to virtually try on clothes (augmented reality). Or even stepping into a whole virtual store (virtual reality). Plus, AI is recommending things you might like and making buying stuff even easier.

In 2024 and beyond, we may see further advancements in these areas. More sophisticated AI algorithms provide even more personalized shopping experiences. AI will also be needed for quick image editing and adjustment, wherein platforms such as VanceAI may provide plenty of value.

Boost Your Live Commerce with AI

Step 1: Use the link provided to visit VanceAI Background Generator online. Click the designated button for image editing to access the Workspace.

AI Background Generator Homepage

Step 2: Upload your image and watch as the tool removes the background automatically. Finish by selecting "Save Asset". Try various backgrounds and apply your choice by clicking "Generate" to create the backdrop for your product image.

background workbench

Step 3: Examine the generated images below and save them to your device using the download icon. This streamlined process simplifies enhancing your product photos with creatively designed backgrounds.

AI background

Conclusion

Live commerce offers a dynamic shopping experience, bridging the gap between online and offline retail. It allows for real-time interaction between sellers and buyers, fostering engagement and trust.

Live streams can use AI to edit images and make products look even better, which grabs viewers' attention and makes them want to buy. It has advantages like boosting sales, keeping viewers engaged, and personalized shopping experience. 

Live commerce is here to stay and keeps getting better! Expect even more cool tech (like AI) to be used to make selling and buying things even more fun and easy.

FAQs

1. Why is live commerce so popular?

Live-streaming commerce is hot because it's more fun and interactive than regular online shopping. Sellers can show off products live, answer your questions on the spot, and chat with you. This makes you want to buy things right away, boosting sales for sellers.

2. How do I start live commerce?

You gotta pick a spot to go live, like popular apps like Facebook or Instagram, or websites made just for live selling. Next, plan your content by deciding which products to showcase and how to present them in an engaging way. Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as a camera and microphone, to broadcast your live stream clearly. Promote your live stream on social media and other channels to attract viewers. When you're ready, go live and engage with your audience.

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Frank Edward
Frank Edward
Frank provides expert information on AI tools that are applied to E-commerce, design, games, music and videos.