YouTube is undeniably one of the most influential platforms in the world; and when it comes to product marketing, there's no place better. Google recognizes this and is preparing to integrate Google Shopping into YouTube in the near future. While there are plenty of implications, we're going to focus on a specific feature that uses AR technology to help customers shop for makeup.

Teardown

Disclaimer: Teardowns are based on evidence found inside of apks (Android's application package) and are necessarily speculative and usually based on incomplete information. It's possible that the guesses made here are wrong or inaccurate. Even when predictions are correct, there is always a chance that products could change or may be canceled. Much like rumors, nothing is certain until it's officially announced and released. Disclaimer: Teardowns are based on evidence found inside of apks (Android's application package) and are necessarily speculative and usually based on incomplete information. It's possible that the guesses made here are wrong or inaccurate. Even when predictions are correct, there is always a chance that products could change or may be canceled. Much like rumors, nothing is certain until it's officially announced and released. The features discussed below are probably not live yet, or may only be live for a small percentage of users. Unless stated otherwise, don't expect to see these features if you install the apk. All screenshots and images are real unless otherwise stated, and images are only altered to remove personal information.

Virtual lipstick try-on

YouTube will begin by featuring lipstick, at least for now. When somebody watches a video that features products by select partners, a button will appear that invites the viewer to "Try on lipstick." Tapping on the button will open up a view of your face through the selfie camera, but your lips will be digitally painted with the advertised lipstick. It sounds like you'll also be able to switch to different shades from the same brand.

< string name = " welcome_title " > Try on lipstick </ string >

< string name = " welcome_permission_denied_description " > To get started, go to Settings > YouTube\10and give access to Camera </ string >

< string name = " welcome_permission_granted_description " > Find your perfect shade with\10virtual lipstick try-on </ string >

< string name = " welcome_permission_not_asked_description " > To get started, give\10access to your Camera </ string >

< string name = " welcome_permission_denied_button " > GO TO SETTINGS </ string >

The test of a feature like this is how realistic it will look in practical application. Not only will people expect the camera to keep up with them, it will have to be deliver a near perfect recreation of the lipstick shade in whatever lighting people are in, otherwise customers will be angry about receiving something different. As it turns out, Google has already published a blog post where it demonstrates having done this exact thing with ARCore and some clever AI, even going so far as to mimic specular highlights (those small reflections in an image that show up as white).

Image source: Google

This all might sound like just another gimmick to show off Google's assorted technological achievements, but there are reasons to think Google may be aiming higher than just creating another tech demo. While this feature will surely be made available for select corporate partners, it might become part of a larger strategy.

Earlier this month, Google Express received a rebranding and new design, turning it into Google Shopping. As part of the announcement, Google touched on plans to integrate YouTube with Shopping, which is expected to add a referral system as an additional avenue to monetize videos. While it may be a coincidence, the massive makeup conglomerate Estée Lauder Companies was specifically mentioned as a partner.

With the explosive growth in popularity of beauty bloggers and makeup gurus like Jeffree Star, James Charles, Tati Westbrook, and many others, it's not hard to imagine Google wants a piece of the action. Many of these channels are giving product recommendations and driving huge sales. By offering a tool to simulate lipstick and other types of makeup directly from the app, Google has an opportunity to snatch up many of those shoppers before they order somewhere else. And if this works out, we can probably expect to see many more of these virtual try-on experiments in the future.

Download

The APK is signed by Google and upgrades your existing app. The cryptographic signature guarantees that the file is safe to install and was not tampered with in any way. Rather than wait for Google to push this download to your devices, which can take days, download and install it just like any other APK.