Meta has started testing an experimental AI shopping tool for some users in the United States.
The feature allows users to research products directly within the Meta AI chat interface. This move positions Meta against competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity, which have already launched similar AI shopping assistants. The tool is currently limited to a desktop browser experience.
Eligible users see a “Shopping research” button inside the query text box on the Meta AI website. When users ask for product suggestions, the chatbot displays a carousel containing product images, pricing, links to e-commerce sites, and brand information. Meta AI also provides a short explanation for its recommendations.
The tool can tailor responses using user information such as gender and location data. According to Bloomberg, the chatbot showed a selection of women’s puffer jackets from shops shipping to New York based on a tester’s profile. Users cannot check out within the Meta AI interface but can click links to complete purchases online.
Meta confirmed the testing to Bloomberg but has not announced a wider release date. Mark Zuckerberg told investors during an earnings call earlier this year that Meta is launching agentic shopping tools.
Rival companies have already launched similar AI shopping tools. OpenAI rolled out a dedicated shopping assistant for ChatGPT just before Black Friday last year. Google launched shopping tools for Gemini shortly after, and Perplexity released an AI shopping assistant at the same time.
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