Instagram launches native payment feature for some users

Instagram will soon be more than just a social media app for sharing photos and videos; you can actually shop and book appointments via the app.

TechCrunch was tipped off by one of its reader who stumbled upon the payment settings in the Instagram app. When queried on the payment feature, an Instagram spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that native payments for booking appointments like restaurants or salons is available now for a limited group of partners. The payment settings are currently visible to some users in the U.S according to TechCrunch.

Dinner reservation app Resy is among the first to offer the native payment for booking. Instagram states that its users can expect direct payments for items such like movie tickets through the app in the future.

By allowing its users to shop and book appointments within the app, Instagram hopes that more companies will boost ad spend to get their products seen by more people.

Source: TechCrunch