The live shopping feature gained popularity in 2016 as it changed the online shopping experience. This feature offered a worthwhile experience for customers in the online market. It represented itself as where they engage with products and features in real-time.
With its rising popularity, Instagram live shopping on Instagram helped businesses showcase their brands. It helped them connect with their customers through interactive mediums. Despite that, the developers had to stop the live selling feature on Instagram. This article will explain more about it.
In this article
Part 1. Instagram Live Shopping: Things Users Need To Know
Businesses on Instagram used to utilize live broadcasts to sell products directly from the app. It allows them to interact with viewers and drive real-time engagement. Instagram live shopping allowed people to save videos so customers could shop after the broadcast. Using this feature helped companies humanize their brand by telling stories.
According to a report, many Instagram users shopped weekly on the platform. They utilized many features like shopping tags and the “Shop” tab. However, Instagram stopped supporting live shopping on March 16, 2023. It was decided so that Instagram could focus more on other features of their application.
Reason for Discontinuing Live Shopping Feature
Live shopping on Instagram depends on the product quality. About 55% of the customers reported having this issue with live shopping. There are various other drawbacks to Instagram's live selling feature, which are provided as follows:
- More Focus on Other Features: Instagram wanted to focus on other app features. For this reason, they discontinued live shopping, which required utmost attention.
- Declining Engagement: After the pandemic, online users became less engaged with livestream shopping. So, Instagram shifted its focus to the Reels feature.
- Customer Feedback: The comments and suggestions on the live streams demanded improvements. Also, the live-selling Instagram feature did not bear positive comments from the customers.
- Lack of Communication: Sometimes, the online team cannot properly communicate with customers. The lack of communication causes confusion and dissatisfaction among customers.
- Limited Availability: The live shopping Instagram feature had geographical limitations. Various brands couldn’t provide their customers with their products in different places. Moreover, such conditions limit customer access and bring negative comments.
Part 2. Wondershare Virbo Live: Enhance Your Livestreaming Selling Experience
Users can still live stream even if the selling live on Instagram no longer exists. If you want to provide a seamless shopping experience, Instagram is not the only platform. You can access many live stream platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. However, it is also challenging to create compelling livestream content. That is why Wondershare Virbo Live is the perfect live-stream video development software.
This tool provides you with an AI content generator that gives an engaging script for streams. There is also an issue with how some tools fail to provide the necessary features for live streaming. Wondershare Virbo Live solves this issue with realistic avatars, 20+ languages, 120+ voices, and more. Also, it is compatible with major platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and more for live streaming.
Highlighting Features of Wondershare Virbo Live
- Wondershare Virbo Live can help streamers reach a global audience with the AI translation feature. This can increase a broad live-streaming shopping experience for customers.
- You can set up a customizable Q&A session for an interactive experience. It allows you to connect with your audience for their feedback and suggestions.
- There is no need to download the software as it lets you operate online. It provides work flexibility and management with this tool's cloud-based operation.
- If you want to elevate your content, Virbo Live provides AI avatars that can attract others. There are various poses, ethnicities, and attire of avatars for your live stream.
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Steps on Creating a Live Streaming Room With Wondershare Virbo
Wondershare Virbo Live is the perfect alternative to Instagram live-stream shopping. People feel encouraged to use this AI tool as it allows them to film perfect live streams. Now, let's delve into the steps that will guide you to create a perfect live stream:
- Step 1. Access Live Streaming Tool To Create a Room
Open Wondershare Virbo Live's browser page on your device and continue to select the "Create Stream Room Now" button. As it opens a new window, look for the "Create a Blank Livestream Room" under the "Home" section. Select any template from the options provided at the bottom if you wish to quickly create a live stream room.
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- Step 2. Pick the Perfect AI Avatar for the Live Stream
Once the new window opens on your browser, click the “AI avatars” option on the top toolbar. From the drop-down menu, choose any avatar according to your preference. You can select different poses, attires, and ethnicities of avatars from the given option. When picked, it will appear on the right side of your screen.
- Step 3. Adjust Background Settings and Include Stickers
Now, hit the “Background” tab from the top toolbar option. Pick one background from the available categories to match your Livestream background and avatar. You can navigate to the “Stickers” tab to select the sticker representing your live selling motive.
- Step 4. Generate AI Script and Insert Text
After you're done with the basic adjustments, go to the text box on the left side of the screen. You can write a script for your live stream or use the AI-assorted feature here. On the same side, tap the “AI Smart Script” button at the bottom left side of the screen. When a small window opens, write the product name, features, and promotions offered. Pick a language or style and hit the “Generate” button for script generation.
- Step 5. Start Livestreaming Your Content Through Virbo Live
When satisfied with your avatar, background, and script settings, begin the live streaming. From the top right side of the screen, click the “Start livestream” button.
Part 3. The Right Ways To Promote Your Brand for Effective Instagram Live Shopping
As we know, no Instagram live shoppingfeature is available for streamers. However, they can use different tips to promote their brand on Instagram and other livestreams. To create an effective livestream video, you should consider proper planning. In the given section, we'll look at what key tips are essential for you to become a successful seller:
1. Write High-Quality Live Stream Content
Before selling on Instagram Live, you need a solid live-streaming plan. Users should prepare a quality script that involves information about the product. Also, ensure the content is concise, to the point, and captivating.
2. Create Interactive Online Q&A Sessions
An important tip for a successful live shopping Instagram session is customer interaction. This involves holding a live Q&A session to get valuable insight. You can use this information to understand their preferences and interests.
3. Give Sneak Peaks of New Products
You can also provide the audience with various sneak peeks of your product. This builds up anticipation in the audience and marks you as an excellent seller. Also, you can showcase teasers and reveal specific features of your product.
4. Provide Demonstrations and How-To Video Content
Another important tip for live selling on Instagram is product demo video clips. In these videos, you can illustrate the product's function, usage, and benefits. Moreover, sellers can provide step-by-step guides via links that empower them to buy.
5. Collaborate and Promote Product Through Online Creators
Finally, set your stage by collaborating with various Instagram influencers and content creators. You can partner with different brands and give them sponsored content and more. This will increase your brand revenue and visibility and drive sales.
Conclusion
As mentioned before, selling on Instagram Live has been discontinued in 2023. However, there are still live-streaming platforms available in the market. We looked at various tips to help you achieve the perfect seller live stream. Among the tips, we recommend you utilize Wondershare Virbo Live, an ideal place to start. You can take your brand to the next with Virbo Live’s live-streaming features.
