Photo Credit: Instagram
Instagram expands NFT support in more than 100 countries with Flow blockchain support and integration with Coinbase and Dapper.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company is expanding its NFT support on Instagram internationally — including integration for Coinbase and Dapper blockchain wallets –following its initial test launch in May. More than 100 countries worldwide will be able to share their NFTs on Instagram, a feature that was previously only available to select creators in the US.
With NFT functionality, Instagram users can connect to a digital wallet and share NFTs while automatically tagging both a creator and collector. Once a digital collectible is shared, it will have a shimmering effect and can display public information such as a description. NFTs can be shared in a user’s Instagram Feed, in messages, or Stories.
Instagram supports third-party digital wallets, including Coinbase, Dapper, MetaMask, Rainbow, and Trust Wallet, while supporting Ethereum, Polygon, and Flow blockchains. No fees will be associated with posting or sharing digital collectibles on Instagram.
“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,” Instagram says in their blog post about the expansion.
Meta says today’s expansion reflects the company’s work to expand access to Web3 technology through NFTs while supporting creators who want to monetize their work and build community with their fans. Meta is also planning to work on “augmented reality” 3D NFTs. They’ve also been testing NFT functionality with select creators on Facebook, similarly to their early NFT tests on Instagram in May.
“We understand that blockchain technology and NFTs raise important questions on sustainability,” Zuckerberg said when the company launched its NFTs tests earlier this year. “Meta will help reduce the emissions impact that might be associated with the display of digital collectibles on Instagram by purchasing renewable energy.”
Instagram did not specify which countries are included in its expansion but said the functionality would be available in 100 countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas.