Company case study · 32 podcast episodes
Whatnot
Whatnot is the largest dedicated live shopping platform where sellers can sell various products like beauty items, collectibles, electronics, thrift store finds, luxury fashion, and food products in real-time through live streaming. It came up on 32 podcast episodes (The Side Hustle Show, My First Million, Koerner Office) between June 23, 2025 and October 1, 2026.
At a glance
| Discussed on | 32 episodes: The Side Hustle Show, My First Million, Koerner Office |
|---|---|
| First and latest | June 23, 2025 to October 1, 2026 |
| Revenue and traction | Generated $8 billion in sales in 2025, with sellers experiencing rapid inventory turnover. |
| Category | Marketplace |
Figures and claims are as told on the episodes, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What The Side Hustle Show said
762: Buy Buttons, 10 Years Later · aired October 1, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot creates a community for buyers and sellers, making it easy for sellers to reach interested audiences without needing a built-in following.
Revenue and traction
Generated $8 billion in sales in 2025, with sellers experiencing rapid inventory turnover.
The playbook
Engage with the community, understand product categories, and utilize the platform's algorithm to reach potential buyers.
Also mentioned
Sellers can achieve significant sales even with no prior followers on the platform.
What My First Million said
Whatnot founder: This is the future of e-commerce · aired September 21, 2026 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
WhatNot capitalizes on the growing trend of collectibles and nostalgia, offering a unique live auction experience that attracts both buyers and sellers. The ability to authenticate items and provide a user-friendly experience contributes to its success.
Founding story
WhatNot was founded by Logan and his co-founder after they were fed up with their jobs and decided to build a marketplace. They started by buying domains for different marketplace ideas while drinking in a bar in Tokyo.
The playbook
Key strategies include leveraging influencer partnerships for marketing, creating viral giveaways to attract users, and focusing on a niche market to build a solid user base before expanding.
Also mentioned
The platform started with a focus on collectibles and gradually expanded to include a wider range of products. The company has a bias towards action, quickly iterating and adapting based on user feedback.
What Koerner Office said
$25K/Weekend Business You Can Start With No Money - Ep. #324 · aired August 7, 2026 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Whatnot taps into the growing interest in collectibles and the convenience of live online auctions, attracting users who enjoy engaging with sellers directly.
The playbook
Utilizes live streaming to enhance the buying and selling experience, creating a community around collectibles.
Also mentioned
It is popular among collectors, particularly for items like vintage toys and collectibles.
What The Side Hustle Show said
741: $1500/mo With His ATM Side Hustle · aired May 28, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
WhatNot's model leverages live streaming to engage audiences and create a community around buying and selling collectibles, which enhances the shopping experience.
Revenue and traction
In 2025, total sales through WhatNot reached approximately $92,000, with an additional $20,000 in private deals.
Founding story
The business started from a personal interest in sports cards and evolved into a live streaming operation alongside a friend.
The playbook
The business strategy includes streaming consistently, engaging with followers, and optimizing sales by offering collections at competitive prices.
Also mentioned
The business has now transitioned to focus primarily on Pokémon and Magic cards, with thousands of followers on the platform.
What The Side Hustle Show said
741: $1500/mo With His ATM Side Hustle · aired May 28, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot creates a dynamic shopping experience that fosters real connections between sellers and buyers, leading to higher engagement and repeat purchases.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot sell 10 times more than on other major marketplaces, with buyers spending more than an hour a day on the app.
The playbook
The platform emphasizes live interaction, allowing buyers to ask questions and engage with sellers, which enhances the shopping experience.
Also mentioned
Whatnot matches the first $150 sold by new sellers in their first month.
What The Side Hustle Show said
740: This Part-Time Pastor Sold $2M On Whatnot Last Year · aired May 21, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
The platform fosters real connections between sellers and buyers, creating a community where buyers are engaged and willing to spend more time and money. Sellers can build dedicated audiences that are interested in specific product categories.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot reportedly earn 10 times more than on other major marketplaces. Specific examples include one seller, Clinton Benninghoff, who sold over $2 million worth of products in one year.
The playbook
Key strategies include engaging directly with viewers during live streams, building a community around specific product categories, and utilizing auction-style selling to create excitement and urgency.
Also mentioned
Whatnot provides tools for sellers, such as label printing and shipping support, which streamline the selling process. The community aspect is emphasized, with sellers often collaborating and supporting each other.
What The Side Hustle Show said
740: This Part-Time Pastor Sold $2M On Whatnot Last Year · aired May 21, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
The platform enables sellers to turn over inventory quickly, reducing the wait time for sales from weeks or months to mere minutes or hours.
Revenue and traction
Margins for WhatNot are around 20-25%, with a turnover of inventory occurring much faster than traditional retail.
The playbook
Strategies include rapid inventory turnover, engaging live auctions, and fostering a sense of community among sellers and buyers.
Also mentioned
WhatNot aims to invite major brands to ensure compliance with pricing policies, enhancing trust among manufacturers.
What The Side Hustle Show said
739: $5k in a Weekend Selling Other People’s Stuff · aired May 18, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot creates a personal connection between sellers and buyers, leading to higher engagement and repeat purchases. Sellers can interact with buyers during live sessions, enhancing the shopping experience.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot earn significantly more than on traditional marketplaces, selling 10 times more on the platform. They offer a promotional match of the first $150 sold in the first month for new sellers.
The playbook
Encourage sellers to establish personal connections with buyers through live interactions, which boosts customer loyalty and sales.
Also mentioned
Whatnot attracts buyers who spend over an hour a day on the app, indicating strong user engagement.
What The Side Hustle Show said
738: How to Build and Train Your 24/7 AI COO · aired May 14, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot creates a unique shopping experience by allowing sellers to engage directly with buyers, fostering personal connections that enhance customer loyalty.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot sell 10 times more than on other major marketplaces, and the platform matches the first $150 sold by new sellers in the first month.
The playbook
The platform encourages sellers to build real audiences and connections, leading to repeat purchases and increased customer engagement.
Also mentioned
Whatnot has become the largest dedicated live shopping platform, with users spending over an hour a day on the app.
What The Side Hustle Show said
I Bought a Side Hustle and Tripled Revenue in 1 Year (Greatest Hits) · aired May 7, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot successfully creates direct connections between sellers and buyers, enhancing customer engagement and driving sales significantly higher than traditional marketplaces.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot reportedly earn 10 times more than those on other major marketplaces, and buyers spend more than an hour a day on the app.
The playbook
Utilizes live interactions to foster strong seller-buyer relationships and enhance sales opportunities.
Also mentioned
The platform caters to a wide variety of products, from collectibles to vintage fashion.
What The Side Hustle Show said
737: The 6-Figure Slumber Party Business: Don’t Sleep on This! · aired May 4, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot fosters direct interaction between sellers and buyers, allowing for immediate engagement and creating a sense of community. Buyers spend significant time on the app, leading to higher sales for sellers compared to traditional marketplaces.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot can earn 10 times more than on other major marketplaces, and the platform offers a promotion where they will match the first $150 sold in the first month for new sellers.
The playbook
The platform emphasizes building real connections with buyers and facilitates engagement through live interactions, which enhances the shopping experience.
Also mentioned
Whatnot is the largest dedicated live shopping platform, with users spending over an hour daily on the app.
What The Side Hustle Show said
736: Replaced His Salary in 5 Months and Set Up a $700k Exit · aired April 30, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot facilitates real-time interactions between sellers and buyers, fostering strong connections that lead to increased sales. Sellers on the platform can sell 10 times more than on traditional marketplaces due to this engagement.
Revenue and traction
For a limited time, Whatnot is matching the first $150 sold by new sellers in their first month.
The playbook
The platform encourages live selling, which allows sellers to showcase products in real time, creating urgency and community engagement.
Also mentioned
Users spend more than an hour per day on the app, actively participating in bidding and purchasing.
What The Side Hustle Show said
735: Meet the Master Reseller Who Gets Literally Tons of Inventory for Free · aired April 23, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Sellers on Whatnot build real connections with buyers, leading to higher spending and engagement, as buyers spend over an hour a day on the app, actively bidding and purchasing.
Revenue and traction
Sellers can sell 10 times more on Whatnot than on other major marketplaces.
The playbook
Utilizes live streaming to create an engaging shopping experience that fosters community and connection between buyers and sellers.
Also mentioned
Whatnot is currently offering to match the first $150 sold by new sellers in their first month.
What The Side Hustle Show said
734: From Zero to 35M Downloads · aired April 20, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot creates a unique environment for sellers by allowing them to engage directly with buyers through live selling, fostering real connections and encouraging higher spending from buyers who are actively participating in the purchasing process.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot are reported to sell 10 times more than on other major marketplaces, and the platform is matching sellers' first $150 sold in the first month for a limited time.
The playbook
Key strategies include live selling to create engagement, building community connections between sellers and buyers, and incentivizing early sales through promotional matches.
Also mentioned
Whatnot has seen significant growth, climbing to the top of app stores and facilitating the rise of both small part-time sellers and multi-million-dollar businesses.
What The Side Hustle Show said
Rank and Rent: $1000 a Month From Simple Local Websites · aired April 16, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
The platform allows sellers to build real connections with buyers, significantly increasing engagement and sales, as buyers spend more than an hour a day on the app.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot sell 10 times more than on other major marketplaces. The platform offers a promotion matching the first $150 sold in the first month for new sellers.
The playbook
Sellers go live to showcase their products, which helps in creating a community and boosts sales compared to traditional online marketplaces.
Also mentioned
Whatnot supports a diverse range of products, making it appealing to various sellers.
What The Side Hustle Show said
733: $25k/Mo From a Vibe Coded App, $10k/Mo Selling “Fake” Watches, and More · aired April 9, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Sellers on Whatnot sell 10 times more than on other major marketplaces because they build real connections with buyers, who engage actively with the platform.
Revenue and traction
Sellers can earn significant income, with some turning part-time projects into multi-million dollar businesses. Whatnot even matches the first $150 sold by new sellers in their first month.
The playbook
The platform allows sellers to showcase products in real-time, enhancing buyer engagement and driving sales.
Also mentioned
The app has climbed to the top of the app store, indicating strong user adoption and engagement.
What The Side Hustle Show said
732: 24 Years of Side Hustle Advice · aired April 6, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot creates a unique selling experience by allowing sellers to build real connections with buyers, leading to higher engagement and sales compared to traditional marketplaces.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot reportedly sell 10 times more than on other major marketplaces, and the platform has a promotional offer matching the first $150 sold in the first month for new sellers.
The playbook
The success of Whatnot comes from its live interaction feature, allowing sellers to showcase their products in real-time, engaging buyers directly.
Also mentioned
Sellers on the platform are spending more than an hour a day engaging with the app, indicating a strong user retention and interaction rate.
What The Side Hustle Show said
731: Unlocking Big Profits from Liquidation and Government Auctions · aired April 2, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot's success lies in its ability to foster real connections between sellers and buyers, leading to higher engagement and spending, as buyers often spend over an hour a day on the app.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot reportedly earn 10 times more than on other major marketplaces.
The playbook
The platform encourages sellers to go live and demonstrate their products in real-time, which enhances buyer engagement and boosts sales.
Also mentioned
Whatnot is currently offering to match sellers' first $150 sold in their first month.
What Koerner Office said
He Makes $45K/Month Selling Stuff on Live Stream⏐Ep. #287 · aired March 31, 2026 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
WhatNot capitalizes on the growing trend of live commerce, offering a unique and engaging shopping experience that combines entertainment with purchasing.
Revenue and traction
The guest reported earning $450,000 in gross revenue in the last year on the platform, with a profit margin of around 30%.
Founding story
The guest transitioned to WhatNot after his Amazon account was suspended, seeing potential in the emerging live selling market.
The playbook
Key strategies include starting auctions at $1 to attract bidders, focusing on high perceived value items, and engaging with the audience during live streams.
Also mentioned
The guest's first live auction sold 150 items in under two hours, generating revenue of $4,500.
What Koerner Office said
He Makes $45K/Month Selling Stuff on Live Stream⏐Ep. #287 · aired March 31, 2026 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Whatnot creates a community-driven environment where sellers can engage with their audience, allowing for higher buyer intent and impulsive purchasing decisions.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot can achieve high revenue rates, with some streamers making $1,200 to $1,500 an hour in revenue, achieving profit margins around 30%.
The playbook
Key strategies include leveraging community engagement, sourcing unique products, and effectively managing perceived value and fulfillment logistics.
Also mentioned
Whatnot has a growing user base and is positioned to be a major player in the live selling market.
What The Side Hustle Show said
730: $1,000 a Month with Passive Digital Products · aired March 26, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot creates an engaging shopping experience by allowing buyers to interact with sellers live, which increases buyer engagement and spending.
Revenue and traction
Sellers on Whatnot are increasingly successful, with the number of sellers making over a million dollars doubling in the past year.
The playbook
Encouraging sellers to engage with buyers during live sessions, creating a sense of community and urgency that drives sales.
Also mentioned
Buyers spend more than an hour a day in the app, showcasing its stickiness and potential for high sales volume.
What The Side Hustle Show said
Etsy Printables: $10,000 a Month Selling Digital Products on Etsy (Greatest Hits) · aired March 23, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot leverages live interactions, allowing buyers to engage with sellers and see products in action, which enhances the shopping experience and increases buyer confidence.
Revenue and traction
The number of sellers making over a million dollars on Whatnot has doubled in the last year, indicating strong revenue potential for successful sellers.
The playbook
Sellers can build thriving businesses by leveraging the platform's live selling features and engaging with an audience that spends significant time in the app.
Also mentioned
Whatnot caters to various product categories including beauty, collectibles, and electronics.
What The Side Hustle Show said
729: $500,000 in Hamster Ball Sales? How a College Student Brought a New Product to Life · aired March 19, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot creates an interactive and engaging shopping experience where buyers can ask questions and purchase items immediately, leading to higher engagement and sales.
Revenue and traction
The number of sellers making over a million dollars on Whatnot has doubled in the last year, indicating strong revenue potential for successful sellers.
The playbook
Leveraging live interactions to build a community and enhance the shopping experience, encouraging users to spend more time on the platform.
Also mentioned
Sellers across various categories, such as beauty products and collectibles, have found success on the platform, showcasing its versatility.
What The Side Hustle Show said
727: $250/hr by Productizing Your Expertise · aired March 12, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot leverages live interactions to create a unique shopping experience, where buyers can engage directly with sellers, leading to increased consumer spending and engagement.
Revenue and traction
The number of sellers making over a million dollars on Whatnot has doubled in the last year, indicating strong revenue potential for active sellers on the platform.
The playbook
Utilizes real-time engagement and community building to enhance the shopping experience, resulting in longer app usage times by customers.
Also mentioned
Buyers on Whatnot spend more than an hour a day in the app, showcasing high user engagement.
What The Side Hustle Show said
The 6-Figure Side Hustle Cleaning Up Parking Lots (Greatest Hits) · aired March 9, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
It creates an interactive shopping experience where buyers can engage with sellers and ask questions, leading to higher engagement and spending.
Revenue and traction
The number of sellers making over a million dollars on the platform has doubled in the last year, indicating strong revenue potential for successful sellers.
The playbook
Encourages sellers to engage live with buyers, providing a unique shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.
Also mentioned
Buyers spend more than an hour a day on the app, showcasing high user engagement.
What The Side Hustle Show said
726: The $300/day Marketing Funnel: From Content to Cash Flow · aired March 5, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Whatnot capitalizes on the trend of live shopping, where buyers can interact with sellers and make purchases while seeing the products in action, creating a dynamic shopping experience.
Revenue and traction
The number of sellers making over a million dollars on Whatnot has doubled in the last year, indicating strong revenue potential for successful sellers.
The playbook
Whatnot encourages sellers to engage with buyers during live streams, fostering a community and increasing sales through direct interaction.
Also mentioned
Buyers reportedly spend more than an hour a day in the app, showcasing its engaging nature.
What My First Million said
The 2025 Milly Awards! · aired December 18, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
Whatnot combines live streaming with e-commerce, creating an engaging shopping experience that appeals to collectors.
The playbook
Whatnot leverages the popularity of live streaming and community interaction to drive sales.
Also mentioned
Whatnot was acquired by Twitch and is valued at $10 billion.
What Koerner Office said
She Turned $1 Into $5,000 With This Overlooked Side Hustle⏐Ep. #257 · aired December 16, 2025 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
The interactive and engaging nature of live selling creates a sense of urgency and excitement among buyers, leading to impulsive purchases.
Revenue and traction
The seller made $1,200 in sales over six one-hour live streams, indicating a profitable venture with low initial investment.
The playbook
Encourages sellers to establish a presence and engage with the audience, while offering the flexibility to sell without showing one's face.
Also mentioned
The platform has attracted significant investment, indicating growth potential.
What My First Million said
$10M Business ideas w/ The Most Interesting Guy In Tech · aired November 26, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
Whatnot's approach to niche collectibles allows it to dominate a specific market segment, which has led to significant growth and valuation.
Revenue and traction
Valued at approximately $12 billion.
The playbook
Starting in a niche market and dominating that space before expanding.
Also mentioned
Whatnot's growth showcases the potential of niche marketplaces.
What Koerner Office said
The New Best Way to Make Money Reselling Online?!⏐Ep. #245 · aired November 10, 2025 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
The platform leverages the excitement of live auctions, which creates urgency and engages buyers emotionally, leading to increased sales.
Revenue and traction
WhatNot recently raised funding at a $12 billion valuation, indicating strong investor confidence and growth potential.
The playbook
Utilizes live selling to eliminate the need for traditional e-commerce listing processes, making it easier for sellers to engage buyers directly.
Also mentioned
WhatNot is gaining traction as a more seller-friendly alternative to platforms like eBay.
What My First Million said
Brainstorming $10M AI Business Ideas w/ the Airtable Founder · aired July 11, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
The platform thrives on the engaging and interactive nature of live shopping, similar to Twitch, where personality and storytelling enhance the shopping experience.
The playbook
Utilizes influencer marketing and interactive live streams to create a dynamic shopping environment that resonates with consumers.
Also mentioned
The platform is noted for its strong personality-driven content, which adds value beyond just the products being sold.
What My First Million said
I talk to Ben about creating luck, his barbell method, plus 6 half-baked business ideas · aired June 23, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
It taps into the growing interest in collectibles and the excitement of live auctions, creating a dynamic shopping experience that engages users.
Revenue and traction
Whatnot was valued at approximately $5 billion and has generated $5 billion in sales in the last 12 months.
The playbook
Combines live video streaming with a marketplace for collectibles, creating an interactive environment where users can bid and purchase items instantly.
Also mentioned
The platform has successfully attracted a dedicated user base by focusing on collectibles like trading cards.