Now, you can try lipsticks, sunglasses on Instagram: Here's how
We all know Instagram has been introducing features to let users buy products appearing in photos/videos uploaded on the platform. The capabilities have proven effective in shifting the app's focus on social commerce and keeping its users engaged. And now, as part of the same effort, the company is bringing AR-based capabilities to let you try products before actually paying for them. Here's more.
Instagram's way of letting you buy products
Currently, when you open a photo/video shared by a partner brand of Instagram, an option to view the product featured in the image/video appears. The button lets you check the price, photos of the product and head over to the brand's website to make the purchase. In some cases, you may also see an 'add to cart' button to pay for it within Instagram.
Now, there will be AR 'try-on' as well
In order to make the whole shopping experience more interactive, Instagram is adding augmented reality into the loop. The company is employing Spark AR, the tech powering its camera effects, to let users try some partner brand products in augmented reality. This, it hopes, will give users an idea of how the product would look on their faces, helping them make a purchase.
How the feature would work?
The AR feature works with a 'Try it on' button that appears right under the page of a product selling directly on Instagram. It opens the camera of your phone and puts an AR version of the product on your face. Notably, the same screen also provides the option to sift through other similar products and check out with the best one available.
Some brands have already started using AR experience
Instagram confirmed that the feature has started rolling out for select brands using its in-app checkout feature. The list currently includes cosmetic brands Mac and Nars and eyewear giants Warby Parker and Ray-Ban, but you can expect more players to opt into the capability for their products in the near future. Instagram also hopes users will use this feature to share products as Stories.
