eBay Live is available on desktop, mobile web and the eBay app for items in the Collectibles category.
How it works
Anyone can view eBay Live events using mobile and desktop devices at ebay.co.uk/eBayLive - opens in new window or tab or in the eBay app, but you'll need to have an eBay account to bid or buy. For a full schedule of upcoming events, see the eBay Live homepage.
If you'd like to receive a reminder before an event, simply select Remind me on the event page and make sure to have push notifications turned on for your device. For instructions on enabling push notifications, see our Notifications article.
When you join an eBay Live experience, your username will be visible to the seller and the other buyers in attendance. Items available to purchase during the live stream will be shown in a carousel at the bottom of the screen. If you have any questions about an item, you can chat with the seller during the event.
Bidding in eBay Live auctions
eBay Live auctions are usually under 2 minutes long, but the seller can choose to extend the auction slightly to allow buyers more time to bid.
To place a bid, select Bid on the item you'd like to buy. You'll see an on-screen notification if you're outbid. If you're the winning bidder, you'll see a confirmation screen letting you know you've won the item, and your payment is being processed.
Using max bid
To use max bidding on an auction, select Max bid on the item, enter the maximum amount you'd like to pay for the item, then select Confirm bid. We'll bid in increments on your behalf to keep you in the lead but only up to your limit.
Keep in mind when you're deciding on the maximum amount you'd like to pay that you'll need to pay the cost of postage too.
Tip
It's important to remember that bids in eBay Live auctions can't be retracted. When you place a bid, you're committing to buying the item if you win the auction.
Paying for eBay Live items
If you're the winning bidder in an eBay Live auction, we will automatically process your payment by charging your default payment method as soon as the auction ends. If payment fails, you will be prompted to check out immediately to complete your order. If the payment method cannot be charged for any reason, the seller may cancel the order immediately.
If you're having trouble adding your payment method or paying for your item, follow our tips for troubleshooting payment errors.
Viewing Video Receipts
A Video Receipt is a replay link for each item you bought during an eBay Live event. It lets you revisit the exact moments your item was displayed on screen during the livestream.
Your Video Receipts are ready as soon as the livestream ends. They appear automatically in your purchase history, and each opens in a new tab at the moment your item was shown on screen.
Tip
Video Receipts are available for up to 180 days after the event. If you can’t find your receipt, check your order details again later, or contact eBay customer service. In some cases, the replay may have been removed, but our team can review it if needed.
Here’s how to find your Video Receipt:
- Go to your Purchase History - opens in new window or tab under My eBay.
- Look for the eBay Live icon overlay on your item image — this means a Video Receipt is available.
- Tap the image to open your Video Receipt.
Here’s how to find your Video Receipt from the order details page:
- Go to your Purchase History - opens in new window or tab under My eBay.
- Look for the eBay Live icon overlay on your item image — this means a Video Receipt is available.
- Select your purchased item to open the order details page.
- Tap the image to open your Video Receipt or select View Video Receipt from the More Actions dropown menu.
At the bottom of your Video Receipt you’ll see an item chip for each item purchased and displayed during a live event.
Tip
If your Video Receipt starts at the beginning of the Live event, that means the seller did not pin your item on screen during the show. This could also be the case for items purchased ahead of the event or from the item line up.
Troubleshooting live stream issues
If you run into any difficulties during an eBay Live event, the following tips may help:
- Check your internet speed. A strong internet connection is needed for the live stream so we recommend using your strongest available connection
- If you're using the app, ensure you've downloaded the latest version of the eBay app before the event using an up-to-date Apple or Android device
If you see an error message at checkout, have a look at our Checkout help page.