Instagram now has a payment feature that allows its users to make purchases from small businesses directly in chats on Instagram. Mark Zuckerberg announced this payment feature today in a chat with Jawsurf on Instagram.
The payment feature allows users to chat with a qualified small business on Instagram, and then make purchases without leaving the chat. For example, if a user is interested in a backpack, the user will have to send a message to the business about his or her choice. From there, the user can chat about customizations — like adding initials — and then place the order right in the chat. In that same chat thread, the user will also be able to track the order and ask the business any follow-up questions.
Finally, users are enabled to use Meta Pay to complete purchases, making checkout even easier in just a few taps. And they can shop with confidence knowing that their payments are securely processed and their purchases are protected.
Using this new feature, small business owners will be able to:
- Chat with customers in real-time to answer questions and confirm purchase details.
- Create a payment request with item description and price.
- Request and collect payment.
And when businesses are ready to set up their digital storefront, they can use Shops on Instagram and Facebook.
The company said, “As we look toward the next chapter of the internet and the metaverse, we’re looking forward to giving people more access to tools like payments in chat that will make people’s lives easier. We want to help people start conversations with businesses they care about and help them find and buy products they love in an easy, seamless experience, right from the chat thread.”
