Weekly Highlights: Facebook's response to COVID-19

Highlights include charitable initiatives undertaken by Facebook, new features launched in response to COVID-19.

The summary includes the Facebook family of apps’ response to COVID-19 and the relief efforts across platforms.

'Helping India be safe and informed in the time of Coronavirus'

A new blog post by Ajit Mohan, Vice President, and Managing Director, Facebook India, highlights the efforts from the company in India, to provide information, reduce misinformation and support communities. Read more here.

Launch of Facebook Fundraisers in India, to support COVID-19 relief efforts

To support India in its efforts to financially assist those impacted by the disruption caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus, Facebook announced the launch of ‘Facebook Fundraisers’, a platform that will allow people to start a fundraiser on Facebook for a cause and charity that matters most to them.

Also Read: All you need to know about Facebook investments in India

As people, charities and businesses look to express solidarity and care through financial contributions, they will have an option to donate to 70+ charities on Facebook, such as Goonj, The Akshayapatra Foundation, and Helpage India. The platform claims, 100% of what is raised in donations through Facebook will go to charities.

'Social for Good' Live-a-thon initiative with 150+ creators, celebrities and publishers

Working with India's celebrities, creators, and public figures, Facebook is organizing a ‘Social for Good’ Live-a-thon to encourage people to contribute to causes they care about. Designed as a week-long charitable giving initiative, from April 24th to May 1st, the Live-a-thon will feature over 150 partners from across the country.

These partners will entertain and engage their communities on Facebook Live and activate fundraisers. Artists will go Live from their individual Facebook accounts and promote their fundraisers using the in-video ‘donate’ action.

Instagram - IG Live on Desktop + Save Live to IGTV

Instagram is rolling out the ability for people to view Live content from Instagram on the desktop. In addition, the platform is testing a way for people to save their Live videos to IGTV so they stick around longer than the 24-hour limit in Stories and are easier for people to find.