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GENERAL FAQS
What is IndieGoGo?
IndieGoGo is a collaborative way to fund ideas and fuel innovation. Learn more About Us and How It Works.
Who can use IndieGoGo?
Anyone can use IndieGoGo. If you're a filmmaker, musician, writer, game or application developer, inventor, researcher, professional fundraiser or even start-up trying to get a project or product off the ground, finished, marketed or even distributed, you can use IndieGoGo to raise money from your fans and customers.
If you're someone who's eager to influence what films, music, stories, games, applications, inventions, research efforts, causes or companies make it in this world, use IndieGoGo to find the projects of tomorrow and vote with your dollar.
My project is not based in the U.S. Can I still use IndieGoGo to crowdfund?
Yes! IndieGoGo is in over 90 countries and counting. As long as your project has a bank account somewhere in the world, you can use IndieGoGo.
I am not based in the U.S. Can I still contribute to projects on IndieGoGo?
For sure! All you need is a working Visa or MasterCard.
My project has already been completed. How do I use IndieGoGo now?
You can raise money to cover distribution, marketing or other expenses needed to continue fueling your project. Or if you want to build demand for your project's output (like DVDs, books, merchandise, games or other items) you can use IndieGoGo to pre-sell those items too.
Lucky me, I've got enough funding. How can IndieGoGo help me now?
At its core, IndieGoGo is a resource for you to connect with, build and engage your project's fans. Even if you're done fundraising, continue updating them until you deliver your perks to keep them excited about your project. Then you can parlay your fans into your next project. As a creative entrepreneur, think of yourself as a brand. Over time, you want your fans and customers to want your stuff, not just stuff that happens to be created by you.
Also, we recently introduced a new tool to allow your fans to request that your project visit their town. See the CONNECT box on your project page. If you want to organize a tour of some kind to bring your project to different places (e.g. screenings, book signings, talks, demos, etc) let your fans know they can "Bring it to their town."
What actions can I take on IndieGoGo?
Projects can pitch, share, post updates, raise money, and build demand (see above). Fans can contribute, spread the word, comment, and get VIP perks.
Is signing-up free?
Yes.
How do I verify my IndieGoGo account?
After signing-up, you will receive a confirmation email. Click on the link in the email to verify your account.
I never received a confirmation email after I signed up. What do I do?
Sometimes our emails go to SPAM folders. Add noreply@indiegogo.com to your address book to prevent this. If that doesn't work, please email us at support@indiegogo.com.
I forgot my password. What do I do?
No problem. Go to the Forgot Password page and we'll email you a temporary password. If that doesn't work, you can always email us at support@indiegogo.com.
Can I change my username?
Of course! Just go to Settings. Note that username changes are limited to once every 6 months so choose wisely!
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PROJECT FAQS
What is a project profile?
A project profile is free real estate on the web to showcase and pitch a project. The profile includes a primary pitch video or image and information about the project, its goals and team. Projects can also update their fans with announcements and media through their profile. The profile integrates a project's twitter feed as well as all its DIWO (Do-It-With-Others!) activity (i.e. contributions, shares, comments, etc). The project profile is also where fans fund, comment, share and interact directly with the project.
How do I post a project profile?
Go to the Home Page and click on "Post a Project" in the upper right. Complete the INFO & TEAM sections. If fundraising, complete the FUNDING section. If you have extra media or events to share, complete the GALLERY and EVENTS sections too.
How do I get back to my project profile after surfing around IndieGoGo or logging out?
Login and go to your individual profile by clicking on your username (next to "Logout"). All the projects you've created, are a part of or funded will be listed there. Your individual profile is your home base on IndieGoGo.
How do I edit my project profile?
Go to your project profile and click on "Edit This Project" in the upper right corner. Click on the respective section you'd like to change, and update accordingly.
What's the difference between my project's Thumbnail Image and my Primary Image or Video?
You project's thumbnail image is the square image that shows up when your project is displayed on the Home Page or Projects Page. Make it striking and captivating so browsers notice your project, and click on it to learn more. The primary image or video is the first thing people will see when they go to your project profile. It's prominently displayed below your project's title.
Which is better: a Primary Video or a Primary Image?
Video, for sure! Projects with a video raise on average 122% more than projects without a video. We recommend placing a pitch clip here. You want to "show." Don't tell.
I don't have a Primary Video, what should I do?
Use a Primary Image as a placeholder, but then go out and make a pitch clip as soon as you can. Research shows that people support people they know. Let your fans get to know you and why you're so passionate about bringing your project to life. The pitch clip doesn't have to be long and complicated. In fact, pitch clips are better when they're short and simple. For inspiration and ideas on how to make a pitch clip, check out four creative approaches we shared in our November 2009 Newsletter. The most important thing to remember with a pitch clip is to be you!
Who can post project profiles?
Any individual, group, organization or company can post a project. Each project has one adminstrator (the person who creates the project's profile). The administrator can add as many team members as they like. The administrator can grant editor access to other team members as well.
How do I add team members to my project?
Go to your project profile and click on "Edit This Project" in the upper right corner. Click on the TEAM section. Then fill in the fields as appropriate. When you click SUBMIT, each team member will receive an invite to join your project's team.
How do I make a team member an editor?
Go to your project profile and click on "Edit This Project" in the upper right corner. Click on the TEAM section. Then click on the "Make An Editor" button next to the team member's name.
I've posted a Project Profile. What now?
You're now ready to DIWO (Do-It-With-Others)! Start building your fans and engaging your potential customers. Your profile is equipped with share tools, so start using them. Here are some Tips to get you started. Check out IndieGoGo 101 and Audience-Building 101 too. Add your project's custom IndieGoGo url to your emails, and your GoGoWidget to your website. (More on GoGoWidgets below.)
How do I update my fans and funders?
Make an announcement or share a new video, image or document directly from your UPDATES tab. All updates will automatically be sent to your funders at the end of the day in an email. All videos, images and documents posted will also be archived in your GALLERY automatically.
How do I change my project's custom IndieGoGo URL?
Go to your project profile and click on "Edit This Project" in the upper right corner. Scroll down to the bottom of your INFO tab and update your custom IndieGoGo url accordingly. It will be http://www.indiegogo.com/[fill in the blank]
How do I customize my Twitter feed?
Go to your project profile and click on "Edit This Project" in the upper right corner. Scroll to the bottom of your INFO tab and update your Twitter term (e.g. @twitterhandle #projecttitle) in the Twitter Activity section.
What are GoGoWidgets?
A GoGoWidget is a tool to attract new fans to your project. Specifically, GoGoWidgets are project-specific pieces of html code that look like little clickable bumper stickers when embedded in emails, websites and blogs. These bumper stickers include the project's basic information and real-time funding status. It also links directly to the project's IndieGoGo profile. (Learn more HERE)
How do I use the GoGoWidget?
You and your fans can place your project's GoGoWidget on blogs, websites, and emails. To get your project's GoGoWidget, click on the "Grab a Widget" icon in the Share With Your Friends section of your project profile. Follow the directions on how to use the widget and start attracting new fans!
How do I add an event?
Go to your project's EVENTS tab and click "Add An Event."
Who can view project profiles?
Anyone can view project profiles, and everyone who's registered with IndieGoGo can comment or share a project. If not already a member, fans are automatically registered when they make a contribution.
How do I remove a project profile?
If you would like to remove a project, please email support@indiegogo.com from the email address registered on IndieGoGo. Please type "Remove Project" in the subject line. We will send you an confirmation email when it has been removed.
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FUNDRAISING FAQS
How do I start fundraising?
Go to your project profile and click on "Edit This Project" in the upper right corner. Click on the FUNDING tab. Select your payment options and fill in your funding details. Projects with a U.S. bank account are eligible to enable the Amazon Payments option. As a project administrator, you will be redirected to Amazon Payments to setup your project's Merchant account. Make sure to check for an email from Amazon to complete the setup. (Learn more HERE) All projects are also eligible for the direct credit/debit card payments option on the Contribute page. (Learn more HERE)
Upon payments setup and the completion of your funding details, your project will be Open for Funding. You can then start promoting your project and receiving contributions. Contributions made through Amazon Payments will be deposited directly into your project's Amazon Merchant account. Other contributions will be sent via bank account or international wire transfer. We will notify you to add your project's bank account information and disbursement preferences once your project receives its first contribution. Funds will be disbursed the Friday immediately following the point your disbursement preference criteria are met. If you need your funds before reaching your base disbursement level, you can request an early disbursement by emailing support@indiegogo.com.
For additional fundraising and promotional tactic guidance, check out our DIWO Tips and dial-in to DIWO Live! to ask questions and get real-time advice from IndieGoGo's founders.
Why do I need an IndieGoGo Merchant account with Amazon?
For projects with a U.S. bank account, this allows contributions to be deposited directly into your project's Merchant account. (Learn more HERE)
Is there a time limit for funding?
No. A funding period ends once the project has reached its funding goal. IndieGoGo recommends projects break down their project's total funding goal into mini-goals and raise money in rounds to show progress to fans and build credibility through a track record of successful fundraising and execution.
What happens when a project reaches its funding goal?
IndieGoGo disburses the project's remaining funds to the project. Projects put the funds to use as outlined on their profile, continue to keep their fans updated with announcements, videos and pictures, and deliver on their VIP perks. Projects can also open a new funding round if needed.
What happens if a project does not reach its funding goal?
The funding period remains open and project administrators continue to receive contributions until they notify IndieGoGo that they would like to stop receiving contributions for their project. To stop contributions, please email support@indiegogo.com.
What are VIP Perks?
VIP Perks are a project's way to engage their fans, build trust and provide an opportunity for fans to join the fun. They're a great way for projects to offer one-of-a-kind experiences, make special acknowledgements or pre-sell copies of the project's end product or results. For example, do you want to write book? Well pre-sell copies of the book as a way to fund its creation. Another way to use VIP perks is to monetize in-kind donations or sponsorships that you can't use. For example, a camera company wants to sponsor your film by giving you equipment, but you've already got your equipment. Kindly accept the equipment and sell it as a VIP perk!
Offer VIP perks at different contribution levels and let your fans pick the one that works for them. Don't leave money on the table by only offering a few perk levels. If someone absolutely loves your project, let them buy a $1,000 VIP perk. If someone else loves you too, but only has a few bucks to spend, give them a VIP perk option they can afford as well. On IndieGoGo the smallest contribution has been $1 and the largest has been $5,000.
How do fans contribute?
Fans contribute to projects securely using their credit/debit card. If the project is setup for Amazon Payments, contributions are eligible to go immediately to the project. Otherwise, contributions are disbursed to the project administrator based on the project's disbursement preferences.
Can fans contribute anonymously?
Yes. Fans can choose to make their identity or amount of contribution anonymous on IndieGoGo. Only the project administrator will know the identity or amount of an anonymous contribution.
Are contributions tax-deductible?
If the project has 501c-3 non-profit status or has fiscal sponsorship, the contribution can be tax-deductible. Supporters should contact the non-profit or fiscal sponsorship organization directly for instructions on getting a receipt for tax purposes, and consult their tax advisors about deductibility.
With IndieGoGo's partnership with the San Francisco Film Society, all contributions to projects that are fiscally-sponsored by the San Francisco Film Society are tax-deductible. (See these projects HERE)
What is fiscal sponsorship?
Many funding sources - including foundation, government, corporate and private donors - will give only to nonprofit organizations with IRS tax-exempt status. Since acquiring this status is a lengthy, involved and costly process, filmmakers often enter into a fiscal sponsorship contract with a nonprofit to receive tax-exempt status for a specific project or event.
How do I apply for fiscal sponsorship?
Please see the Fiscal Sponsorship Resource
Are contributions refundable?
No, refunds are not possible as the contributions are disbursed immediately to the project as the funds are raised.
Can projects use IndieGoGo for equity investments?
At this time, we are not offering equity investments.
Can the VIP Perks change during the funding period?
Yes. Projects can change the VIP Perks during fundraising. However if a VIP Perk is removed or adjusted during fundraising, the project is still responsible for delivering the VIP Perk in its original form to contributors who selected it before it was removed or adjusted.
How do I know who contributed so I can deliver my VIP Perks?
Project administrators and editors can view a list of their contributors and their respective contribution amounts and selected VIP Perks in the FUNDING tab of their project profile. Project administrators will also receive a confirmation email for each contribution which includes this information.
How much does fundraising cost?
IndieGoGo is free to signup and a majority of the core actions are free to use (i.e. post, contribute, share, discover, tag and comment). IndieGoGo charges a 9% marketplace fee on funds raised. Projects are also responsible for 3rd-party payment processing and disbursement fees.
Does IndieGoGo ever own the copyright of any projects on the site?
No. IndieGoGo does not take any ownership in the projects the platform services. IndieGoGo only requires that project administrators acknowledge IndieGoGo by including IndieGoGo's logo in their project's credits/acknowledgements.
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RESOURCE FAQS
What is a resource?
A resource is a useful tool, site content or application that helps projects and fans get projects get made. If you have a suggestion for a cool new resource, please let us know.
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SETTINGS FAQS
What is Settings?
Go to Settings to change your login or password.
Who sees Settings?
Only you will be able to view your Settings section.
How do I cancel my registration?
If you would like to cancel your registration and remove your individual and project profiles, please email support@indiegogo.com from the email address registered on IndieGoGo. Please type "Cancel Registration" in the subject line. We will send you a cancellation notice to confirm.
Does IndieGoGo share my personal information?
No. See our Privacy Policy here.
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