All users on Instagram can now use the product tag feature, previously only available for creators or business accounts. Over the past few years, Instagram has gradually shifted to selling products directly from within the app.
This feature update was later extended to not only posting photos in feeds but also to video Stories to Reels. Thus, with this product tag feature, users will more easily identify the products displayed.
The product tag feature was first introduced by Instagram in 2016 as an effort to open up business opportunities within the application.
To use this tag feature, you must first mark the brand of the item. After creating the post and making the necessary customizations, tag the brand using the 'Tag People' option.
Then, a 'product tag' option will appear after which you can tap on the product in the image and select a product from the list of brand items.
Later other users can tap on the product and buy it via a link or directly from the app. Instagram is currently testing an affiliate program with creators who could potentially earn from the sales they convert.
Business accounts can also see their products are tagged and can choose whether the tag appears in the 'tagged tab' and Business accounts can also disable the tag from appearing on their profile.
Unfortunately this feature is still only available for US users, but Instagram says in the coming months it will roll out to all users.