Instagram Tests New Features For Upcoming Product Launches

Photo: Instagram

Instagram continues to invest in shopping features on the platform. The Facebook-owned photo/video-sharing app recently announced that it is testing a new way to set reminders for upcoming product launches via launch stickers in Instagram Stories and product launch tags for in-feed posts.

When users come across a launch sticker in a brand’s Story or product launch tag in a brand’s in-feed post, they will be able to preview product details as well as opt-in to receive push notification reminders for that product, one day and 15 minutes before it drops. Once the product is available, users can purchase it directly through Instagram's in-app Checkout feature, which it launched this past spring.

Photo: Instagram

Brands like adidas, H&M, Highsnobiety, and Warby Parker, who are all part of the closed beta for Checkout will have access to the new features.

In an announcement blog post, Instagram provided insight on the launch of the new features:

“On Instagram, latest trends come together in music, art, fashion and more. People follow their favorite brands and creators—all kinds of tastemakers—to keep up with these interests and discover new products. Brands and creators connect with shoppers eager to have those products the instant they’re available. The convergence of these activities make Instagram the place where collaborations and limited releases happen. "

The launch of product stickers and product launch tags provide further evidence of Instagram's dedication to making the platform shopping friendly for both, consumers and brands. The new features should be especially useful for brands that often have exclusive or limited releases and have highly engaged audiences on Instagram.

In other Instagram news, recent reports surfaced that it may be working on a TikTok-like feature called Clips.

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SOURCE: Instagram Business