Instagram Shopping is a powerful tool that lets brands showcase and sell products directly on their profiles. Unfortunately, Instagram Shopping isn’t officially available in India due to regional restrictions. However, there is a proven workaround: purchase or arrange a fully preconfigured Facebook Business Manager account that comes complete with a connected Pixel, Commerce Manager, Facebook Page, and Instagram account. With this setup, you simply update the usernames and upload your product feed to your Commerce Manager. While Instagram product tagging may remain unavailable without a VPN or travel to a supported country, Facebook product tagging will work seamlessly.
For more details on Instagram’s Commerce Policy, visit Instagram’s Commerce Policy.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Workaround
Step 1: Purchase or Arrange a Preconfigured Facebook Business Manager Account
- What You Need:
Acquire a fully set-up Facebook Business Manager account that already has:- A connected Facebook Page
- An Instagram account linked to the Facebook Page
- A properly configured Commerce Manager with an active product catalog
- A Facebook Pixel installed on your website for tracking
- Why It Works:
This complete setup acts as your foundation, enabling you to bypass local restrictions by using an account that’s been configured in a region where Instagram Shopping is available.
Learn more about setting up a Facebook Business Manager account at the Facebook Business Help Center.
Step 2: Update Your Facebook and Instagram Usernames
- Customize Your Account:
Once you have your preconfigured account, update the Facebook and Instagram usernames to reflect your brand identity. This is crucial for maintaining consistency and ensuring that your followers can easily recognize your brand. - How to Update:
- Log in to your Facebook Business Manager and navigate to your Facebook Page settings to change your username.
- Open your Instagram app, go to your profile, and edit your profile details to update your username.
- Tip:
Consistent branding across platforms is key for recognition and trust.
Step 3: Upload Your Product Feed to Your Commerce Manager
- Product Feed Integration:
The next step is to connect your product catalog with your Commerce Manager. Upload your product feed so that your items are listed and ready for shopping features. - How to Upload:
- Access your Commerce Manager dashboard.
- Follow the prompts to upload or update your product feed (via CSV or through an integration with platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce).
- Why It’s Important:
A well-managed product feed ensures that all your products are accurately represented and ready for promotion across Facebook and Instagram.
For detailed instructions on managing your product feed, check out Facebook’s Commerce Manager Help.
Workaround for Instagram Product Tagging
- The Drawback:
While this workaround enables a complete e-commerce setup, Instagram product tagging will remain unavailable for Indian accounts by default. - The Solution:
- VPN Access: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to simulate access from a supported country, which can temporarily restore Instagram product tagging.
- Travel: Alternatively, access your Instagram account from a region where Instagram Shopping is available.
- Facebook Advantage:
Regardless of Instagram limitations, Facebook product tagging works flawlessly, ensuring you can still promote and sell your products effectively.
For guidance on choosing a reliable VPN, see TechRadar’s Best VPNs Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Due to regional policy restrictions, Instagram Shopping isn’t officially supported in India. This workaround uses a preconfigured Facebook Business Manager account from a supported region.
A: You need an account that already has a connected Facebook Page, Instagram account, Commerce Manager with a product catalog, and an installed Facebook Pixel.
A: Yes, once you have the preconfigured account, you can update the Facebook and Instagram usernames to match your brand.
A: Log in to your Commerce Manager, follow the prompts to upload your product feed (using CSV or a platform integration), and ensure all product details are accurate.
A: Instagram product tagging may remain blocked by default for Indian accounts. However, you can use a VPN or access the account from a supported region to restore this feature temporarily. Facebook product tagging, on the other hand, works flawlessly regardless of your location.
Conclusion
Although Instagram Shopping isn’t officially available in India, you can still set up a complete e-commerce solution by purchasing or arranging a preconfigured Facebook Business Manager account. By updating your Facebook and Instagram usernames and uploading your product feed to Commerce Manager, you’ll be able to tap into the benefits of online shopping—while leveraging Facebook product tagging to drive sales. With a VPN or access from a supported region, you can also restore Instagram product tagging as needed.
