With Ramadan already underway, social media is already buzzing with activity in the Middle East. Instagram has been a source of inspiration for users; however, it’s a cumbersome process when you spot something that you want to purchase. Instagram addressed that by launching shopping tags in 2017 and has been expanding availability across the world.
Recently, Instagram has expanded the availability of shopping tags in the Middle East to three countries: Lebanon, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The launch is a big boost for driving e-commerce adoption in the region.
Shop directly from Instagram
Businesses on Instagram can easily tag products in their photos, videos, and stories; it’s the same way when you tag a friend on a photo, carousel, or video when posting on Instagram. Each product tag would link them to the product pages on their websites.
Posts that have tagged products will show a small shopping bag icon on them. Tapping on the post itself will show the products that you can purchase with rich details, which you can expand by tapping on each product. Tap on the tagged product you wish to buy, and you’ll be taken straight to their page to complete the transaction.
This whole process makes it seamless for shoppers, saving you time and effort. Users will no longer have to navigate away from the app and waste time to search for the same item. However, there are some restrictions in place if you want to implement shopping tags:
- Instagram account has to be a Business profile, hence also requires a Facebook page to link it
- Shopping tags in these markets will be available to businesses with dedicated Facebook sales teams
- Eligible businesses will need to have a product catalog connected to their account
- Other requirements as mentioned on the Help Center
Fashion, food, and popular lifestyle brands are very popular on Instagram in the Middle East. Businesses with Instagram accounts that cover any of the mentioned categories can capitalize on shopping tags for their commercial needs. The shopping tags can also help independent businesses in the Middle East using the platform to sell their own merchandise.
With the availability of a dedicated Shopping channel under Explore on Instagram, this will create more opportunities for Instagrammers in the Middle East to discover and explore products.