Instagram is running a new experiment to let people launch their personal fundraiser campaigns on the platform. This is in addition to its existing feature, announced last April, allowing users to raise funds for nonprofit organizations through live streams.
The latest capability introduces a way for users to "raise money for a personal cause, like yourself, your small business, a friend or a cause" that matters to them. It is available starting today in the U.S., UK, and Ireland on Android. In the future, the test will go live for iOS users.
Assuming you"re 18 years old or above, you can start a personal fundraiser by tapping on the "Edit Profile" button and selecting “Add Fundraiser". Then tap on the "Raise Money” option, after which you will need to categorize your fundraiser, add more details about your campaign, and enter your payment details through Stripe. After sending your fundraiser, Instagram will review it for eligibility before making an approval. Fundraisers expire after 30 days from when they started, although you can extend these "more than once for 30 more days."
While running a personal fundraiser is limited in availability for now, people living in countries where it"s possible to donate to a fundraiser through Instagram"s donation sticker can also donate to a personal fundraiser on Android. Donors can choose to hide their information from the public. However, fundraiser owners can see their usernames, names on their profiles, and amounts donated. Instagram is planning on an expansion for the test over the coming months.