You can now add a donations button to Instagram Live posts. The addition marks another way social media platforms are adapting to encourage philanthropy in the COVID-19 era. Find out more about the ‘Fundraiser’ option here.
As COVID-19 continues to impact the economy, businesses and the lives of everyday people, Instagram is continuing to explore way to help those effected.
One such way the social media platform is evolving to adapt to the current climate is by adding a donations button to its Instagram Live feature. The addition allows users to raise funds during an Instagram live, similar to a donations phone line or telethon, via the app.
An Instagram spokesperson said of the launch, “Many people are facing challenges at this time, and we want to do our part to support nonprofits and communities who need it the most.”They continued, “Now, you can easily create a fundraiser on Live with 100% of the money raised going directly to the nonprofit of your choice.”
Instagram users will now see a ‘Fundraiser’ option onscreen when broadcasting on Instagram Live. Once the Fundraiser option is selected, users can select a nonprofit to support.
Instagram Live streamers can already see how many people are viewing and interacting with their stream, but the Fundraiser tool also shows how much each user has donated and allows you to send a ‘Wave’ in response. Those who donated to your cause can let their followers know by adding a ‘I Donated’ sticker to their own story.
The move comes after Instagram also unveiled other tools to help businesses hit by coronavirus, including gift card and food order tools to Stories. The platform has also made it easier for users to find out about nonprofits by adding cause-based stickers to Stories.
Facebook has also been working to help COVID-19 affected businesses. New tools added to the platform include a fundraiser option, which allows businesses hard hit by the crisis to ask customers for financial support.
While the intended purpose of the tools is currently to drive fundraising for nonprofit organisations, they could expand to include financial help for others hit by coronavirus lockdown – artists, musicians and performers, for example. The addition of fundraising options on social media mark more positive moves made by the platforms. These could provide a lifeline for those hard hit by the virus and help cushion the huge blow dealt by lockdown and social distancing rules.
