Chirpify Expands To Instagram For In-Stream Commerce

(UPDATED) Chirpify, which up until today was solely a Twitter-based e-commerce platform, has now expanded to enable in-stream commerce on Instagram. The service first built a name for itself by providing a simple way to turn tweets into the sale of tracks, concert tickets and other goods that can be delivered digitally. With this new expansion into Instagram, Chripify provides music fans a new way to buy, donate and exchange funds with musicians without ever leaving Instagram, turning comments into immediate in-stream transactions.

Selling and raising funds with Chirpify on Instagram is just as easy as it is on their Twitter-based platform. Artists can create a listing directly from within Instagram, and in order to sell in-app, all they need to do is post a photo and set the initial comment to "#InstaSale $amount”. From there, Chirpify automatically creates a listing that people can transact with by commenting back.

Looking raise funds instead of sell? Fundraisers can list requests for donations by setting the initial comment to "#InstaFund $amount”. Chirpify will then post back a comment on the photo that instructs followers how to purchase.

Consumers would need to connect their Instagram and PayPal accounts, and once linked, comment on an Instagram post to transact with “buy” or “donate.” Chirpify then sends a download or receipt via email.

Chirpify charges 5 percent per transaction to a seller, fund raiser or peer to peer collector any time a person, organization or company gets paid. However, businesses and organizations can pre-negotiate a monthly fee to use Chirpify that includes some advanced features. 

“If people can't buy it in-stream, it's not social commerce – it's advertising,” said Chirpify CEO Chris Teso. “We turn attention re-routing advertising into high value in-stream transactions.”

Actress and singer Kat Graham, tattoo artist Kat Von D, hip hop artists Meek Mill and Wale, and many others are said to be launching Chirpify social commerce campaigns on both Intstagram and Twitter in the coming days.

Back in April, Chirpify raised $1.3 million in series A financing from Voyager Capital, angel investor Geoff Entress, BuddyTV CEO Andy Liu, former Facebook executive Rudy Gadre, HootSuite CEO Ryan Holmes, and TiE Oregon Angels.

With 40% of the world’s most popular brands now on Intagram, and considering how ideal Chirpify’s service is for mobile users (being that full transactions occur within one web page or app), the move to Instagram is a wise choice and a natural evolutionary step for the Portland, Oregon-based company. 

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Hisham Dahud is a Senior Analyst for Hypebot.com. Additionally, he is the head of Business Development for Fame House and an independent musician. Follow him on Twitter: @HishamDahud