Instagram launched shops in 2020, describing them as “an immersive full-screen shop that enables companies to construct their brand history and promote product discovery.”
Several new tools are being added to assist creators in directing fans to their stores.
Finally, Instagram now allows creators with personal and shop accounts to link both and sell products from their shop in their profile via a new View Shop button.
According to Instagram, this is a global feature.
Instagram’s next goal is to integrate e-commerce. Bravado/UMG, Fanjoy, Represent, and Spring (formerly the Teespring company) will be able to connect their own Instagram accounts shortly.
Instagram says…
(The distinction between this and the standard Spring creator services is unclear.)
All eligible creators in the United States will be able to integrate by the end of 2021.
Finally, Instagram allows “selected creators” to include Shop products in their posts, stories, and buckets.
Instagram has been expanding its eCommerce tools for over a year. Because of the pandemic, Reels (TikTok’s competitor) and IGTV have added checkouts, drops, and shoppable ads to their platforms. This includes tools, increased financial and educational information, and other resources to assist users in digitally growing their businesses.
