The first social gifting platform that will allow influencers to receive gifts from fans directly, without sharing private information, is powered by RealGifts, the same tech behind the gifting widget on the notable dating/hookup platform, Seeking Arrangement.
Despite the controversy, Seeking Arrangement has a set up that works, ‘sugar babies’ can connect with wealthy people who want to offer financial support and/or material gifts. This established set up has now been redeveloped to target a different market – influencers.
As of late, both Twitter and Snapchat have launched new offerings that enable users to tip their favorite internet stars, and many influencers are jumping on the OnlyFans and Patreon bandwagons to earn extra income. Gift.me, which comes from the team behind real gifts in Facebook’s Gift Shop, is another alternative rewarding system that focuses primarily on material goods.
Wishlist’s allow for conscious gifting
The new platform, which launches today, will allow influencers and creators to build a ‘wishlist’ from a catalogue of more than 10,000 best-selling and luxury products, including selections from top brands such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, Fendi, YSL, Chanel, Tom Ford, Ferragamo and Burberry, as well as Godiva chocolates, Nike sneakers, Michael Kors watches, and even more designer names.
Fans of the influencers that sign up will be able to explore wishlists and gift their favourite creators with the treats they have specifically noted that they would like to receive, a more conscious format than mass gifting creators who may or may not want to receive the item. Gift.Me is also planning on adding cryptocurrency as a payment option in the coming months.
The receiving of gifts in the influencer industry still presents some controversy, especially as many influencers are in a position that enables them to provide such luxuries for themselves. It cannot be denied however that many followers of influencers feel as though they want to send gifts for a birthday, other special occasions, or just as a thank you. and platforms such as this
Ruben Buell, COO of Gift.Me said: “We set out to create a sleek and secure user experience that catered to the needs of the growing influencer market, and to empower their fans to reward them with gifts in appreciation of their content.”
We will continue to monitor and report on how models such as this enable influencer gifting to be more mindful and less wasteful, with a conscious focus.
