Instagram Unveils an In-Chat Payment Method
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- admin
- July 8, 2022
- Technology
Introduction
Instagram is launching a new payment feature that allows users to buy products from brands directly within the app’s Direct Message and Stories feeds. This is different from Instagram’s existing commerce platform, which lets brands sell their products on the platform but also requires them to build out their e-commerce site to do so.
Kudos to Instagram; finally, a “social network” that’s doing something that makes sense for the user! I hope more of these types of additions come about because it is clear social media platforms are worth their weight when put to good use in comparison with what they can give driving them to do (in my opinion).
Good news for small business
Instagram users can now buy products directly from brands through the shopping feature in direct messages and stories.
The new shopping feature is only available in the US, but it’s a big step toward making Instagram a more viable platform for e-commerce
Instagram shopping feature in the U.S
Instagram shopping will only be available for users in the U.S. for the time being and there is no monthly fee for merchants to use it.
The new feature will allow users of Instagram’s Direct Messages (DM) inbox to purchase items through DM conversations with brands directly, without leaving Instagram’s app. The social media company says that it expects this new approach will not only help boost sales but also enhance customer engagement as well as improve brand loyalty by allowing users to make purchases from stores they already follow on Instagram more easily than before.
Payment method
To start, select a product you want to buy and tap the “Checkout on Instagram” button. This can be found in the top right corner of posts from businesses that have enabled it.
You’ll then see a confirmation screen that includes your shipping address, payment information, and the total price of your order. You can confirm this information or change it before submitting your order fee by tapping “Next.”
Once you’re finished setting up your account which shouldn’t take long you’ll be able to check out by tapping “Confirm Order” at any time during checkout (except when submitting payment details).
Expect updates on your order status
Once you purchase an item, you can expect updates on your order status through notifications on Instagram.
You will get a notification when your order is placed, shipped, delivered, and returned.
Availability of the check-out feature
If you don’t see checkout now, hold tight! The checkout feature will become more widely available over time. If you run a business that sells products or services through Instagram and want to get access to this new feature sooner rather than later, please contact the Instagram Business Team at [email protected]. We can help you get started right away!
Meta pay
According to a 2018 report by the company, an average of one billion users across its platforms send businesses a message weekly. The report also revealed that these users are not just browsing products and asking for support, but they are also interacting with stories and commenting on posts by brands.
Chat commerce company Meta Pay simplifies the purchasing process for consumers, who no longer have to switch between websites to buy something; instead, they can complete their purchase with a few taps. This ensures secure processing and protects against fraudulent transactions.
Users can initiate a conversation with merchants and ask questions about products and then complete purchases in the same thread.
Seamless Purchasing
Companies using Instagram as a sales platform could see an increase in sales volume by taking advantage of the new “Shop Now” buttons now available on both Facebook and Instagram. Businesses can utilize this new capability with Meta Shops, which facilitates the creation of a seamless online store for businesses using Facebook and Instagram.
Instagram will soon provide a new way for businesses to handle chats, provide support, and complete purchases without leaving the platform. However, as with all online transactions, there is always a potential for bad actors, including hackers and fraudulent shops seeking to mislead and steal money from unwary customers.
Brand’s catalog
Instagram users can now buy products directly from a brand’s catalog using Instagram Stories. The feature is only available in the United States and there is no monthly fee for merchants to use it, but Facebook plans to roll it out more widely over time.
Instagram users will be able to select an item in a brand’s list of products and add it to their cart before purchasing within the story itself no need to leave the app! If you’re already shopping on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed that some items have “Buy Now” buttons next to them; this new feature works similarly but allows for purchases without leaving the app entirely.
When viewing an item’s link within an Instagram Story post, customers will see it marked with a green checkmark instead of blue like other links this indicates they can click on it without opening another tab or window (like every other link) which is great if you want quick access without having extra steps between points A (having seen something interesting) and B (buying).
Conclusion
Since Instagram launched the beta version of Instagram Shopping earlier this year, a lot has changed. We’ve watched users come and go, retailers join the platform, and more products arrive on the site that allows you to buy what you see without having to go through a third party like Shopify. It’s worth noting that there are several features of Instagram Shopping that have yet to be released. However, there’s plenty to love about the platform right now and it looks like we can expect even more features in the future.
If you’re a fan of seeing the products that your favorite brands sell, this is great news for you. It’s also good news if you like seeing what other people are buying from Instagram Shopping because now there are more ways to do so!