Bringing Digital Collectibles to More People

August 4, 2022

Earlier this year, we began testing digital collectibles on Instagram and starting today, we will expand the ability for people, creators, businesses and collectors to share digital collectibles they created or own. Additionally, we now support wallet connections with the Coinbase Wallet and Dapper, as well as the ability to post digital collectibles minted on the Flow blockchain. We’ve been so inspired by the creators who have shared their digital collectibles. Natalie Amrossi (@misshattan), an aerial and street photographer, used the feature to drive awareness of some of her work and in return, has seen an increase in sales. We have also seen people share and display NFT artwork they have collected to support their fellow creators.

“NFTs have opened the doors to new opportunities for me and other artists around the world. This new technology provides us with another outlet to make a living and to connect with our fans and collectors. Instagram has helped build careers for so many creatives, including myself, and now our communities can support us further by sharing our work on the platform.”

digital collectible from a creator @misshattan

Expanding access to more people

Today we’re starting international expansion to 100 countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas. In order to post a digital collectible, all you need to do is connect your digital wallet to Instagram. As of today, we support connections with third-party wallets including Rainbow, MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet and Dapper Wallet. Supported blockchains at this time include Ethereum, Polygon and Flow. There are no fees associated with posting or sharing a digital collectible on Instagram.

Our continued commitment to equity, safety and sustainability

It’s critical that we continue to build in this space responsibly by reducing barriers to entry, making sure that this technology is safe and approachable for people, and reducing the environmental impact of our product. Here’s what we’re doing to achieve this:

  • We focus on empowering diverse voices. Through this expansion, we aim to improve accessibility and help make the NFT space more inclusive. NFTs have made it possible for more diverse artists to gain exposure and monetize their work outside of traditional channels. By enabling more people around the world to share their digital collectibles on Instagram, we’re able to open new pathways for artistic connection and monetization.
  • We want Instagram to be a safe and enjoyable place for everyone. Therefore, people can use our tools to keep their accounts secure and report digital collectibles which go against our community guidelines.
  • We are committed to building in this space with sustainability in mind. Meta will help reduce the emissions impact that might be associated with the display of digital collectibles on Instagram by purchasing renewable energy. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability here.

What’s next?

As access to digital collectibles expands, we aim to educate broad audiences on the space, including through our @creators’ ‘NFTeach Me’ series.

Across Meta, we’re exploring a wide range of web3 technologies because we believe they will expand access, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation, empowering people and creators around the world. We are excited to continue listening to feedback from creators and collectors as we continue to build in this space.