Twitter tests ‘buy’ button in the USA

Twitter has introduced a ‘buy’ button to a limited number of users on its US service. A number of people on iOS and Android will start to see tweets which include an option to buy products directly from their timeline – shifting the social media platform into the e-commerce arena.

“We are beginning to test a new way for your to discover and buy products on Twitter,” says Tarun Jain, Group Project Manager, Twitter. “For a small percentage of US users (that will grow over time), some Tweets from our test partners will feature a ‘buy’ button, letting you buy directly from the tweet.”

According to Tarun in his blog announcement, an entire purchase can be completed with only a few clicks. Tapping the ‘buy’ button will lead to additional product information and you will be prompted to enter your shipping and payment details – which will be encrypted and stored after your first transaction. With that complete, the order will then be sent out for delivery.

To launch the new commerce system, Twitter has partnered with a small group of brands which includes shopping platform Fancy, click payments provider Stripe, e-commerce brand Gumroad and merchandise and ticketing company Musictoday.

Twitter is also starting the test with a group of artists, brands and nonprofit organisations, including Burberry, Eminem, (RED), Pharell and Panic! At The Disco.