Instagram Is Rumoured To Be Making a New Shopping App
"IG Shopping" could make it easier to scroll and shop
Photo: Getty
If you're a late night Instagram scroller and have made purchases based on photos you saw in your feed, we have great news for you. According to sources at The Verge, Instagram will soon be debuting "IG Shopping," a standalone app dedicated solely to browsing and shopping all in one place.
Although Instagram declined to comment on the reports, sources say that the social media company believes it can greatly expand into e-commerce. It's currently unknown when the app, which is reportedly still in development, could launch, according to The Verge. It's also possible it could be cancelled before it releases.
Photo: Getty
Since launching in 2010, Instagram has over 1 billion users, and according to Instagram, over 15 million of those users are registered as businesses. Those accounts will likely benefit most from these shopping upgrades.
In 2016, Instagram debuted their first shoppable "tags," which "bring important product information to the consumer earlier in the journey, all without having to leave the Instagram app to search," said Instagram Business.
Photo: Getty
Instagram recently debuted another new feature, IGTV, June, in an effort to overtake the video content usually uploaded on YouTube. IGTV does have its own standalone app, but its videos are also available to view in-app on Instagram.
"It’s built for how you actually use your phone, so videos are full screen and vertical. Also, unlike on Instagram, videos aren’t limited to one minute. Instead, each video can be up to an hour long," said co-founder and CEO Kevin Systrom upon the release of IGTV.
"Instagram has always been a place to connect with the people who inspire, educate and entertain you every day," he added. "With your help, IGTV begins a new chapter of video on Instagram. We hope it brings you closer to the people and things you love."
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.
Related articles:
16 Royals You Should Follow On Instagram
Instagram Is Trialling A New Feature That Lets You Remove Followers
Your Instagram Feed May Be Getting More Chronological