Instagram is reportedly looking to do more for advertisers, as the photo-focused social network will soon allow users to book appointments with local businesses.
According to Bloomberg, this new feature would allow the 8 million-plus businesses that use Instagram to attract customers, therefore giving them even more out of social media network. This feature seems to be quite straightforward as reserving a table for two at 7pm or squeezing in a trim at a local barber with simple interactions on the Instagram app.
According to James Quarles, Instagram's head of business, 80% of the site's users follow a business of some kind, making it logical to have Instagram shift focus to local shops and not just Spring Break selfies and food pics. This will also put Instagram up against sites like OpenTable and Yelp.
The new feature is set to roll out in the coming months, with the service also reportedly giving some thought to adding reviews and other business-minded tools.
