Today, we're announcing that Instagram shopping features including checkout have arrived for over 4,300 artists, labels and creators.
The COVID-19 pandemic uprooted many aspects of the music ecosystem and accelerated the industry’s embrace of the internet as a cornerstone retail channel. But this period of isolation left a gap in the connections between fans and their favorite artists and laid bare the challenges of online retail — fragmented ecosystems, difficult integrations and complicated adaptation.
That's why today we're announcing a collaboration with Instagram that brings the seamless shopping experience of Instagram Checkout to 4,300 artists and the millions of fans that love them.
As of today, over 4,300 artists can add any of 50,000 products to their Instagram feed, stories, and video posts including Reels and Live by simply adding a product tag.
Check out a quick YouTube demo.
“The past year has been so challenging for the music industry and we hope that together with Merchbar, we can make it easier for artists to use Instagram to connect with their fans and support themselves with our shopping tools,” said Perry Bashkoff, Director, Music Partnerships at Instagram.
“Instagram brings artists and fans together in a totally unique and personal way. We’re thrilled to add another dimension to that connection with the integration of the tactile, physical goods fans treasure so much. This is one of those rare moments that is a win for the entire ecosystem, and we’re excited to enable these functionalities for artists and their supporting companies while providing fans a terrific experience for discovering and buying artist products,” said Edward Aten, CEO of Merchbar.
Instagram and Merchbar are committed to delivering a fantastic customer experience, including consistent fulfillment schedules. To this end, all products included in Merchbar’s Instagram integration are required to meet both Instagram’s shipping policies and Merchbar’s Merchbar Gold standards.
“We’re working with our suppliers to improve their logistical timelines, while enhancing our own operations, manufacturing and fulfillment. We’re working with Instagram to expand product eligibility and requirements to match the unique needs of the music industry,” said Edward Aten, CEO of Merchbar.
“At the same time, we’re working to create new ways for artists to join Merchbar, sell on Instagram and improve their ability to deliver great products and a fantastic experience to their fans.”
Behind the scenes, Merchbar’s platform, exclusive partnerships and existing integrations seamlessly power this functionality. Products represent a rich mix provided by the world’s top labels and merch companies, Merchbar’s own manufacturing and fulfillment network, as well as hundreds of independent artists and merch operations.
Instagram shopping features are available for all suppliers and products that meet eligibility requirements. The activation process is frictionless: product availability, payments, returns and all other details are managed through Merchbar’s partnerships, streamlining both onboarding and transparent financial reconciliations.
We’re continuing to add more products and create new ways for creators to join Merchbar and shopping on Instagram.
To Apply to Join Merchbar
To learn more about joining Merchbar please click here.
To Enable Instagram Shopping & Checkout
Artists, labels and merch companies with products currently available on Merchbar can request access here.