Instagram Tries Fundraising Feature Via DM And Hashtags

Instagram will begin testing features that make it easier for users to raise funds. (photo: doc. Instagram)

JAKARTA - Instagram will start testing features that make it easier for users to do fundraising and other social activities directly on the app.

"Today, we're starting to test a new feature that helps people discover and support social movements on Instagram. People often come to Instagram to make their voices heard, raise goals, and unite communities," Instagram said on its official blog.

"They're passionate about supporting the causes they hear about on Instagram and always looking for new ways to take action, this update will make it easier to do so."

Users will see the option to spread the word via direct message (DM) or start a fundraiser to provide material assistance via hashtags.

The test focused on a handful of hashtags related to well-known social causes, including #BlackLivesMatter, #climatecrisis and #womensrights.

Instagram said it consulted with a group of relevant organizations, such as the GLAAD and the NAACP, before establishing this first list.

Meta's social media giant will also collaborate with others to expand the reach of eligible topics.

"We will continue to work with organizations and experts focused on different movements and campaigns as well, to bring this experience to more topics on Instagram," Instagram said.

Citing Engadget, Tuesday, March 29, this experiment is not surprising. Such a feature could encourage more people to use the hashtags and DMs feature in a different way.

In turn, this can keep users on Instagram and prevent them from going to TikTok. Because the Chinese-owned social media also has a Donation Sticker which has long been the choice for content creators to garner support.