Instagram Is Launching In-App Check Outs, Online Shoppers Are DOOMED

The Verge- Instagram took its next step to becoming a full-fledged commerce business today, announcing that it is bringing a checkout feature to its mobile apps. With checkout, you can store your payment information with Instagram to make purchases more quickly. In return, Instagram is charging retailers a selling fee. More than 20 brands will use checkout to start, including Nike, Adidas, Dior, H&M, MAC Cosmetics, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Prada, Uniqlo, Warby Parker, and Zara.

Items eligible for in-app checkout now have a big blue “Checkout on Instagram” button below them. Tap it and you’ll be asked to provide your email address so that the seller can complete your order. From there, you enter your delivery information and payment method, and after reviewing your details you can place the order.

This is deadly. It’s only a small amount of brands for now…but once this becomes EVERYWHERE this is dangerous. You can just scroll your Instagram, see something you like, and within three clicks it’s headed to your home. You don’t have to leave the app or head to some other website, it’s all right there.

If you are a drunk online shopper (me) this is your worst nightmare. Packages upon packages will start arriving at your day. You will check your bank statement and have no idea where that 200 dollar purchase from Zara at 2:08 AM came from. And it’s just in its beginning phases. Once Instagram gets those targeted ads lined up with in-app purchases……yikes.