BUY INSTAGRAM GOODIES ON APP

AFTER years of ogling beautiful images of food, fashion and design on Instagram, people will now be able to buy things they see and like directly through the app – providing instant gratification for the trend-obsessed and a new source of income for parent Facebook. Starting yesterday, the photo-sharing app was testing a shopping feature, called Checkout, with a handful of retailers including Nike and designer fashion platform Revolve. “Over time, this could be a significant part of our business,” said Vishal Shah, Instagram’s head of product. On Checkout, people will be able to buy directly within Instagram, rather than being directed to a retailer’s website. It’s unlikely Instagram will release further details about the financial specifics until next year, although Shah said he sees it as the next big business model opportunity after advertising. Facebook has tried many times to build e-commerce businesses, with varied success. On Instagram, the transition is happening more naturally. Some of those who have large followings on Instagram have been able to launch products, from merchandise for famous pets to make-up lines for well-known beauty artists. With advertising growth in Facebook’s news feed slowing, the company is seeking new lines of business and will become more dependent on other properties it owns, like Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. I Bloomberg