Instagram has announced a series of changes that will change the way e-commerce is done on the platform. Specifically, starting November 7, Instagram will test new features, which will allow purchases directly from the mobile platform, according to mashable.com
Starting Monday, November 7, Instagram will launch a series of changes that will allow users to interact differently with brands and make purchases directly from the platform. For starters, the feature is being tested with 20 U.S. brands, which will be able to tag products in images, provide information about those products, and redirect users directly to their website via a “Shop Now” button.
The new features, in the test phase
However, the news will not be immediately available to everyone, but will be tested on a limited number of users in the United States of America.
“This test will change the freedom of what we, as sellers, can offer on mobile. Instead of the user having to transition to our app, they will be able to shop effortlessly, right from their social media feed, allowing us to reach customers exactly where they are already looking for news,” said JackThreads’ Chief Marketing Officer, Ryan McIntyre.
JackThreads is one of 20 American brands testing this feature.
Instagram won’t get a percentage of sales
Apparently, Instagram won’t get a percentage of sales made through the platform, or at least not for now. This may be a later step that could come once the feature is widely available.
Facebook would have control in e-commerce
If this new feature of Instagram is successful, it can revolutionize e-commerce. This would be a major advantage for Facebook, the company that owns Instagram.
Specialists quote the revenue of the Instagram mobile app for 2016 at about $3.2 million, noting an increase of $2.2 million from the price at which Facebook bought the app in 2011 ($1 million).