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What Is Social Commerce and Why Everyone’s Talking About It

By IQLIQ2/19/2026

What Is Social Commerce and Why Everyone’s Talking About It

Shopping today looks very different from what it did just a few years ago. It’s no longer just about searching for a product, clicking “Buy Now,” and checking out. Social commerce has transformed shopping into a more interactive, trust-driven experience—and that’s why everyone’s talking about it. Social commerce blends content, community, and purchasing into one seamless journey. Instead of discovering products through ads alone, people now find them through creators, reviews, short videos, live streams, and recommendations from people they trust. The buying decision often happens before a shopper even reaches a product page. One key reason social commerce works is trust. Traditional advertising tells people what to buy; social commerce shows them why others already did. Influencers demonstrate products in real life, reviews provide social proof, and communities answer questions honestly. This human layer reduces uncertainty, especially for new or unfamiliar brands. Another reason social commerce is growing fast is convenience. Shoppers don’t have to leave the content they’re consuming. A product can be discovered, evaluated, and purchased within the same platform or flow. This reduces friction and makes the buying process feel natural rather than forced. Social commerce also benefits everyday shoppers. It creates more price transparency, exposes better alternatives, and often unlocks exclusive deals through creators or communities. Instead of relying on search algorithms alone, shoppers gain access to curated recommendations based on real experiences. For brands, social commerce shifts the focus from reach to relevance. Authentic engagement often outperforms expensive ad campaigns, especially when trust and relatability are involved. As consumers become more selective and ad-fatigued, social commerce isn’t just a trend—it’s a fundamental change in how people shop.