One of the major limitations with Google+ hangouts is that it lacked an effective chat feature that allows the hosting person to easily share links with their audience.  Google+ is introducing a new Showcase app that allows hosts to share links, videos, merchandise and profiles in the sidebar of the hangout – information that will also be retained when events are viewed later.

This change is going to be extremely useful for those who use Google+ Hangouts on Air for promotional reasons.  You can easily share links – or even affiliate links – of items you are discussing in the Hangout, use it to share exclusive Hangout-only links or even to sell products and more.  The links will all be opened in a new tab, so you don’t need to worry about losing viewers if you share links with them.

If you link to a page with multiple images, the images will be displayed in a slide show format.  They recommend using tracking codes or goo.gl URL shorteners so you can track how many people are clicking on the ads.

The Showcase App can help create a more engaging experience during your live

broadcasted Hangout. You can:

• Sell merchandise

• Reveal new video content using YouTube

• Promote a film or album release with links to ticket sales, trailers and Google Play content

• Rally constituents or build awareness for key causes and issues by linking to relevant resources and websites

This could end up being a very valuable webinar tool for those who want to reach out to their audience while being able to share links within the video in a format better than simple YouTube video annotations.

The Showcase app is now live for Google+ Hangouts on Air users.