Meta is adding a new product search function to its AI chatbot, bringing it more into competition with generative AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Gemini. The first users in the USA are already seeing an experimental shopping function within Meta AI that displays product suggestions directly in the chat. The aim is to make product searches easier and more personalized. The test shows the extent to which AI chatbots are increasingly becoming central platforms for research, advice and potentially also online shopping.
- New shopping search: Meta AI displays product recommendations directly in the chat
- Product carousel: images, brand information, prices and retailer links are clearly displayed
- Personalized results: Recommendations are based on location data and user profiles, among other things
- No in-app purchase: the chatbot currently only links to external retailer sites
Meta AI adds shopping search to its chatbot
With the new function, Meta AI is testing an integrated product search directly in the chatbot. Users can search for products and then receive a visual overview with suitable suggestions. The results appear in the form of a product carousel that shows several items with a picture, brand name, price and a link to the retailer’s website.
In addition to the basic product information, the chatbot also provides a brief explanation of why certain products were selected. This makes the function increasingly similar to the shopping features of other AI systems that are already trying to replace traditional web searches. Instead of searching through several online stores, the product selection is curated directly by the AI.
The function is currently still in a test phase with selected users in the USA. A global release has not yet been announced. Nevertheless, the test indicates that Meta wants to position its AI platform more strongly as an information and research tool.
An important difference to traditional online stores is that there is currently no direct checkout process within the chatbot. Anyone who selects a product is forwarded to the respective retailer via a link. This means that Meta initially remains an intermediary platform that forwards traffic to external stores.
Competition with ChatGPT and Gemini in AI shopping
The test of the shopping function clearly shows how intense the competition has become in the field of AI-supported product search. Generative AI systems are increasingly developing into digital shopping advisors that not only answer questions, but also provide specific purchase suggestions.
Meta relies heavily on personalized recommendations. The AI draws on already known user data to generate more relevant suggestions. This can include, for example, the approximate location or certain profile information. If someone is looking for a down jacket, for example, Meta AI could automatically recommend models that are suitable for the current season or local climate.
Meta also tries to present the product selection as clearly as possible. Instead of long text lists, visual cards with images and prices are displayed. This presentation is very reminiscent of classic product lists in online stores, but is integrated directly into the conversation.
The strategy behind this is clear: in the long term, AI assistants should become a central entry point for online research – regardless of whether it is about information, services or products. If such functions become established, AI chatbots could play a similar role in the future as search engines or price comparison portals do today.
This development could also become relevant for retailers and brands. If AI systems curate product recommendations, the question of which products appear in these suggestions and what criteria are used to select them will become more important.
Conclusion
With the new shopping function, Meta AI is increasingly developing into a versatile AI assistant that goes beyond traditional chat functions. The integration of product recommendations shows that the competition between large AI platforms has long since reached online retail. The feature is still in an early test phase and does not allow direct purchases. However, if Meta continues to expand the function, AI-supported product searches could play a much greater role in e-commerce in the future.
Source: Bloomberg
