Checkout on Instagram beta enables in app purchasing

Instagram have just become even more marketplace like with the integration of checkout features allowing users to buy direct on the site. Previously a user would have to go to the retailers site to make a purchase, but now with checkout on Instagram you can buy direct on Instagram from 20 odd US retailers.

Checkout on Instagram might not sound like that big a deal when you could click through to the retailer’s website, but it is. Moving from one site to another is where a lot of sales go do die and keeping users on the site and able to buy with a few clicks will make a massive difference to conversion rates.

When you tap to view a product from a brand’s shopping post, you’ll see a “Checkout on Instagram” button on the product page. Tap it to select from various options such as size or color, then you’ll proceed to payment without leaving Instagram. You’ll receive notifications about shipment and delivery right inside Instagram, so you can keep track of your purchase.

User’s details – name, email, billing information and shipping address will only have to be entered the first time you use Checkout on Instagram. From then on your details will be stored.

Don’t get too excited and rush to Instagram to sign up, Checkout on Instagram is currently in closed beta for businesses and available to people in the US. However as soon is it becomes widely available we’d suggest exploring Checkout on Instagram and in the mean time concentrate on building your story and attracting followers so that when you can launch selling on Instagram you’re ready to go.