---
title: Visual Commerce
description: >-
  What visual commerce is, the formats it covers (from 3D viewers and shoppable
  video to virtual try-on), and how it differs from static product photography.
shortDefinition: >-
  The use of rich, interactive visual media (3D, AR, video, try-on) throughout
  the online shopping experience.
relatedTerms:
  - virtual-fitting-room
  - augmented-reality
  - outfit-builder
  - agentic-commerce
heroImage: /glossary-images/visual-commerce-formats.webp
keywords:
  - visual commerce
  - shoppable media
publishedAt: '2026-06-10'
updatedAt: '2026-06-10'
noindex: false
canonicalPath: /glossary/visual-commerce
---

## What is visual commerce?

**Visual commerce** is the use of rich visual and interactive media throughout the online shopping experience, going beyond static product photos to help shoppers evaluate products as they would in person.

The term covers a family of formats rather than a single technology:

- **360° spins and 3D viewers**: rotate and zoom a product from any angle
- **[Augmented reality](/glossary/augmented-reality.md)**: place a product in your room or on your face
- **[Virtual try-on](/glossary/virtual-fitting-room.md)**: preview clothing or accessories on yourself
- **Shoppable video and livestreams**: buy products directly from video content
- **User-generated content galleries**: real customer photos on product pages

![Visual commerce formats on a product page: 3D, video, try-on, customer photos](/glossary-images/visual-commerce-formats.webp)

## How it differs from traditional product imagery

Traditional product pages present fixed photographs chosen by the seller. Visual commerce makes the imagery **interactive** (the shopper controls the angle, context, or model) and often **personal** (the product is shown in the shopper's own room or on their own body). The shared goal is reducing the uncertainty of buying a physical product sight unseen.

The same idea extends into physical retail through "phygital" experiences such as in-store smart mirrors.

<Faq>
  <FaqItem question="Is visual commerce the same as visual search?">
    No. Visual search lets shoppers find products by uploading an image. Visual commerce is about how products are presented and experienced once found. The two are complementary.
  </FaqItem>
</Faq>