A strong catalog setup begins with one thing: high-quality, up-to-date product data. The way this data is transferred from your systems to Insider One depends on the catalog integration method you choose.
Insider One offers four powerful integration methods for bringing your catalog to life:
Catalog API
Shopify
XML
Clickstream
Web Clickstream
App Clickstream
Each serves a different level of technical capability and business need, ranging from quick no-code onboarding to fully automated real-time synchronization.
In this guide, you will learn what catalog integration methods are, how they work, when and why to use each, and how they can complement one another.
Catalog API
For teams that require precision, flexibility, and speed, the Catalog API provides a fully backend-driven method for managing product data. It allows you to create, update, or partially modify your Product Catalog through secure REST API calls.
This approach enables real-time synchronization of stock levels, prices, and product attributes. Because updates are automated and event-driven, the Catalog API is well suited for large or frequently changing catalogs where data accuracy is critical. Developers can trigger catalog updates based on events such as sales, campaigns, or regional changes.
The primary requirement for this integration method is backend development to implement and authenticate API requests.
Example:
An electronics retailer, Techie, uses the Catalog API to manage thousands of SKUs across multiple regions. When new products are launched or flash sales begin, backend triggers immediately send updates to Insider. Price and stock changes are reflected across all Insider campaigns within seconds.
When to use the Catalog API for Product Catalog integration:
You need frequent or real-time data synchronization.
Your catalog is large and changes often.
You require full control over data flow and updates.
Shopify
The Shopify integration provides a direct and automated way to sync your Shopify product catalog with Insider One. Once enabled, Insider retrieves all existing product data and keeps it continuously updated through a secure server-to-server connection.
When you activate “Sync Shopify Product Catalog to Insider One via Shopify API”, Insider One automatically collects product details from your Shopify store and reflects any changes in near real time.
Example:
GlowGoods, a beauty retailer using Shopify, enables the integration. All products, images, and prices sync automatically with Insider. When they update product tags, such as Trending, or add materials using metafields, Insider immediately reflects these changes in campaigns.
When to use Shopify for Product Catalog integration:
Your ecommerce store is built on Shopify.
You want automatic catalog synchronization.
You manage all product data directly within Shopify.
XML
XML integration is best suited for stable, structured catalogs managed through systems such as ERP or PIM platforms. Instead of real-time updates, this method relies on scheduled uploads, hourly, daily, or weekly, where each XML file contains the complete product catalog for a specific locale or store.
This approach works well when your catalog does not change frequently or when you prefer predictable update intervals. Each locale or store can accept only one XML feed at a time.
Example:
UrbanHome, a home décor retailer, manages inventory through an ERP system. Every night, the ERP exports a fresh XML file for each warehouse. These files are mapped to Smart Recommender by locale, ensuring customers see accurate and region-specific product recommendations.
When to use XML for Product Catalog integration:
Your catalog is already available as an XML feed.
Real-time updates are not required.
You prefer scheduled and predictable updates.
Web Clickstream
Web Clickstream is the fastest way to start building a Product Catalog with minimal development effort. It works by capturing product data directly from your website as users interact with products. When a visitor views or clicks an item, Insider One extracts attributes, such as product name, price, URL, and image, from the product detail page.
The Web Clickstream method requires no backend integration, as long as product information is clearly rendered in the page’s HTML. It is helpful for quick onboarding or early-stage setups.
However, since Web Clickstream depends on user behavior, products that are never viewed or clicked will not be captured.
Example:
A boutique clothing brand, DailyStyle, uses Web Clickstream only. As visitors browse products, Insider automatically collects product information. Over time, the catalog grows organically without manual uploads or API integration.
When to use Web Clickstream for Product Catalog integration:
You want to onboard quickly with minimal development work.
Product information is clearly rendered in HTML.
Your catalog changes infrequently or is discovered through browsing.
Web Clickstream Limitations
Products not viewed or clicked will not be captured.
Incomplete product coverage without an additional catalog integration method.
App Clickstream
App Clickstream is the mobile equivalent of Web Clickstream, designed for iOS and Android applications. It collects product data through InApp events sent via the Insider SDK. When users browse or interact with products, attributes such as product name and price are transmitted to Insider in real time.
This method is suitable for mobile-only businesses without a backend feed or XML integration. It requires proper SDK installation and configuration. Similar to Web Clickstream, only products that users interact with are captured.
For App Clickstream, the url and image_url product attributes are not required.
Example:
MealMate, a mobile-only grocery delivery app, uses App Clickstream to send product data. As users browse categories such as Snacks or Fruits, the SDK automatically captures product details for each item they view.
When to use App Clickstream for Product Catalog integration:
Your business operates exclusively through a mobile app.
You cannot provide an XML feed or Catalog API integration.
App Clickstream Limitations
Requires correct SDK implementation.
Does not capture inactive or non-browsed products.
Important Note on Clickstream Methods
Clickstream-based integrations (both Web and App) are not recommended as a long-term standalone solution. For scalable and reliable catalog management, Clickstream methods should be complemented with Catalog API, Shopify, or XML integrations.
When and why to use each integration method
Each Product Catalog integration method offers a different balance between ease of setup, level of control, and data freshness. Selecting the right method depends on your catalog size, update frequency, and technical capabilities.
Catalog API provides full control and real-time synchronization. It is best suited for large or frequently changing catalogs and advanced automation scenarios.
Shopify integration is the most convenient option for Shopify-based stores. It is ideal for businesses seeking a seamless, code-free setup with continuous updates through Shopify’s native data flow.
XML integration works best when catalog stability and structure are priorities. It is suitable for brands that already manage product data through scheduled ERP or PIM exports.
Web Clickstream is the simplest option and starts collecting data as soon as users browse your site. It is well-suited for quick onboarding, early testing, or low-effort setups.
App Clickstream is designed for mobile-first businesses that lack backend integration options but still require real-time recommendations based on in-app browsing behavior.
How integration methods complement each other
In some cases, integration methods can complement one another to improve coverage and flexibility. For example, Web Clickstream can be used alongside XML or Catalog API to help fill in missing product data or accelerate initial catalog creation.
However, not all methods are compatible. Catalog API and XML cannot be used together for the same locale or store, as both directly manage catalog data. App Clickstream operates independently and does not integrate with other catalog methods.
Compatible Combinations
Web Clickstream + XML
Web Clickstream + Catalog API
Incompatible Combinations
XML + Catalog API (for the same locale or store)
App Clickstream + any other integration method
Using multiple integration methods simultaneously is not recommended. Maintaining alignment between attribute values across multiple integrations requires constant validation and is highly prone to human error. This can lead to inconsistent product data and unexpected recommendation behavior. For a stable and predictable setup, select one primary catalog integration method per locale or store.
Limitations and operational rules
The following rules apply to Product Catalog integrations:
Each store or locale can have only one XML feed.
Each store or locale can have only one Catalog API integration.
XML and Catalog API cannot be used together for the same store or locale.
All integration methods must match the locale returned by the getLocale system rule.
Shopify integration supports up to 100 categories per product; any additional categories are cropped during synchronization.
Adhering to these rules ensures consistent catalog behavior, reliable recommendations, and predictable campaign outcomes across all channels.