Instagram announced today that it is rolling out a feature on its platform where users can raise funds for personal causes.
The Facebook company said it will begin with a small test to create a Personal Fundraiser in the US, UK and Ireland on Android, followed by iOS.
Instagram said it has seen an increase in the need for fundraising since the COVID-19 pandemic and the large wave of digital activism responding to the global conversation around racial justice.
Accordingly, it says that since January, people have raised more than $US 100 million for COVID-19 fundraisers globally across Instagram and Facebook and in the last 30 days, donations on Instagram have doubled in the US.
Hence Instagram says it is making it easier to create fundraisers directly on Instagram that benefit such personal causes.
To create a Personal Fundraiser, tap “Edit Profile,” “Add Fundraiser” and then “Raise Money.” Choose a photo, select a fundraiser category and add details to help tell your story and encourage others to donate. You will need to enter your information for Stripe, the payment processor for donations. Tap “Send” for review. All fundraisers go through a review process to make sure they are for eligible causes. Once approved, you’re ready to start raising money. Each fundraiser lasts 30 days and can be extended more than once for 30 more days. You must be at least 18 years old to create a fundraiser.
Instagram expects to expand Personal Fundraisers within the US, UK and Ireland in the coming months and make it easier to share your fundraiser in Feed and Stories.
No mention was made as the availability of this feature in Africa.
