Quick Summary
Your website gets traffic, but sales stay stuck. You’re posting daily, yet those likes and comments rarely turn into purchases. That disconnect between engagement and revenue is what holds back most businesses. So, what’s the simple solution? Social commerce.
Social commerce fixes this by turning social platforms into instant stores. They allow shoppers to buy your product with two taps while scrolling Instagram or any similar social media app.
You, too, can benefit from this kind of social media integration for your eStore. Here, we’ll understand how important social commerce is to stand out in the competitive market and why you should consider using it. Plus, we’ll cover the best practices followed by experts at our eCommerce development agency when building such stores.
Social commerce is when people buy products directly through social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Instead of clicking a link that takes you to another website, you can browse, shop, and pay right inside the app.
It mixes online shopping with the social experience we already enjoy. Think of it like scrolling Instagram, seeing a product you love, tapping it, and checking out, all without leaving the app. It’s fast and feels easier than traditional online shopping.
Social commerce is completely dependent on social media platforms for displaying and selling products or services. Here is how it works:
Social commerce works because it’s easy and instant. You see a product, trust the source, and buy it without leaving your social media platform.
Today, online shopping isn’t what it used to be. Most people don’t always want to open an eCommerce app to buy the product; they want something as easy as double-tapping a post. That’s what social commerce offers. But to understand how different it is from traditional commerce, let’s jump to the table below.
| Feature | Social Commerce | Traditional eCommerce |
| Where It Happens | Inside social media apps | On dedicated websites or apps |
| User Journey | Seamless — from discovery to checkout in-app | Users browse, then leave the site to buy |
| Shopping Experience | Interactive and social | More transactional and product-focused |
| Product Discovery | Through feeds, influencers, or live videos | Through search or direct website visits |
| Engagement | Likes, comments, shares, DMs | Limited to reviews or contact forms |
| Checkout Process | Happens within the social app | Happens on an external website |
| Customer Trust | Built through social proof and community | Built through brand reputation or reviews |
| Content Style | Casual, short-form, influencer-driven | Polished, product-focused |
| Target Audience | Mobile-first, social-savvy users | Broader, often desktop and mobile |
| Examples | Instagram Shop, TikTok Shop, Facebook Marketplace | Amazon, Shopify stores, brand websites |
If you want to build a custom store that can directly show up in social apps, consult with our eCommerce development company.
People don’t just scroll to be entertained anymore; they also shop while doing it. Social commerce blends the fun of browsing with the ease of buying. For businesses, this means a fresh way to reach customers without making them jump through hoops. Here’s how it can work in your favor:
1. Simplifies the Buying Process
Social commerce keeps things easy. A user sees your product, taps on it, and checks out, all within the same app. Fewer steps mean fewer chances of losing a sale.
2. Boosts Product Discovery
Your products show up where people already hang out. Whether it’s through a reel, a post, or a creator’s story, it feels natural. Shoppers find your products without even searching.
3. Encourages Higher Engagement
Likes, shares, and comments create buzz around your product. It’s real interaction that helps your brand feel alive and relevant.
4. Builds Instant Trust Through Social Proof
When people see others talking about your product, it builds trust. Comments, reviews, and user-generated content speak louder than ads. It’s word-of-mouth at scale.
5. Supports Direct Customer Conversations
You can answer questions right in the comments or through DMs. It removes the waiting game. This direct connection makes buyers feel seen and supported.
6. Low-Cost Exposure with Big Reach
You don’t need a huge ad budget to get noticed. A well-timed post or viral video can reach thousands. Social commerce lets creativity beat cost.
7. Tailors the Shopping Experience
Thanks to smart algorithms, your products land in front of the right people. Shoppers see what fits their style and needs. It’s like having a personal shopper, powered by data.
8. Better Mobile Conversion Rates
Social apps are built for mobile, and so is social commerce. No pop-ups or page loads to slow things down. Just a smooth scroll-to-buy experience.
Social commerce meets your customers where they already are, on their favorite apps. It makes the process of buying feel natural, easy, and even enjoyable.
Now that you know social media isn’t just for scrolling anymore, it’s where people shop. These platforms have become powerful storefronts. Here’s a look at the best social commerce platforms worth your attention.
Instagram blends inspiration with instant shopping. With features like Shops, product tags, and in-app checkout, it makes it easy for users to browse and buy without leaving the app. Reels and Stories also give brands a fun way to show off products in action. It works especially well for visual-first industries like fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
Facebook still plays a major role in eCommerce, especially for brands with older or local audiences. Facebook Shops let you build a storefront, and the Marketplace feature is great for community-based selling. You can also run targeted ads to drive traffic to specific products. It’s a strong platform if you’re already building a presence there.
TikTok turns entertainment into action with viral product trends and TikTok Shop. People discover products in the middle of watching short, engaging videos, and buy them right there. The algorithm is built for discovery, which means even smaller brands can go viral. It’s especially popular with Gen Z and younger millennial shoppers.
Pinterest is where people go when they’re planning to buy, not just browsing for fun. Product Pins, Catalogs, and Pinterest Shopping allow you to reach users actively looking for inspiration. It’s perfect for niches like home decor, fashion, DIY, and weddings. Plus, the content has a long shelf life compared to other platforms.
YouTube is great for showing how products work in real life. Features like product tagging, shoppable video links, and live shopping give viewers the chance to buy straight from videos. Creators can drive serious influence here with product reviews, demos, and hauls. If your product needs explanation or builds trust through visuals, this is your platform.
Each platform plays a different role in how people discover and shop. Instagram and TikTok are perfect for visual engagement and trends. Facebook and Pinterest help drive intent-based browsing. YouTube builds trust through education and creator content. The best approach is often to combine a few that match your audience and brand vibe.
We can go on and on about how social commerce is changing the way people buy things, but what makes us think like that? Our experts have gone through various statistics. These numbers show just how much it’s becoming part of everyday life.
These stats show that social commerce is a major part of how people shop today. If you want to grow your business, use social commerce.
Here’s my advice: Stop thinking about whether you should sell on social media, and start figuring out how. Because your competitors already are.
Social commerce is changing how we experience shopping online. Here are the trends shaping the future of social commerce.
AR is making shopping more fun and interactive. Think virtual dressing rooms or previewing a sofa in your living room, all before you hit buy. Grocery brands are using AR for smart labels that show nutrition or allergy alerts. It’s not just cool tech; it’s becoming what shoppers expect.
NFTs are changing the way brands connect with their audiences. From fashion to collectibles, they offer digital proof of ownership for limited-edition items. Some companies are using NFTs to reward loyal customers in unique ways. As blockchain grows, this space will only get more creative.
Voice shopping is growing fast. People are using Alexa or Siri to place orders, manage subscriptions, or check prices. It’s easy, hands-free, and accessible, especially for users with disabilities. If your store isn’t voice-ready yet, it’s worth exploring soon.
More shoppers want to support brands that care about the planet. Transparency matters when it comes to where products come from and how they’re made. Social platforms make it easier to tell these stories. Brands that highlight sustainability clearly are gaining more trust.
Generic ads don’t cut it anymore. Customers want content that feels made just for them. Thanks to AI, brands can now customize everything, from product suggestions to offers based on real behavior. Personalized experiences feel better and lead to more sales.
These trends bring smarter, more immersive shopping experiences. Whether it’s AR, NFTs, or AI-driven suggestions, the key is staying relevant to your audience.
Social commerce is great, but to really make it work, you need the right approach. Here are some best practices that can help you.
Every social platform works a little differently. Instagram is great for visuals, while TikTok leans into trends and short videos. Facebook still works well for community-driven selling. Go with the one where your audience already spends their time.
People trust people, especially ones they already follow. Partnering with influencers can introduce your product to a ready-to-buy audience. Just make sure the partnership feels natural and matches your brand’s vibe. Forced content doesn’t work.
Social selling is about conversations, not just conversions. When someone comments, responds, or sends a DM, talk back. It shows you’re present and that you care. These small moments build real trust and loyalty.
No one likes waiting for replies. Chatbots help answer questions fast, even when you’re offline. They guide users through the basics and help keep the conversation moving. A helpful bot can go a long way in making the experience smooth.
Everyone wants to feel like a brand “gets” them. Use browsing behavior, preferences, or purchase history to suggest products people actually want. Personal touches like this can turn casual scrollers into paying customers.
Social commerce is about creating real connections and making shopping feel natural. These best practices can help you show up better and keep customers coming back.
Nope! While Instagram is big, social commerce includes Facebook Shops, TikTok shopping, Pinterest buyable pins, and even WhatsApp stores. It’s any purchase made directly through social platforms. The key difference? No redirecting to external websites.
Not necessarily. Many businesses run entirely through Instagram or Facebook shops. But having a website helps with credibility and gives customers another way to find you. Start simple – you can always add a site later.
Traditional eCommerce needs a website; social commerce happens where people already hang out online. It’s more visual, interactive, and built for impulse buys. Think “see it, want it, buy it” in three taps.
Visual products like fashion, beauty, and home decor kill it. But I’ve seen stuff like garden tools do well with the right video content. If you can make it look good in photos/videos, it’ll sell.
It blends entertainment with convenience. People are already on social media, so discovering and buying there feels easy and natural. It’s shopping that fits into everyday scrolling.
Social commerce changes how people shop and brands connect with their audience. People don’t want complicated checkout processes; they want to click and buy without leaving their social media apps.
To start with social commerce, you don’t need a big budget or a fancy website to start. A few great products, engagement, and the right platform is all you need to have loyal buyers. So, pick one strategy, test it, and watch those likes finally turn into sales. If you want to build a social commerce store that is well-designed and aligns with your needs, contact us today!
John Niles, a dedicated Technical Consultant at BrainSpate since 2023, specializes in eCommerce. With a global perspective, he crafts insightful content on cutting-edge web development technologies, enriching the digital commerce landscape.
