Tech-Lovers, Rejoice: You’ll Soon Be Able to Book Appointments via Instagram
Instagram has long been our favorite go-to for picture sharing, and they’ve done a LOT over the past year to make it even better. We can finally, finally zoom in on photos and upload more than one pic at a time. We can also now buy things directly from businesses’ Instagram profiles. And the company isn’t finished yet: Instagram is taking things even more next level by adding another new addition that will directly impact the way we interact with service providers, such as hair stylists or restaurants.
In the coming months, we’ll have the ability to book appointments with businesses directly in the app. That means the profile of that hair salon you’ve been Insta-stalking? Will merely require the tap of a button to let you book a color appointment. Want to try that hot new restaurant that’s been posting drool-worthy food pics? You can book that too. Tattoo consultations? No problem. No more bouncing around from app to website to phone trying to get in contact with a business — a major plus, considering that most of us always have our phones nearby.
According to Bloomberg, over eight million businesses currently use Instagram, and 80 percent of those users follow a business, so it’s likely to challenge many of the current online booking systems, such as Yelp Inc. and OpenTable.
Businesses will also likely be apt to participate, as James Quarles, the Instagram’s head of business, said, “When someone books an appointment, that’s not a ‘like’ or a ‘follow,’ that’s actual action.”
Further down the line, Instagram may even unroll reviews for businesses, as well. Look out, Yelp!
Would you use Instagram to book appointments? Let us know @BritandCo!
(h/t Refinery29, photos via Getty)