After recently rolling out a new payments feature to Whatsapp and Messenger, the social giant Facebook has started to roll out the feature on the photo-sharing platform Instagram as well. The new feature was in the testing phase for quite a long time and it seems that Facebook is finally ready to bring it to the Instagram platform. The photo-sharing platform also recently received group video calling, AR camera effects, and an anti-bullying feature.
The payments feature will enable the users of Instagram to shop directly on the app without having to leave it. However, the feature is currently available only to select users with a global rollout likely soon. As per reports, it may be rolled out within the next few months.
According to reports, the payments feature is currently visible to some users based in the US and UK. The payments option once rolled out to all users will allow them to make purchases directly on the app. The app will also store information like debit or credit card details in an encrypted form to make easy payments without having to provide the details every time.
An Instagram spokesperson has also confirmed TechCrunch that the new feature is currently available to select users in the US and UK and can be used to make appointments or restaurant bookings, making payments, etc.
To use the new payments feature, users need to dive to the settings page on the Instagram app and then add their card details. After that, they can start using the feature to make payments to third parties or book restaurants. Users will also be able to setup PIN verification for added security if they want.
In the coming days, Instagram is also expected to enable booking of movie tickets through the payments feature. This will allow users to book movie tickets in advance directly from the Instagram app. To use the feature, users would need to visit the dedicated Instagram page of the particular movie and click on the payments option.