Instagram is currently testing home feeds and reveals that the platform is replacing the shopping tab and possibly shifting its e-commerce strategy, as per the report by The Verge.
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A woman looks at the Instagram page of Saudi influencer Ragda Bakhorji, in Dubai on April 7, 2020. - The coronavirus may have forced the Gulf's social media "influencers" indoors but it has not stopped them posting. While they can no longer upload pictures of themselves zipping through international airports or strutting down London streets in high-end brands, many have turned the cameras on their lives at home as they spend time with family, cooking and decorating.
As per the users who have access to the testing, the shopping tab has been replaced with a second menu, along with other options like settings and saved posts. It was replaced by the navigation bar.
Meta Spokesperson Anne Yeh confirmed the changes in a statement. She said, "As part of our continued work to simplify your Instagram experience, we are testing a few changes to the main navigation bar at the bottom of the app with a small number of people,"
Instagram's E-Commerce
A report from The Information was released earlier this month and revealed that Instagram will be changing its approach to e-commerce which the company's removal of the shopping button in March 2023. This was announced via an internal memorandum.
The shopping feature of Instagram will focus instead on Meta's ad revenue and how to boost it. A less personalized shopping page will also roll out for testing as per Gearrice, and it will be called "Tab Elite."
Instagram has been adding features related to the shop tab in order for the company to encourage users to purchase on the platform without logging off or leaving the app. Although, the company did not reveal how it was successful after releasing the feature.
As of now, the company still provides newly added features for this section. This includes improved messaging, which allows entrepreneurs to discuss and handle customer service via direct messages.
Yeh added that commerce will still be significant to the company as they continue to improve the feature for users to experience shopping on the platform in a much more convenient way. Through this, they can shop by viewing their feeds, stories, reels, and more.
Also Read: Instagram Now Allows Users to Upload 60-second Stories Without Interruptions
Other Rolled-Out Tests
Along with the mentioned testing, Meta is also working on making a much easier way for users to switch accounts. As per the announcement on their official website, Facebook and Instagram will have a new profile switching tool that is more convenient and improved.
The new account creation feature was also in the works, where users can make new accounts without logging off their existing accounts for Facebook and Instagram.
These changes will be limited to both Facebook and Instagram, but Meta stated that they will explore how to improve the users' connectivity experience in all of their technologies.
Related Article: Meta Tests New Profile Switching Tool: Access, Create, Navigate More Facebook, Instagram Accounts
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Written by Inno Flores
