How to Use Instagram Shopping

Easily buy products without ever leaving your favorite app

By
Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles
Writer
Brenna Miles is a technology writer with a B.A. in Business Management and HR Management. She's been writing about technology for 6+ years.
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Brenna Miles
Updated December 04, 2019

In days past, both big brands and small shops had to link to their products via their Instagram bio. Now, shops can use Instagram Shopping to showcase their products for purchase. Via the shopping feature, you can browse, shop, and purchase products while still inside the Instagram app.

The instructions in this article apply to users using the Instagram app on their mobile device.

How to Browse Products on Instagram

There are two different ways to browse products on Instagram. If you want to shop the brands you already follow, simply visit their Feed or their Stories.

  1. Once you locate an image or story with a product you're interested in, tap the shopping bag icon to reveal the item's name and the price.

  2. If you want to purchase the item, tap the item's name to see the product description.

  3. To continue on with your purchase, tap View on Website to complete your transaction.

    Using Instagram to shop for products from Gap

Purchasing Products From Brands You Don't Follow

You can also browse products from brands you don't follow by using Search & Explore.

  1. Tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of your device go to Search & Explore.

  2. At the top of your screen, tap Shop.

  3. Here, you'll find products you can purchase from brands you don't already follow.

    Using Instagram to Shop via Search & Explore

To make browsing easier, you can choose from categories such as beauty, clothing, home decor, and travel products. Simply tap Categories from the top of your screen, then tap which category you wish to browse.

How to Purchase Products on Instagram

Have you found a product you wish to purchase via Instagram Shopping? It's super simple to do.

  1. Tap the shopping bag icon in the photo or story.

  2. Tap View on Website. Instagram will open the website right inside the app.

    Using Instagram to purchase a product inside the app

  3. Carry out the transaction just like you normally would.

Instagram protects purchases made in this way, via the app, with their Purchase Protection Policies. This means Instagram has your back if you don't receive your item, the product arrives damaged, or the merchant doesn't follow their stated refund policy.

How to Create an Instagram Shopping Collection

Instagram makes it easy to curate a unique shopping list using Instagram Collections. This is super helpful when you want to purchase an item at a later time.

  1. To save an item to a Collection, tap the bookmark icon underneath the image of the product.

  2. Instagram will save the image to a Collection titled Wish List.

  3. To find your Collection later, visit your profile and tap the hamburger menu in the top right corner of your screen.

  4. Next, tap Saved, then tap the Collection with the shopping bag icon.

    Creating a Collection of products on Instagram