What is Social Commerce?
Social commerce is the use of social media platforms or websites to sell or advertise goods and services and facilitate purchases within social media, reducing the need for users to exit the app or site. Shoppable posts, in-app purchases, and product tags enhance the purchase process. Brands sync their catalogs with Facebook Shops, Instagram Checkout, and TikTok Shopping to utilize and engage their captive audiences. Social commerce usually accompanies influencer campaigns, which help boost trust and encourage impulse purchases.
Some examples of social commerce include Instagram shoppable carousels where product prices are tagged, Facebook storefronts with buy now buttons, and product showcase videos on TikTok with links to in-app checkout.
Related terms: s-commerce, shoppable posts, in-app purchasing, social selling.