6 minutes
Last Updated on Jan 24, 2025
Social commerce is not merely a brand-new way to shop. It signifies a change in the way that customers engage with companies in terms of where, when, and how they shop. This gives consumer brands the chance to offer a journey that is far more engaging, interesting, and immersive.
Leading businesses, for instance, are collaborating with social media platforms to build new connections with customers by moving away from conventional advertising tactics and toward entertaining, interesting material that isn't as obviously commercial.
This information can be used to showcase special aspects of a product or to clearly explain its complexity. To show you how they use the branded product and why they enjoy it, your favorite celebrity may, for instance, welcome you behind the scenes into their daily skin-care regimen instead of showing you an advertisement for a new skin-care formula. After that, customers may purchase the item straight from the platform, whether it's YouTube Shopping, Instagram, or Facebook.
According to recent data, three of the top four social media platforms worldwide are Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. What sets these platforms apart is not only their popularity but also the staggering size of their user bases, which significantly outshine those of platforms that rank lower in the hierarchy.
Social commerce is blowing up right now, and it's all thanks to a mix of changing shopping habits and how social media keeps evolving. People aren't just scrolling anymore—they're discovering, reviewing, and buying products all in one place.
Let's be real—most of us spend hours on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook every day. So, it's no surprise that brands are meeting us where we already are. Whether it's an ad, an influencer's post, or a friend's recommendation, shopping has become part of the experience.
People trust people. When your favorite influencer or even a regular user shares a review or demo, it feels more real than a traditional ad. User-generated content (UGC) helps us decide what's worth buying.
Social platforms now let you shop without even switching apps. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have built-in shops that make it super easy to go from "Oh, that's cute!" to "Bought it!" in seconds.
Live shopping events are basically the modern version of home shopping channels. Brands or influencers show off products in real-time, answer questions, and make it fun—and often, there are exclusive deals you don't want to miss.
Ever feel like social media just knows what you want? That's AI working behind the scenes, showing you products you're more likely to love (and buy). It's like having your own personal shopper who's always online.
Before buying anything, most of us check out the comments, reviews, and what other people are saying. Social platforms make it easy to see feedback and feel more confident in our choices.
Since we're already using our phones for everything, shopping from them feels natural. No need to visit a store or even open a laptop—just a few taps and done.
TikTok and Instagram Reels have changed how we shop. A quick, catchy video can show off a product better than any ad, making us want to buy right away (especially if it's trending).
Some brands let you "try on" things like makeup or sunglasses using AR filters. It's fun, interactive, and makes you feel better about hitting that buy button.
With digital wallets and "buy now, pay later" options, you don't even have to think twice about making a purchase—it's just so convenient.
Shoppers are drawn to brands that feel authentic and relatable. Social media lets brands tell their story, show their personality, and connect with their audience on a more personal level.
Flash sales, limited drops, and influencer-exclusive deals create urgency. When you see something cool and think it might sell out, you're way more likely to grab it on the spot.
While we have seen changes in social media over the past year, including new platforms coming online, social media itself continues to dominate how we use the internet. The brands that engage in social commerce on these platforms will see growth. The numbers don't lie.
