Instagram launches online food-ordering apps
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Social media platform Instagram has launched new food-ordering tools to assist small-to-medium businesses facing difficulties during the coronavirus pandemic.
Foodservice operators can now share food order stickers in Instagram Stories and as a button on their profiles.
Consumers clicking on the Stories sticker or profile button will be taken to the business’ food-delivery platform to complete their purchase. They can also reshare the stickers with their own followers on Instagram Stories.
“We heard really clearly that restaurants want help staying open,” said Instagram COO Justin Osofsky. “As you’re looking at what’s happening just naturally on Instagram, a lot of people are trying to promote gift cards and the ability to support them, and a lot are using Instagram to highlight their delivery services. This is taking something that’s already happening and making it a lot easier.”
The Instagram features were rolled out in the North American market a fortnight ago and are now being rolled out globally in multiple languages, including in Hong Kong and other Asian markets.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific tools has Instagram introduced to help food service businesses?
Which specific tools has Instagram introduced to help food service businesses?
Instagram has launched food order stickers that businesses can share in their Stories, and also a food order button that can be added to their profiles. Customers click these to be taken to the business's delivery platform.
Q.What is the primary motivation behind Instagram introducing these new food-ordering features?
What is the primary motivation behind Instagram introducing these new food-ordering features?
Instagram's COO stated that the company heard clearly that restaurants needed help to remain operational. The features aim to simplify what businesses were already doing to promote delivery and support during the pandemic.
Q.Are these new Instagram features available worldwide, or were they launched in specific regions first?
Are these new Instagram features available worldwide, or were they launched in specific regions first?
The features were initially rolled out in the North American market two weeks prior to the global launch. They are now being made available globally, including in Hong Kong and other Asian markets.
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