Social media shopping is booming, especially among younger generations who live and breathe Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
According to Australia Post’s 2025 eCommerce Report, 74% of Gen Zs and Millennials shop and browse products through social media, particularly on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Nearly half of gen y and z do this every week, while a huge 80% of the demographic browsing at least once a month, with fashion being the most popular category.
How social media shopping works
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook now offer built-in shop features, allowing businesses to upload product catalogs, tag items in posts, and link directly to their store. This creates a seamless journey for shoppers, and increases your brand’s exposure not only through exposure, but also through direct sales via social media platforms.
Social media shopping also happens more casually, like when someone sees a product in a post, story or reel and asks “Where did you get that?” – turning everyday conversations and content into shopping opportunities.
When you click on a product from an Instagram post, you are taken to Shop. If you decide to purchase an item, you will be taken directly to the online shop's checkout on their website.
Why social media shopping is growing
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Convenience and speed: Simply click on something you like, view it in Instagram Shop and then be taken directly to the store’s website for a convenient checkout. For busy young shoppers, that streamlined process is a game changer.
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Influence and discovery: Gen Zs and Millennials love recommendations from influencers, friends and creators. Shopping on social media feels more authentic because it’s tied to communities and personalities they already trust.
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Personalisation: Algorithms curate content so that the right products show up for the right people. This means social media shopping feels like browsing a store designed just for you.
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Entertainment meets commerce: Whether it’s a viral TikTok trend, an Instagram Reel, a Facebook story or Instagram Shop, social media shopping blurs the line between entertainment and eCommerce, making buying part of the fun.
How to sell via social media if you have a Little Big Shop
You don’t need a huge budget or a global brand name to tap into social media shopping. If you’re running your store with Little Big Shop, you can manually add your products to Instagram or Facebook.
Once your products are uploaded, you’ll be able to tag them directly in your posts, stories or reels. This means that when someone spots something they love while scrolling, they can tap on the product tag and be taken straight to your Little Big Shop store to complete their purchase.
Social media shopping allows your customers to discover products and make purchases. By connecting your Little Big Shop store to platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can put your products directly in front of the people who are most likely to buy. With the convenience of product tags and seamless checkout, selling on social media can help you grow your sales, reach new audiences, and make shopping with your brand easier than ever.
