Social Commerce Takes Center Stage: How In-App Shopping Is Changing the Game

The current trend

Social commerce is transforming the way consumers shop online. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook integrating in-app shopping features, brands now have direct access to consumers at the moment of inspiration. This shift is redefining the traditional eCommerce landscape, merging social engagement with seamless purchasing experiences.

What Is Social Commerce?

Social commerce refers to the use of social media platforms to facilitate e-commerce transactions. Unlike traditional online shopping, where users navigate to external websites, social commerce keeps the entire shopping experience within the platform. Key features include:

  • Shoppable Posts – Users can tap on a product tag and purchase instantly.

  • Livestream Shopping – Brands engage with audiences in real-time and showcase products.

  • In-App Checkout – Reduces friction by allowing users to complete purchases without leaving the app.

By 2026, there will be an estimated 39.5 million TikTok buyers in the US alone. Source: www.shopify.com

The Rise of In-App Shopping

The rise of in-app shopping is driven by several factors:

  1. Convenience – Consumers can browse, engage, and purchase without platform switching.

  2. Mobile-First Shopping – Over 70% of consumers prefer mobile shopping, making social commerce a natural fit.

  3. Trust and Social Proof – User-generated content, influencer endorsements, and reviews boost credibility.

  4. AI and Personalisation – Social platforms use AI to suggest products tailored to individual preferences.

Key Platforms Leading the Social Commerce Revolution

1. Instagram Shopping

Instagram’s Shops, Product Tags, and Checkout features make it a powerhouse for social commerce. Brands can showcase entire collections and enable direct purchasing.

2. TikTok Shop

TikTok’s algorithm-driven content discovery makes it ideal for viral product trends. With Live Shopping and Shoppable Videos, brands can convert engagement into sales.

3. Facebook Marketplace & Shops

Facebook’s ecosystem offers businesses a built-in audience, complete with Messenger Shopping Assistants to guide consumers.

4. Pinterest Shopping

Pinterest’s visual search tools and Shoppable Pins create a unique discovery-to-purchase journey.

 
 
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62% of US social buyers said their most recent social purchase took place on Facebook, with features like Marketplace and Shops facilitating these transactions. Source: www.shopify.com

How In-App Shopping Is Changing the Game

1. Shortening the Buyer’s Journey

Social commerce eliminates friction by keeping users engaged on the platform. Consumers no longer need to visit external websites, reducing abandoned carts and increasing conversions.

2. Enabling Impulse Purchases

The seamless, mobile-first experience encourages instant buying decisions. Limited-time offers during live streams drive urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out).

3. Enhancing Customer Experience

AI-driven recommendations and interactive shopping features create a personalised and engaging experience, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

4. Empowering Small Businesses

Social commerce levels the playing field, allowing small businesses to reach global audiences without needing expensive websites or ad campaigns.

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Almost 26% of the global population over the age of 13 uses Instagram. And according to Instagram, 70% of shoppers use the platform to find their next purchase. Source: www.shopify.com

Future Trends in Social Commerce

  • Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping – Try-before-you-buy experiences will enhance product confidence.

  • AI-Driven Shopping Assistants – Chatbots and AI tools will provide real-time product recommendations.

  • Decentralised Shopping – Blockchain and NFTs may introduce new ways to own and trade digital goods.

Final thoughts

Social commerce is no longer a trend—it’s the future of online shopping. With in-app shopping features reducing friction and increasing engagement, businesses that embrace this shift will stay ahead of the competition. Now is the time for brands to optimise their social storefronts and tap into the power of social commerce.

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