Online shoppers have a new way to purchase products and have them shipped to their doorsteps — through Instagram.
The popular photo sharing site has introduced a feature that allows users to shop through its mobile app.
Companies tag products in their photos, and Instagram users can tap on the tag to get more information or be redirected to the retailer’s site.
Instagram already lets retailers promote products in ads, but companies have eagerly been awaiting a more seamless shopping experience.
“Instead of having to transition over to [our] app, our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds,” said Ryan McIntyre, chief marketing officer for Jack Threads, one of about 20 retailers who are testing the new feature.
Online shopping now accounts for about 80 percent of total sales in the United States, industry research shows.
The online commerce boom has meant growth for the shipping industry, including more deliveries and returns for USPS.