Live selling glossary / Show mechanics
Auction (live)
Definition
A live auction is a short, timed bidding window for one item during a show, typically 10 to 60 seconds, where the highest bid when the clock hits zero wins. It is the core selling mechanic on Whatnot, eBay Live and Fanatics Live.
The host sets a starting bid and a duration, viewers bid by tapping, and most platforms extend the clock when a bid lands in the last seconds so nobody can snipe. Fast auctions keep the room engaged; slow ones bleed viewers. Experienced hosts run a rhythm of cheap, quick items between the expensive ones to keep bids moving.
The number
Whatnot auctions in the Live Selling Index average around ten bids per sold item. See this week's figures.
Related terms
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