Instagram recently
announced that it will be rolling out a new feature for personal fundraisers that is currently being tested. The
feature will help users to link directly to a fundraiser from their profile
page.
Instagram is
running a test for this new option on Android initially, in the U.S., U.K., and
Ireland and will test it for iOS shortly after.
Fundraisers will
be required to meet the existing guidelines and rules before they start a new cause
or support an already existing one. The rules include a set of categories of
supported fundraising and explain the criteria for the approval of fundraisers.
The list of rules is the same as for fundraisers on Facebook.
To use the new fundraising
feature, users will find the “add fundraiser” option when they tap “edit
profile”. They will then tap “raise money” where they will be required to
choose a photo, select the relevant fundraiser category, and add further
details regarding the background story of their fundraising and encourage
donations. Once approved, the fundraising will continue for 30 days. Fundraisers
will also be given the option to extend the duration of their fundraising if
they wish to.
Moreover, the donations made will be powered by Facebook Pay. Facebook Pay powers Instagram’s new shopping-related features as well.
Instagram also
aims to expand this new feature in the near future to enable users to share their
fundraiser in their feed and stories.
Earlier also, Instagram
had promoted charities and donations by introducing Donation Stickers for IG
Stories and a feature for Live Donation for live streams.
While the fees for
nonprofits is covered by Instagram itself, it will, however, charge fees for
personal fundraisers based on the country where the fundraiser’s creator is
located.
The activity of
fundraising has become quite popular on social media platforms such as Facebook.
Recently, more than $100 million have been raised for COVID-related causes and
other initiatives since the beginning of this year. With this new fundraiser
feature of Instagram, fundraisers are likely to find it more convenient to
raise donations online.
