Amazon has shut down its social network-like feature on its site and app called Amazon Spark, in which Prime customers could post pictures of the products they have bought, according to TechCrunch.
The company launched the service for Prime members in 2017. It prompted customers to pick a selection of interests in the section in the feature, and would then show you a feed of posts from users that related to those interests. The service seemed to be designed to replicate influencers using social networks like Instagram and Pinterest. Users could react to posts with a “smile” or a comment.
TechCrunch noted that the site felt “too transactional”as compared to other social networks and never really took off.
The page for the feature is no longer on Amazon and its app, and its URL now redirects to “#FoundItOnAmazon”for some users or to “Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations.”
Amazon does not appear to be giving up entirely on social feed-driven product discovery.
TechCrunch notes what Amazon learned from Spark and another feature called Interesting Finds (which is still operational) are being incorporated into #FoundItOnAmazon, although that feature appears to be focused mainly on home decor.
In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson said that Spark was not going away entirely, and that the company has “pivoted and narrowed the experience based on what resonated with customers.”
“We’ve changed the name to #FoundItOnAmazon to reflect the tag that influencers are using on social media to share their great finds with others. #FoundItOnAmazon is currently available to all Amazon App customers and a large portion of desktop customers as well.”
