The video platform will test the related products feature, announced on Monday, in between the recommended videos to views scrolling below the video player. The beta trial will appear only in the US.

The integration of product detection would have implications for influencers, making it easier for them to share products and shopping content in their videos. It would also have benefits for YouTube, which would presumably get a cut of any sales made from these product links, and could create a new feature that recommends videos that include similar products.

The trial emerges as part of a pilot of new features tested by YouTube since January 2020. The experiments have included testing a new comment section on mobile, from April 9, 2020, to testing out AutoPlay Button in the video player, from May 26, 2020. The platform has also began testing more options for product discovery and purchase from January 14, 2021 where YouTube tested a new way to shop, including a shopping bag icon on videos where creators list certain products. YouTube is following in the footsteps of platforms like Instagram, that have integrated more direct shopping features to the platform in recent years.

”The goal is to help people explore more videos and information about those products on YouTube,” stated YouTube in their blog statement.