Instagram is set to launch a new QR code feature enabling customers to connect with their favourite retailers instantly.
Retailers will now be able to print out their own QR codes and place them anywhere in their physical store, allowing customers to scan them and be taken directly to their Instagram page.
The system has been live in Japan since last year, but is now being rolled out by the Facebook-owned social media giant across the rest of the world.
It comes as Instagram continues to push into the retail sector, having rolled out a raft of features enabling retailers interact with the platform more deeply and seamlessly.
Last month, Instagram launched a new Instagram Shop feature allowing users to purchase items from inside Explore for the first time and pay for goods using Facebook pay.
READ MORE: Instagram launches ‘Instagram Shop’ platform amid continued push into retail
“Although this technology has been around for years, it’s taken a pandemic for it to be widely accepted and utilized by both businesses and consumers,” NMI’s chief strategy officer and co-founder Nick Starai said.
“We’re seeing more consumers than ever lean on this technology for everything from accessing menus, submitting payments, or in Instagram’s case, allowing for easy access to Instagram business profiles.
“By allowing consumers to easily scan a QR code directly from the app, Instagram is creating the ability for businesses and consumers alike to quickly, easily, and without contact, launch a digital link to their business profiles.
“This will empower brick-and-mortar businesses to convert that consumer from in-store to online to create a seamless customer experience and streamline the online payment process.”
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