Instagram is taking further steps today to make shopping in its mobile app easier for users. According to the social media network, it’s adding a new Shopping tab in Explore that lets users see products brands are selling using the existing shopping tools available for posts. A shopping sticker is also making its way to Instagram Stories to allow brands the ability to sell products in that part of the app.
We began testing Shopping in Stories in June, and today we’re rolling it out globally and expanding it to businesses in 46 countries. Now when you’re watching behind-the-scenes Stories from your favorite brands and see something you love, you can quickly tap on a product to learn more.
We’re also announcing a Shopping channel in Explore that will be personalized to you. Topic channels, which launched in June, allow you to browse across your interests and go deeper on any area you like in Explore. Now, when you simply want to shop for fun, you’ll see a channel dedicated to Shopping posts from the brands you follow and brands you might like.
Today’s news comes before the launch of a rumored dedicated shopping app built by Instagram. The Verge recently said Facebook is looking to expand its reach in the shopping space by introducing the app as a dedicated way to view products for sale similarly to how you’d do so on Instagram and Facebook. It isn’t clear when the app will be introduced, but we’ll let you know if/when it is.
Instagram says the new shopping tools within its mobile app are rolling out now and will reach all users over the coming weeks.
