Instagram paves way for click to buy ads
Instragram is to launch click-through ads, as they look to give consumers an opportunity to buy the products they see on the platform.
The photo-sharing app announced on its blog post yesterday (4 March) that it would introduce ‘carousel ads’ that allow people to view multiple images of a product in a single post.
‘Carousel ads’ will also allow brands to link images to a website of the brand’s choice, which may be a move to allow consumers to purchase directly from the platform.
The company blog says: “We’ve heard from marketers that they want to tell sequenced stories in beautiful, compelling ways that lead to meaningful results for their businesses.”
This signifies the first time that Instagram will allow web searches on its own platform, until now it only allowed users to browse photos on the app.
Instagram says that the move is likely to benefit fashion, car and food brands, as multiple images will allow them to tell a sequenced story. For example, a food brand could showcase how multiple ingredients come together to make a meal.
The new format will be introduced on a ‘limited basis’ in coming weeks, while the platform works out what performs best.
Pinterest announced yesterday (4 March) that it would test ‘animated pins’ on its platform, which would allow a sequence of images in a single post.