Retail’s Next Frontier: Live Social Shopping

The Rise of Live Commerce: Building Relationships That Matter

Imagine a world where shopping is no longer just about transactions but about connection—a world where brands don’t simply sell products; they build trust and community. This is the promise of live commerce. It’s not just a new way to shop; it’s a new way to engage.

Live commerce, also known as live selling or live stream eCommerce, combines the immediacy of live streaming with the convenience of online shopping. It’s a platform for interaction, where customers can ask questions, see products in action, and make purchases in real-time. At its core, live commerce isn’t just about driving sales; it’s about creating meaningful relationships in an increasingly digital world.

What Makes Live Commerce Different?

Traditional eCommerce is functional. It lets consumers browse, click, and buy at their leisure. But live commerce? It’s dynamic. It’s personal. It’s about creating moments that matter.

Picture this: a consumer tunes into a live stream where a host—maybe an influencer or a company representative—is showcasing a product. They’re not just seeing a static image or reading a description. They’re watching the product in action, asking questions, and getting instant feedback. They’re not just shopping; they’re connecting.

Engagement is the differentiator. It’s like having a trusted friend guide you through your purchase, answering your questions, and sparking your excitement in real-time. This is the future of commerce.

The Mechanics of Live Commerce

Live commerce blends video, interaction, and sales into a single seamless experience. Here’s how it works:

  1. Platform Selection: Brands choose platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or dedicated live shopping apps to host their events.
  2. Live Interaction: During the event, hosts showcase products, answer questions, and interact with viewers.
  3. Seamless Purchasing: Consumers can make purchases directly through integrated tools without leaving the live stream.

The beauty of live commerce lies in its immediacy. The real-time nature creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, encouraging impulse buys and fostering deeper engagement.

Why Live Commerce Works

Let’s talk about human behavior. People don’t just buy products; they buy stories, experiences, and emotions. Live commerce taps into this by:

  • Encouraging Real-Time Interaction: Consumers feel heard and valued when their questions are answered instantly.
  • Building Trust Through Transparency: Seeing products demonstrated live removes doubts and builds confidence.
  • Creating FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Limited-time offers and exclusive deals drive immediate action.

A 2024 survey found that 45% of US consumers have browsed or purchased through live shopping events in the past year. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a shift in how we connect with brands.

Stories of Success

Brands around the world are using live commerce to turn ordinary shopping moments into extraordinary experiences. Consider these examples:

  • TikTok Shop: During the Black Friday weekend in 2024, TikTok Shop reported a 165% increase in shoppers, achieving over $100 million in sales on Black Friday alone. This surge underscores the platform's growing influence in the U.S. live shopping market.
    Barron's
  • Whatnot: A live shopping platform specializing in collectibles, Whatnot surpassed $2 billion in livestream sales from January through September 2024. This milestone highlights the platform's rapid growth and the increasing popularity of live commerce in the U.S.
    Modern Retail

  • Comfrt: The apparel brand Comfrt, known for its weighted hoodies, reported over $150,000 in sales during its first livestream event on TikTok. This success illustrates the potential for emerging brands to generate substantial revenue through live social shopping. 

  • Quivr: This beverage brand explored live shopping by hosting events on platforms like Amazon Live. Co-founder Ash Crawford engaged directly with audiences, sharing the brand's story and showcasing products in real-time. This approach allowed Quivr to connect authentically with consumers and drive sales through interactive live sessions.

Best Practices to Set Up Your Own Event

Pre-Event Planning:

  1. Define Your Goalssome text
    • Set clear objectives, such as boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, or engaging your audience.
  2. Understand Your Audiencesome text
    • Research customer demographics and preferences to select the right products and tailor messaging.
  3. Select the Right Platformsome text
    • Choose a live shopping platform that aligns with your audience (e.g., Instagram Live, TikTok, Facebook, or dedicated platforms like Shopify’s live selling features).
  4. Prepare Your Product Lineupsome text
    • Highlight bestsellers and exclusive items, ensuring they are visually appealing and in stock.
  5. Create a Script or Flowsome text
    • Plan the event timeline, including introductions, product demos, promotions, and Q&A sessions.
  6. Promote the Eventsome text
    • Use email, social media, and paid ads to generate excitement. Include countdowns, teasers, and sneak peeks.
  7. Incentivize Attendancesome text
    • Offer exclusive discounts, limited-time deals, or freebies for attendees.
  8. Test the Techsome text
    • Conduct a dry run to ensure camera angles, lighting, sound, and internet connectivity are optimal.
  9. Assemble a Teamsome text
    • Designate roles such as host, tech support, and moderators for managing live comments and questions.

During the Event:

  1. Start with Energysome text
    • Kick off with an engaging introduction to grab attention immediately.
  2. Showcase Products Creativelysome text
    • Use high-quality visuals, live demos, and storytelling to highlight features and benefits.
  3. Engage in Real-Timesome text
    • Respond to comments, answer questions, and interact with viewers to build rapport.
  4. Create Urgencysome text
    • Use time-sensitive offers or limited stock warnings to encourage immediate purchases.
  5. Leverage Social Proofsome text
    • Share customer testimonials, reviews, or live reactions to build trust.
  6. Provide Easy Purchase Optionssome text
    • Include clickable links or on-screen QR codes for seamless transactions.
  7. Maintain Professionalismsome text
    • Stay on-brand with your tone and presentation while addressing any technical glitches calmly.

Pro Tips for Success:

  • Optimize for Mobile Viewers: Ensure everything looks great on a smartphone screen.
  • Incorporate Influencers: Collaborate with trusted creators to amplify reach.
  • Highlight Your Brand Personality: Make the experience fun, relatable, and memorable.
  • Monitor Comments: Address any negative feedback promptly to maintain credibility.
  • Create FOMO: Show live attendee counts and emphasize exclusive access.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Live Commerce

Live commerce isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a glimpse into the future of how brands will connect with their customers. As technology evolves, we can expect even more immersive experiences—think augmented reality, where consumers can virtually try on products during live streams.

But the heart of live commerce will always be human connection. It’s about turning viewers into participants, customers into advocates, and transactions into relationships. The brands that succeed in live commerce will be those that prioritize connection over conversion.

The Big Question: Why Should You Care?

Because people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And live commerce gives brands a powerful platform to share their “why” in real-time. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating moments that matter. And in 2025 and beyond, moments matter more than ever.

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Why American Eagle's 'Live Your Life' Campaign is a Genius Move

American Eagle has just pulled off a brilliant marketing move by relaunching their classic “Live Your Life” campaign with a twist. The new “Live Your Life” campaign puts disposable cameras in the hands of influencers, encouraging them to capture raw, unfiltered moments of their lives and posting it on social media. 

Let’s take a closer look at why it’s genius and why brands should take a page from AE’s book of marketing. 

The Campaign at a Glance

In a move reminiscent of the '90s, American Eagle has distributed disposable cameras to over 200 influencers, asking them to document their everyday lives wearing AE fashion. 

The campaign roster boasts a mix of household names like Coco Gauff, fresh off her US Open victory, and Trevor Lawrence, the rising NFL star, alongside a diverse crew of influencers. 

The idea is simple: flood social media feeds with genuine, unpolished snapshots, providing a counterpoint to the typical glossy, hyper-edited images we are used to seeing. 

Why Is It So Special?

  1. A Flood of Real Moments: With more than 200 influencers posting simultaneously, the campaign goes beyond regular content drops. It’s a wave of realness that American Eagle has managed to create, taking over social feeds with images that feel spontaneous and alive. They’ve truely created a movement that owns the feed.
  2. Tapping Into Nostalgia: The other reason why it’s a genius move is because the campaign hits two generations in different ways. For millennials, it’s a throwback to their teenage years, when disposable cameras were everywhere. For Gen Z, it’s a taste of retro they never knew they needed. American Eagle has taken a simple concept and turned it into a way to bridge the generation gap, sparking conversations and connecting with people through a shared sense of nostalgia.
  3. Authenticity is King: In a time where FaceTune and Photoshop rule our feeds, American Eagle is betting on the beauty of imperfection. These disposable camera shots can’t be filtered or retouched, and that’s the point. Audiences are responding to the authenticity that these raw, unpolished photos offer. American Eagle has tapped into a desire for genuine content, recognizing that people are tired of picture-perfect and ready for something real.

What Makes This Work

  1. Trust in Real Content: American Eagle understands that people connect more with genuine moments than with manufactured images. By encouraging influencers to capture their lives as they are, they’re building trust and connecting with their audience on a deeper level.
  2. Bringing Back Anticipation: For younger audiences, the novelty of waiting to see how photos turn out is an experience they’ve never had. It’s a way to introduce the thrill of anticipation to a generation that’s used to instant everything. For older fans, it’s a reminder of the fun in delayed gratification.
  3. Freedom for Creators: American Eagle took a hands-off approach with this campaign, allowing influencers to interpret “Live Your Life” in their own way. By avoiding strict guidelines and giving creators free rein, AE has harnessed a range of genuine voices, all promoting their brand in a way that feels personal and unique.

Final Notes

Live Your Life feels more relevant today than when it was first introduced more than 20 years ago.  American Eagle’s purpose has always extended beyond providing great products, and this platform embodies everything we want for our customer–optimism, connection and to empower them to be who they want to be,” says Craig Brommers, Chief Marketing Officer of AE. 

American Eagle’s approach might just inspire other brands to take a similar path, letting go of perfection to embrace the beauty of real life. If anything, they’ve reminded us that sometimes the simplest ideas with the right distribution can have the strongest impact. 

So keep an eye on your feed—it’s about to look a whole lot more real.

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How to think and talk like your customers with brand archetypes


There’s a certain something about the brands we connect with. You know, the ones we can’t get enough of, the ones we tell our friends and family about.

It can’t just be random that we like them so much and prefer them over so many others, can it?


So what’s really behind that special connection we feel? 

What makes us loyal to these brands?

Is it their clever writing? 

The flashy designs? 


Charming ambassadors?

Actually, their secret is their Brand Archetype.


In this article, we are going to dive into what are brand archetypes and how they can help you build lasting relationships with your audience that go well beyond the surface.

What Is an Archetype?

By definition, an archetype is a universal symbol or character that resonates with deep human experiences. These are the metaphorical parts of stories we already know, allowing narratives to connect emotionally with their audiences. 

By using brand archetypes, you speak in a language and tone that is familiar to potential customers like that of an old friend, drawing them in more easily and building a connection right away.  

First introduced by Carl Jung, archetypes represent core human motivations and behaviors that transcend culture and time. 

They often act as a medium to establish a brand's personality, enabling quick recognition and long-lasting relationships with customers.

Why Are Archetypes Crucial to Marketing?

We are living in a world bustling with ads, in fact, you and I see an average of 2,500 to 10,000 ads; every day. (Source: Google & Yankelovich)

On one hand, it’s become incredibly hard to stand out. But on the flip side, brands that nail emotional resonance are thriving more than ever. 

Research shows 77% of consumers buy based on brand relationships, and effective storytelling can make brands 22x more memorable

This is where archetypes come in as handy tools that can weave your narratives strongly into your audience’s hearts.

Look at Apple’s legendary Think Different campaign. By aligning themselves with people like Einstein and Amelia Earhart—icons we already recognized—they tapped into existing archetypes that triggered emotional connections. These were heroes, rebels, explorers, figures we subconsciously aspire to be or admire. And Apple didn’t have to shout to make that connection; they simply whispered a familiar story.

So, as a marketer what does this mean for you today? 

Instead of trying to create entirely new narratives that might fall flat, draw on what your audience already knows and loves.

The era of product-first marketing is fading; consumers want to feel something. And in a world flooded with noise, an emotional hook is your biggest advantage.

Let’s learn about the 12 archetypes introduced by Carl Jung.

 

The 12 Archetypes and Leading Brands

  1. The Hero
    Motivation: Courage, strength, making a difference.
    Brand Example: Nike, BMW, Adidas – Encourages everyone to "just do it" and conquer challenges.

  1. The Caregiver: Motivation: Protecting and caring for others.
    Brand Example: Johnson & Johnson, Volvo, Campbells – Focuses on family and care with a nurturing approach.

  1. The Innocent
    Motivation: Purity, optimism, happiness.
    Brand Example: Coca-Cola, Dove, Mcdonalds – Often represents joy, refreshment, and universal happiness.

  1. The Explorer
    Motivation: Freedom, discovery, adventure.
    Brand Example: Jeep, Nat Geo, Red Bull – Celebrates adventure and going beyond the road well-traveled.

  1. The Creator
    Motivation: Innovation, imagination, and art.
    Brand Example: Lego, Apple, Pinterest– Inspires creativity and the building of new worlds.

  1. The Sage
    Motivation: Knowledge, truth, wisdom.
    Brand Example: Google, IBM, TED – Stands as the source of information and understanding in the modern world.

  1. The Rebel
    Motivation: Revolution, breaking the rules.
    Brand Example: Harley-Davidson, Virgin, Diesel – Embodies rebellion, freedom, and living life on one’s own terms.

  1. The Magician
    Motivation: Transformation, making dreams reality.
    Brand Example: Disney, Polaroid, Snickers – Known for creating magic and turning fantasies into life.

  1. The Everyman (should be a man- construction worker)
    Motivation: Belonging, connecting with others.
    Brand Example: IKEA, Budweiser, Ebay – Makes everyone feel welcome by offering affordable, accessible design.

  1. The Lover
    Motivation: Intimacy, passion, commitment.
    Brand Example: Chanel, Louboutin, L'Oréal – Appeals to love, elegance, and timeless beauty.

  1. The Jester
    Motivation: Fun, living in the moment.
    Brand Example: Old Spice, M&Ms, Doritos – Uses humor to engage and entertain.

  1. The Ruler
    Motivation: Control, order, leadership.
    Brand Example: Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Mercedes – Represents luxury, power, and authority.

Gain An Unfair Advantage With Brand Archetypes  

Brands, like your cherished MacBook or Campbell’s Soup, are aligned with a specific brand archetype. This alignment is rooted in psychological research and Greek mythology, revealing how fundamental human desires drive our connections to brands.

They represent universal human desires that brands can embody. For instance:

  • The Outlaw symbolizes Liberation.
  • The Magician embodies Transformation.
  • The Hero represents Mastery.
  • The Lover captures Intimacy.

Aligning your brand with an archetype offers two key benefits:

  1. Connection: In a market saturated with features and prices, a well-defined archetype helps your brand forge a meaningful connection with your audience that extends beyond the features and benefits of your product or service. 
  2. Differentiation: While many brands look similar on the surface, unique archetypes can set your brand apart and make it memorable.

All in all, these archetypes align with core human desires, influencing why some brands evoke stronger emotional responses than others. By embodying these archetypes, you can establish deeper connections and stand out in an ever-crowded market.

How Can You Take Action?

If you’d like to build a unique archetype for your brand most suited to your larger vision and develop strategies that will steer you in the right direction, you’re in just the right spot.

We, at Socialtyze, have helped over 250 leading brands establish deeper connection with their audience over the past 2 decades. 

But, don’t reach out to us just yet. 

Continue to receive complimentary insight on building your archetype and brand from us. 

We have plenty of content to share in the coming weeks and months. 

Once you’re truly ready to transform your brand and take your business to an entirely new level of success, let us know. 

We have a crew of world class brand and creative strategists to help you.

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How The Algorithm Is Eating Your Brand: Why Chasing Programmatic Metrics Undermines Brand Trust

We live in an era where algorithms are all-encompassing.


And why not?


The technology has allowed brands to track the efficacy of their campaigns based on results, producing more significant ROI.

But here’s the catch: relying on programmatic performance marketing is bad for your brand in the long term.

What's the happy medium, and how do you tap the algo while still growing brand equity?


Is the Algorithm Eating My Brand?

Did you know that 81% of consumers say they need to be able to trust a brand to buy from them? 

And that 71% of consumers claim that if they perceive that a brand is putting profit over people, they'll lose trust in that brand forever.

These statistics paint a clear picture: when it comes to building a brand, trust isn't just a nice-to-have – it's a must-have. 

The Hidden Cost of Algorithmic Dependence

Like every other good thing in the world, all great brands were built over a long period with precise actions aligning with the brand’s larger vision. 

However, when we rely too heavily on algorithms and performance metrics, we lose sight of the bigger picture. Here's what I mean:

1. Loss of brand identity: When all your marketing efforts are driven by algorithms, your brand can lose its unique voice and personality. You blindly chase what the data says, rather than what truly represents your brand.

2. Decreased customer loyalty: Performance marketing is great at driving one-time purchases, but that doesn’t mean it’ll guarantee that the customer will come back again to buy from you; rather, the platforms like Instagram and Facebook (Meta) will drive the traffic to any brand that’s willing to pay more for the ad space. Hence, the process lacks the ability to build the kind of emotional connection that keeps customers coming back.

3. Value transfer to platforms: As we become more dependent on digital platforms for our marketing, we're essentially handing over our customer relationships to these intermediaries. This shifts value away from our brands and towards the platforms themselves.

The Enduring Power of Brand Trust

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, but aren't those immediate results worth something?" And you're right, they are. 

But here's the crucial point: sustainable business success requires both short-term results and long-term brand building.

Think about the last time you made a purchase decision. Sure, you might have clicked on an ad or responded to a promotional email. But chances are, your choice was also influenced by your overall perception of the brand. 

Do you trust them? 

Do their values align with yours? 

Does the brand make you feel something?

These factors - trust, values, and emotional connection - they're what create lasting brand loyalty. 

And they're built over time through consistent messaging, quality experiences, and yes, human attention.

The Biggest Marketing Success Stories Are Driven By Brand

If you think about the biggest success stories lately, they are not programmatically driven; they are brand-driven.  The success stems from a clear and concise understanding of who they are as a brand.

We find these brand and business success stories across both emerging and established brands that bring their strong sense of self to Social Media and the Creator Economy to drive immense value and market share.

Some samples of these success stories include Duolingo, Prime, Dunkin, Pepsi, Olipop, etc…

See how these brands have crushed it as of late via my two recent blogs - 

How Marketing Can Be Your Difference Maker and Game Changer

How Big Brands Are Winning In Social Media

How Do You Build Your Brand Filter So The Algo Doesn’t Eat You?

So, how do we harness the power of algorithms and data without losing the human touch? 

Build your Brand Fundamentals  

Ideal Customer Avatar - Who are you marketing to? You may have more than one type of customer, so define them well to connect with them. 

Your Why? - What is your purpose beyond the products and services that you sell? How are you tapping a higher moral ground that connects with your customers more intimately?

Archetypes - Defining and knowing your core archetype is critical to catching your customer's attention.  Which one of the archetypes do you lean toward, or are you a combination of 2 or 3?

Tone & Voice - What do you sound like? Are you clever, funny, witty, approachable, or smart--you can’t be all things to all people, so narrow it. Like a good friend, you are developing a personality that has consistency and familiarity.

Look & Feel - Define your colors, font, mood, logo, and imagery so that you show up visually in the same way. 

Final Notes 

The most successful brands of the future will be those that can harness the power of data and algorithms while still maintaining a human touch. 

They'll use technology to enhance their marketing efforts, but they won't let it overshadow the fundamental importance of brand trust and human connection.

In a time where algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated, paradoxically, the human element of marketing and storytelling becomes more important than ever. 

By striking the right balance between data-driven tactics and brand-building strategies, we can create marketing that not only performs well in the short term but also builds lasting brand value.

Now, I get it, all this sounds a bit overwhelming. Not a one-person job at all. 

But rest assured, with the right partner to assist you with your marketing ventures, you can strike the right balance between algorithmic marketing, brand consistency, and human touch.


The team of leading creative strategists and talent at Socialtyze has helped over 250 brands over the past 17 years to build substantial brand value without compromising on the perks of performance marketing. 

We have a 5-part strategy to build out your brand fundamentals and a process for creating compelling on-brand stories that allow you to win in social media.


Want to learn more. Book a complimentary exploratory call.

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Be Like Mr Beast 2.0 - Secrets of Making a Mr Beast Video

Last year Mr. Beast made $80 Million, according to Forbes, for his ability to make eye-catching vids that go viral.

My series, Be Like Mr Beast, is designed to help creators learn the tricks and hacks that he uses to be so successful, so that you can achieve incredible success in social media.

Here are 3 more ways in which you can tap the algorithm and go viral.

3 Strategies to Go Viral from Mr. Beast’s Playbook 

Build Identifiable Characters 

Throughout all of MrBeast's videos, you'll notice the same familiar faces popping up again and again. It's a clever strategy that adds depth and appeal to his content. Here's why it's pure genius:

  • Instant Connection: Whether you vibe with Karl's humor or Chandler's lovable goofiness, there's a personality for everyone to connect with.
  • Binge-Worthy Anticipation: Fans develop crew favorites, turning each video into a "Who'll show up?" game. It's like your favorite sitcom blended with million-dollar challenges.
  • Adds depth: Watching Karl freak out or Nolan stay cool under pressure adds layers to MrBeast's insane scenarios. The viewers are typically more invested in how the crew deals with it.
  • No boredom: By spreading the spotlight, MrBeast avoids the solo-act fatigue that plagues many YouTubers. Smart move for longevity.
  • Merch and Spin-off Potential: Each crew member becomes a potential brand. Think about it - "Team Chris" t-shirts or a "Chandler's Worst Luck" series, the ideas are endless.

The Golden Trio

Mr Beast often talks about how three things determine if someone clicks on your YouTube video: the topic, the title, and the thumbnail. Here's how to master the visual hook that could skyrocket your views:

  • Promise Keeper: Your thumbnail is a contract with viewers. Make sure it accurately teases what's in the video, working in perfect harmony with your title.
  • Instant Recognition: Develop a consistent thumbnail style that screams "your brand" even during high-speed scrolling. Just like Mr. Beast - Be unmistakable. (Look at the image above)
  • Experiment: Try the homepage hack - photoshop your thumbnail onto YouTube's front page. If it doesn't stand out, you might wanna redesign.

Mr. Beast says, in an interview, that he usually makes two or three different thumbnails for each video. If one doesn’t work, they switch it out—sometimes within minutes of the video going live.

High Contrast

Playing with extremes is one of Mr. Beast's go-to strategies. 

He crafts titles that pit two wildly different options against each other, creating an irresistible curiosity gap. Take his hit video "$1 vs $1,000,000 Hotel Room!" – It's the promise of a mind-bending comparison that hooks viewers instantly.

This contrast tactic taps into our brain's love for novelty and resolution. It's like dangling a puzzle in front of our eyes—we simply can't look away until we see how these extremes measure up.

The key is to make the comparison interesting enough to draw people in without resorting to empty clickbait. 

Keep the content satisfying, provide value and you’ll not only boost clicks but also keep your viewers happy.

And that’s a wrap!

If you’d like more, click here for Be Like Mr. Beast 1.0.

We, at Socialtyze, closely monitor and study these tactics to help our partner brands make the most out of creator-led social media revolution.

If you are a business looking to leave your mark with compelling creator campaigns, book an exploratory call with us.  

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