Technology is changing how we shop faster than ever, and one of the most exciting shifts is the rise of voice commerce, also known as v-commerce. This technology lets people browse, search, and buy products using nothing but their voice, through smart speakers, virtual assistants, or mobile apps.
As voice-enabled devices become part of everyday routines, eCommerce brands are starting to see just how powerful this trend can be. From asking Alexa to reorder your favourite items to telling Google Assistant to find the best deals, shopping with your voice is quickly becoming the new normal.
What Is Voice Commerce?
Voice commerce uses speech recognition technology to let customers interact with online stores using just their voice. Instead of typing, shoppers simply speak, and the device understands and processes their request through Natural Language Processing (NLP). This hands-free approach makes shopping faster, easier, and more convenient for everyone.
Key Trends in Voice Commerce
- Rising Smart Speaker Adoption: By 2025, more than 75% of U.S. households are expected to own a smart speaker, creating a major opportunity for voice-driven shopping experiences.
- Personalised Shopping with AI: Voice assistants powered by artificial intelligence can tailor product recommendations based on each user’s preferences, past purchases, and browsing history.
- The Shift Toward Voice Search: Around 71% of consumers now prefer using voice to search online, making voice search optimisation an essential part of every eCommerce SEO strategy.
Benefits of Voice Commerce
- Convenience: Voice commands let shoppers place orders while cooking, driving, or multitasking, all without needing to touch a screen.
- Accessibility: Voice shopping makes it easier for people with disabilities or vision impairments to interact with eCommerce stores independently.
- Higher Sales and Satisfaction: Faster checkouts and personalised suggestions often lead to more conversions and happier customers.
Popular Voice Assistants Leading the Way
- Amazon Alexa: The most widely used assistant for voice-based shopping experiences.
- Google Assistant: Available across Android devices and smart home systems, making it a key player in voice commerce.
- Apple Siri: A major part of the Apple ecosystem, supporting voice shopping through apps and Safari.
The Future of Voice Commerce
The next stage of voice commerce will move beyond simple voice commands and become part of a more connected shopping experience. It’s expected to integrate with several emerging technologies, including:
- IoT (Internet of Things): Smart home devices may soon reorder household essentials automatically when supplies run low.
- AR (Augmented Reality): Combining AR visuals with voice commands could let users virtually “try before they buy.”
- Enhanced Voice Recognition: Continued progress in NLP will make conversations feel more human and support a wider range of languages.
Shopify and Voice Commerce
As voice commerce continues to grow, Shopify is emerging at the center of this shift. With tools that connect to Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart devices, Shopify stores can now let customers search, shop, and reorder using simple voice commands.
For forward-thinking brands, this opens up new ways to make online shopping more natural and personal. Optimising your Shopify store for voice interactions helps you stay ahead of customer expectations and ready for the next evolution in eCommerce.
Final Thoughts
Voice commerce is quickly transforming from a novelty into a core part of how people shop online. As consumers grow more comfortable using voice assistants for everyday tasks, they also expect brands to meet them there. They want experiences that are fast, intuitive, and personalised. This shift isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a new level of accessibility and connection between people and technology. Businesses that embrace this change early will be the ones shaping the future of digital commerce.
At Sweans, we help brands embrace new technologies to enhance user experiences and boost conversions. The future of shopping is hands-free. Contact us to get started.
