Meta Shops Update

From June 5, 2023, in the US, all new shops using Commerce Manager and Shopify must enable Checkout on Facebook or Instagram. By August 10, this requirement extends to other partners and globally by April 24, 2024, with exceptions in 21 international markets like Australia, Brazil, and major European and Asian countries. These select markets will undergo a shopping experience shift by summer 2023, focusing more on product discovery. Facebook Pages will also receive an automatic update by June 5, 2023, introducing an improved layout but discontinuing certain older features. Across platforms, Meta recommends leveraging a mix of both free and paid tools, including personalized ads, Reels, and direct messaging.

The specific details:

US Changes:

• Starting June 5, 2023: Only new shops onboarded through Commerce Manager and Shopify will have Checkout on Facebook and Instagram.

• By August 10, 2023: This extends to new shops via other eligible partners.

• From April 24, 2024: Shops without Checkout with Facebook or Instagram will not be accessible. This impacts shops directing to external eCommerce sites or using Checkout with messaging.

• Affected features: Product tagging in posts and deriving new custom/lookalike audiences from shop visitors.

• Exceptions: Omnichannel and subscription businesses.

1. 21 International Markets (including Australia, Brazil, Canada, major European and Asian countries):

   • Can use Shops without Checkout with Facebook or Instagram until further notice.

   • From summer 2023: Shift in shopping experience for EEA, UK, and Switzerland users; focusing on product discovery and website conversion. Features like storefront, wishlist, and collections will be phased out.

2. Global Changes:

   • By August 10, 2023: Shops without Facebook/Instagram Checkout will not be supported outside the mentioned 21 international markets.

   • Affected features: Product tagging and deriving new custom/lookalike audiences from shop visitors.

   • Instagram continues supporting ads with product tags for product discovery.

3. Shop Location Determination:

   • Determined by commerce account's location. Criteria change based on account creation date (before or after April 1, 2023).

   • US-based checkout-enabled shops can continue operations regardless of account location.

4. Facebook Page Updates:

   • By June 5, 2023: Un-updated Facebook Pages will automatically transition to the new Pages experience.

   • Features: Enhanced Page layout and new tools. Some older features, like posting a catalog, won't be supported.

5. General Recommendations by Meta:

   • Use a mix of free and paid tools: Personalized ads (Advantage+ shopping campaigns), Reels (fastest-growing format), and messaging across platforms for direct customer engagement.

Note: Businesses should review their current strategies and adapt accordingly to these changes for optimum results.

Reference link: https://www.facebook.com/business/help/623552069600842