Instagram is used by more than 500 million users across the world. From a photo and video sharing app, it will soon have a shopping feature on Apple mobile devices in the US. Testing will begin next week.
According to Tech Times, 20 American retailers, including Kate Spade, JackThreads, Abercombie&Fitch BaubleBar, Coach, Hollister, J.Crew, Levi's Brand, Lulus, Macy's, Michael Kors, MVMT Watches, Tory Burch and Warby Parker, will take part in the e-commerce test, sharing posts with "Shop Now" icons.
These will permit users to purchase items featured without having to leave the app to search.
Moreover, the retail brands will be allowed to share photos that essentially serve as ads for their products. In these kinds of posts, brands tag their products, whereas users will be able to tap on the "View" icon located at the bottom left of the photo to know more about the information of the product like its description, price and more photos. Brands can also have up to five different products in one posts.
Instagram bosses said in a blog post that the goal was to offer "the most seamless shopping experience for consumers".
"Mobile has changed the way people shop," Instagram added in the said post. "We're excited to announce an easier experience to shop the products you love on Instagram."
Sky News adds that Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, said that industry statistics indicate that smartphone apps and web browsers are commonly used in America to browse or research options about potential purchases.
JackThreads chief marketing officer Ryan McIntyre claimed that the new advancement would "change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile".
He continued: "Our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds - allowing us to reach guys where they're already hunting for what's new."
The news followed days after rival Twitter announced it will be shutting down video sharing app Vine and axing almost one in 10 jobs worldwide.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
