After unveiling its new IGTV app earlier this summer, Instagram’s next standalone application is said to be centered on shopping. According to a report from The Verge, Instagram is planning a new app potentially called “IG Shopping.”
Essentially, IG Shopping – or whatever it may end up being called – would allow users to browse collections of goods from people and merchants they follow, and make purchases from directly within the application.
A release timetable for Instagram’s e-commerce application is unclear, and The Verge notes that the app “could be canceled before it is released.” Instagram, however, is believed to be optimistic about the potential of its shopping expansion.
Further, the release of a shopping application from Instagram comes as Facebook plots a bigger push into e-commerce, and it makes sense to use Instagram as a vehicle for that push.
Instagram has been testing the waters with in-app purchasing for several months now, but this is the first we’ve heard about the company launching a standalone application dedicated to shopping.
Given Instagram’s ties to Facebook, users will undoubtedly be wary about handing over their payment details. Additionally, the success of Instagram spinning off in-app features into standalone applications remains to be seen as the company has been quiet regarding IGTV adoption.
Would you be interested in an “IG Shopping” application from Instagram? Let us know down in the comments.
