In 2020, Instagram launched a new feature that would allow select users to start personal fundraisers on the platform. Since then, the company has added a few more minor features. Here's everything you need to know about it.

What are Instagram fundraisers?

Facebook-owned Instagram said it would roll out a new way to raise money on Instagram for "a personal cause, like yourself, your small business, a friend, or a cause that’s important to you". Keep in mind Facebook already offers a similar ability to raise money for personal causes on Facebook.

Now, following in the footsteps of the company launching a personal fundraising feature, Instagram announced in June of 2021 that the app will now support a group fundraising feature, meaning users can add friends and family members to pool funds raised for a shared cause. 

How to start a personal fundraiser on Instagram

You must use the latest version of Instagram and be at least 18 years old to create a personal or shared fundraiser on Instagram.

Add fundraiser

To create a personal fundraiser on Instagram, edit your profile, then tap “add fundraiser,” and select “raise money'. You’ll need to categorise the fundraiser, add other information and a photo, and provide payment details through Stripe. When you’re finished, tap Send to submit your fundraiser for review.

Wait for review

All fundraisers will be submitted to Instagram to review before going live. For more information about the rules of personal fundraising, go here.

Start raising money

Once approved, you can start raising money. Each fundraiser lasts 30 days but can be extended as many times as you want.

When people donate to your fundraiser, they can keep their information hidden, though you will see their username, name, and donation. After the fundraiser ends, the funds go to your pre-designated bank account. To learn more about receiving payments from a personal fundraiser, go here.

What are the eligible causes to start a fundraiser?

You can learn more about available fundraiser categories here. There's also a list of eligible causes here.

Where are Instagram fundraisers available?

Initially, Instagram only allowed people in the US, UK, and Ireland to raise money for their own personal causes. It all started with a small test in those countries. However, eventually the feature saw a broader release. Initially, Instagram said that if you lived in a country where you could donate to a fundraiser through the Instagram mobile app, then you'd also be eligible to donate to a personal fundraiser. As of August 2021, the countries Instagram fundraisers are supported in are listed below: 

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Want to know more?

Check out Instagram's announcement blog post.