Everything You Need to Know About Instagram’s New Checkout Feature
Back in March, Instagram announced it’s launching a closed-beta version of a new checkout feature for ecommerce brands. The feature allows Instagram users to purchase products on organic posts without leaving the app. No more pop-up browser windows. With just a few clicks, users can buy products on the app in just a few minutes or even in just seconds if they’re a repeat buyer.
Instagram ecommerce is giving Amazon a run for its money.
With over 25 million active business profiles, 2 million advertisers, and 200 million consumer-business interactions a day, it was only a matter of time before Instagram started moving its users through the checkout process, thus completing the buyer’s journey from discovery to purchase. In fact, 60% of users say they use the app to discover new products.
Learn about this new Instagram ecommerce feature and what it means for your business.
How Instagram Ecommerce Works
Instagram users can now purchase products directly on the app. Business accounts already tag their products in organic posts. When the user clicks on the product, they see the name and information.
But now they’ll also see a “Check Out on Instagram” button on the product page.
When they tap it, they’ll be asked to choose from various options such as size, color, etc. If it’s their first time, they’ll need to enter their name, email, payment data, and shipping information. Once they do, Instagram will securely store that information for future purchases, so the user can speed through the future transactions in just a few seconds.
The app will also send them shipping and delivery notifications, turning Instagram into a one-stop ecommerce shop.
Who Can Use It?
So, you’re probably wondering when and how you can use this new Instagram ecommerce feature.
The checkout feature is currently in the closed-beta stage, which means the app is formally inviting certain brands to participate, including:
Adidas @adidaswomen & @adidasoriginals
Anastasia Beverly Hills @anastasiabeverlyhills
Balmain @balmain
Burberry @burberry
ColourPop @colourpopcosmetics
Dior @dior
H&M @hm
Huda Beauty @hudabeautyshop
Kith @kithfootwear & @kith
KKW @kkwbeauty
Kylie Cosmetics @kyliecosmetics
MAC Cosmetics @maccosmetics
Michael Kors @michaelkors
NARS @narsissist
Net-a-Porter @netaporter & Mr. Porter @mrporterlive
Nike @niketraining & @nikewomen
NYX Cosmetics @nyxcosmetics
Oscar de la Renta @oscardelarenta
Ouai Hair @theouai
Outdoor Voices @outdoorvoices
Prada @prada
Revolve @revolve
Uniqlo @uniqlo
Warby Parker @warbyparker
Zara @zara
Yes, some of the biggest and well-known brands in the world. For now, it’s mostly limited to clothing and beauty products, but it’s only a matter of time before Instagram expands availability to other markets.
If you’re anxious to use this feature for your ecommerce store, the best thing you can do is continue tagging products in organic posts and growing your Instagram audience. Obviously, the more followers you have, the better.
Post stunning content that shows off your products, including photos and videos.
Make use of Instagram stories and tag your clips with shopping stickers.
If you’re serious about growing your brand on Instagram, you can also start promoting your posts. This will help you expand your reach and sell more products.
Unless you establish your store as a top-tier or rising brand, you’ll probably have to wait until Instagram makes this feature available to all users. There’s still no word on when that will be. But when it becomes available, you’ll want to have as many engaged followers as possible.
Learning from the pros will also help you grow your brand. Attend a social media summit to learn how to make the most of Instagram’s ecommerce features. The more you use these features, the more likely it is that you’ll be selected to use the checkout feature when the time comes.
