Instagram Checkout: What You Need to Know

Now when you see product you love on Instagram, you can buy it without leaving the app—if the retailer has the new Instagram Checkout beta, the new in-app shopping platform.

Instagram Checkout offers a faster checkout where users remain on Instagram instead of being rerouted to the seller’s website to make the purchase. You still have the option of going to the seller’s website. Instagram cut the user experience time in-half with Checkout.

Just a few clicks and the shopper’s purchase is queued to ship. The most time-saving feature is the new secure payment information storage, so shoppers never have to re-enter payment info.

Shoppers will be able to track, manage and return their purchases through the app, as well as contact retailers and brands about their orders directly. Users can now manage their entire purchasing journey within the app.  

What are the seller costs?
Instagram has not publicly disclosed seller costs. As explained, they “will charge a ‘small fee’ to businesses selling through the platform to cover things like credit card processing costs and other transaction-related expenses.”

How to participate
Instagram would like those who want to sell on Checkout to know, “access to checkout will be limited during this closed beta. When we expand, businesses will be able to integrate directly or work with several ecommerce platforms and more in the future. Payments will be processed in partnership with PayPal.”

That said, Instagram invites sellers with the welcome,”We are testing checkout in a closed beta, but you can still help us get it ready for a wider release. Tell us more about your business so that we can make checkout on Instagram better for sellers like you.”

Profess your Checkout interest here. The link will take you to a short form to complete. You’ll be asked for the username of your Instagram business profile and work e-mail. Drop-down menus will ask if you are using shopping already and how your product catalog is connected, if third-party fulfills your orders and if you have a US Federal Tax ID. Lastly, you’ll select from a list to identify your ecommerce platform or system integrators. And SUBMIT! Good luck!

Brands chosen to participate in Instagram Checkout beta
Here are the brands selected to participate in the beta, and Instagram revealed earlier that there are “more to come.”

Adidas @adidaswomen & @adidasoriginals
Anastasia Beverly Hills @anastasiabeverlyhills
Balmain @balmain
Burberry @burberry
ColourPop @colourpopcosmetics
Dior @dior
H&M @hm
Huda Beauty @hudabeautyshop
KKW @kkwbeauty
Kylie Cosmetics @kyliecosmetics
MAC Cosmetics @maccosmetics
Michael Kors @michaelkors
NARS @narsissist
Nike @niketraining & @nikewomen
NYX Cosmetics @nyxcosmetics
Oscar de la Renta @oscardelarenta
Ouai Hair @theouai
Outdoor Voices @outdoorvoices
Prada @prada
Revolve @revolve
Uniqlo @uniqlo
Warby Parker @warbyparker
Zara @zara