We previously talked about the new features coming to Facebook. This week we will be talking about the new features coming to Instagram, which is owned by Facebook. Beginning next week, Instagram will be testing out a way for consumers to make purchases of the products they see on Instagram posts.
Since many people nowadays use their mobile devices to do everything from checking their social media accounts, sending emails, shopping, doing research, and looking at product reviews, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea to be able to shop straight from your Instagram feed. Consumers are already shopping from their mobile devices, in fact, “more than 84% of smartphone users in the US browse, research or compare products via a web browser or mobile app.” Instagram wants to make it easier for consumers to shop for products they see on the platform, instead of having to do extra research to find those products elsewhere.
Instagram will be testing out this new feature by having 20 U.S based retailers including JackThreads, Kate Spade, and Warby Parker participate. These retail brands will be posting content that will make it easier for consumers to review the product(s) in that particular post, and learn more about the product in order for them to be able to make a purchasing decision.
These posts will include a “tap to view” icon, once this icon is tapped, a tag will appear on the various products on the post with their prices (products are being limited to only up to 5 per post). Once a tag is selected, a new window will open will more details on the product, this part of the new feature is important, as I helps the consumer make certain decisions without having to leave the Instagram app to make separate research. Once they have made a purchasing decision, they will have the option of clicking on the “Shop Now” link at it will take the consumer straight to the website to make the final purchase.
Take a look at this video of Kate and Spade products for a clear visual of how this feature will function:
Kate Spade from Instagram for Business on Vimeo.
The Executive Vice President and CMO of Kate Spade & Company stated, “With this seamless shopping experience launching on Instagram, the possibilities for selling our products are endless.” Not only will this feature allow consumers to shop online a lot easier, but it will also be helping out brands in exposing their brand and products and creating a whole different experience.
For the next couple of weeks, a group of people with iOS devices within the U.S will have the opportunity to check this new feature out. As time goes on, Instagram will be perfecting the feature. Instagram sates, “We want to understand how to deliver the most seamless shopping experience for consumers and businesses on Instagram, and ultimately mobile.”
We are so close to being able to shop directly from Instagram, this will make the shopping experience a bit easier.
No comments:
Post a Comment