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The Journal.

The Live Auction App Where People Can Bid ‘Til They’re Broke

Aug 14, 2026 · 27m 2s
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About this episode

Whatnot is one of the fastest-growing shopping platforms in the U.S., featuring live auctions that allow users to bid on trading cards, rare coins, designer fashions and more. But as WSJ’s Hanna Krueger explains, critics say Whatnot’s high-pressure countdowns and swipe-to-bid design encourage overspending and gambling addiction , claims the company denies. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Can GameStop Really Buy eBay? - Inside Quince’s Quest to Sell Luxury Goods for Less Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices