Instagram Is Letting Users Shop via DM

Instagram has just made it easier for creators to derive an income using the platform. The app has introduced the ability to make purchases via DM from qualified small businesses.

Users will be able to message business accounts regarding the product they’re interested in buying. They’ll be able to chat about any customizations or specifications to their order. After the details of the order are finalized, they can pay right in the chat using Meta Pay.

Payments made through DM are protected through Instagram’s payment partner, PayPal. Those with qualified business accounts on Instagram can sign up to showcase a digital storefront on their page, after which they’ll be able to sell products in the chat too.

When businesses receive a message about buying a product, they can request payments two different ways, either by heading to their professional dashboard and clicking on “Payments in chat” or by selecting the “$” sign within the chat.

This new initiative adds to an ongoing rollout of features helping creators to make money on the app. Last week, Instagram began allowing creators to lock their posts and reels behind a paywall as part of its growing creator subscription program.

Small businesses can learn more about how to sell their products on Instagram on the company’s website.

In other tech news, Snapchat will now enable chatting and video calls on your desktop.