Instagram just launched Instagram Shop, adding another string to Facebooks e-commerce bow. Users in the US will now be able to shop directly inside Instagram Explore, with other countries rolling out in the coming weeks.

The intention is to make it easier for users to shop from brands and creators through personalized recommendations and trending topics, as well as access exclusive launches all within the app. This seems to be a natural extension to Shopping on Instagram that launched on Product Hunt 4 years ago.

To make purchases and donations at the checkout, customers can use Facebook Pay which was announced last year and will be launching in the US this week.

E-commerce is a booming business and several companies – big and small – are exploring new approaches to product discovery.

Just recently, Google introduced ShopLoop, offering an alternative online shopping experience with TikTok-like videos mostly focused on beauty products (so far).

In May we spoke in more detail about the rise of Shopify and the launch of its app, Shop. Since then its stock price has increased another 23%, a reflection of the company’s execution and the market’s confidence in ecommerce in general.

Other creative approaches to product curation and commerce from emerging startups (some of which are no longer around... RIP): YEAY, 8TV, Unboxed, Kit, Thingtesting, and Down to Shop. Everyone’s trying to reinvent the mall, online.

Happy World Emoji Day friends! 🥳

As long time emoji lovers, we have a whole section dedicated to them. 👈🥰✨