Stop everything. On November 7, Instagram will launch a series of e-commerce features that will allow brands to tag products and sell them directly from the app.
It looks like Instagram is about to beat everyone to it. Social commerce has been in the talks for months (maybe even years) but no one – except perhaps Pinterest – has even come close to really doing it. And that’s exactly what Instagram is about to launch next week.
Beginning on Nov. 7, Instagram will be testing a series of new e-commerce features with 20 retail brands in the US. These brands will be able to tag products in photos, supply product information, and redirect consumers to their websites with “Shop Now” buttons.
Jim Squires, Director of Market Operations at Instagram, explains:
[quote]Mobile has changed how we shop. When people are in the store, they are looking at their phones, researching products. You have a shop window where you see products and you get inspired, and you’ve got the cash register where you make the purchase and then buy it. What’s missing is the exploration in between those two things. That’s what we’re looking to solve.[/quote]
The truth is that Instagram has become a very important visual app for fashionistas across the globe and many users had long-wished for an easy way to purchase apparel they discovered on the app.
Instagram users in the US, will soon see a “Tap to view products” button on selected Instagram posts. Once tapped, descriptions and prices will pop up on their screen for up to five products that are featured in the post.
Users can then tap on a product to go to another post that provides more information, or swipe left to move on to other items featured in the same post. Each product post will have a “Shop Now” button that will redirect the user to the brand website, where they can make a purchase.
JackThreads, Abercrombie & Fitch, Coach, J.Crew, Kate Spade, and Macy’s, are among the brands that will start testing the new e-commerce features as early as next Monday. Instagram will then evaluate the results, before deciding to roll out the features globally.
You might also like
More from Instagram
Facebook Temporarily Disables Some Messenger And Instagram Features
Facebook has temporarily disabled some Messenger and Instagram features in response to new rules for messaging services in Europe.
Instagram Lite Android App Rolls Out In India
After shutting down Instagram Lite last May, Instagram is now rolling out a new lite version of its Android app …
Instagram Live-Streams Now Support Up To 3 Guests In India
Instagram has added an option for users in India to invite up to three guests to join them on Instagram …
Instagram Fundraisers Can Now Be Published Directly In Feed
Instagram Fundraisers will soon be available to create and share fundraiser events for nonprofits directly in Feed.
Instagram Brings Keyword Search To Six Countries
Instagram is upgrading search on its platform, letting users in six English-speaking countries make keyword searches.
Instagram Announces Exclusive Post Malone Show On Watch Together
Instagram announced new show series with Post Malone - exclusively on Messenger and Instagram through Watch Together.
Instagram Adds Reels And Shop Tabs To Its Home Screen
Instagram is updating the design of its home screen for the first time in years to give Reels and Shop …
Instagram Expands Badges In Live To More Countries
After testing badges as a way for creators to monetize their Live broadcasts, Instagram is now expanding the feature to …