Instagram plans major overhaul with upcoming appointments feature

Instagram is preparing to launch a new feature enabling users to make bookings through the app, according to a new report.

The Facebook-owned photo-sharing site will soon provide a way for users to book appointments with businesses, transforming it into a marketplace in the mould of Yelp and OpenTable.

People will be able to book a haircut by visiting a barber’s Instagram page and tapping a button to schedule it, reports Bloomberg.

It’s considering adding further options too, such as reviews.

“When someone books an appointment, that's not a 'like' or a 'follow,' that's actual action,” said Instagram's head of business, James Quarles.

The feature will enable Instagram to generate more revenue, and Mr Quarles added that it will also give advertisers a better insight into how effective their accounts are.

According to Mr Quarles, around 8 million businesses have Instagram profiles, and 80% of users follow a company.

The new feature is expected to launch in “the next couple of months”.