UPDATED 09:19 EST / JULY 16 2015

NEWS

Facebook will soon let you shop directly from retailer pages

Lately it seems like the three constants in life are death, taxes, and Facebook updates, and this week the social network found a way to include at least two of those things. Facebook is apparently testing a “Buy” button on certain retailer pages that would allow users to purchase items directly through the site, taking one step closer toward fulfilling Facebook’s dream that you will never, ever leave.

“With the shop section on the page, we’re now providing businesses with the ability to showcase their products directly on the page,” Facebook product marketing manager Emma Rodgers told BuzzFeed News. She was likely then forced to list 5 ways shopping on Facebook will change your life, and you won’t believe number 3!

Earlier this week, Google announced a similar feature that would allow users to buy products through paid ads in its search results. At the moment, it seems that Facebook’s buy button only shows up on specific pages rather than in ads or search results.

While Rodgers could not share which companies specifically were taking part in the pilot program, she said that the number of storefronts using the new shopping feature are currently “in the double-digits” with more expected to be added in the near future. Major retailers like Wal-Mart probably would not see much of a difference with being able to sell to consumers through Facebook, but the feature could be incredibly useful for small to mid-sized retailers who would benefit from the exposure and ease of use of such a feature.

Most of the features Facebook adds to its platform have the hidden agenda of keeping users on its site or app longer, ensuring that they stay well within the crosshairs of its advertisers. This includes the social network’s partnerships with major news publications like The New York Times to host content directly on Facebook through its Instant Articles program, as well as the site’s recent push for more video content.

Facebook will also almost certainly be keeping track of user purchases as it does with pretty much everything else you do on Facebook, such as liking posts, leaving comments, or even turning up the volume on a video. But don’t worry, it is not like Facebook ever gets in trouble for privacy violations, right?

Image credit: Facebook

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