Facebook users now send about 45 million birthday wishes — every single day. Facebook is embracing the birthday numbers with two new updates announced today, August 16. The Facebook birthday tools now include a way for users to choose a non-profit to receive donations on their birthday, along with a new video option for getting creative with those happy birthday posts.
The first feature expands on Facebook’s ability to donate to a cause without leaving the platform. Now, about two weeks before their birthday, users will receive a notification that allows them to select a non-profit to support. If a non-profit is selected, friends will receive a notification with the option to donate to the birthday campaign.
Facebook says the birthday campaigns allow users to support one of the 750,000 non-profit organizations on
For the well-wishers, a video option is breaking up the long list of happy birthday wall posts. With the new feature, Facebook automatically creates a happy birthday video using a photo. The idea isn’t unlike the videos
Facebook says the feature is designed to make birthdays on
“Birthdays have always been a part of Facebook, and we hope to continue providing you with a variety of experiences that make celebrating on the platform fun and meaningful for you and your friends,” the company said in a blog post.
The update isn’t the first time Facebook has launched a new birthday-focused feature. Last year, the platform started giving users the option to record a 15-second happy birthday greeting. The option is included with text and photo options and pops up on a user’s wall on their birthday.