Instagram influencer shares QR code seeking donation to buy the new iPhone 17 Pro Max; video goes viral

influencer

An Instagram influencer from Uttar Pradesh has sparked debate online after uploading a video requesting her followers to contribute small donations for purchasing the new Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. The influencer, identified as Mahi Singh, went viral when she shared her appeal, along with a QR code, asking for contributions as low as Re 1 or Rs 2 to fund the phone, which costs around Rs 1.49 lakh in India.

The influencer’s appeal

Calling herself a “Beauty Queen” from Lakhimpur, Singh explained that her father recently bought her the iPhone 16, but she wanted to upgrade to the newly launched iPhone 17 Pro Max as a birthday gift. She said her request was declined at home, prompting her to turn to her social media community.

In her video, Singh stated that the new colour of the iPhone 17 Pro Max caught her attention and she wished to own it by October 21, her birthday. She assured her followers that even the smallest contribution would help her achieve her goal.

Public reactions

The unusual campaign quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with mixed responses from users. While some criticized Singh for what they described as an entitled request, others pointed out that asking for donations online had become a growing trend in the influencer economy.

One user commented that people willingly spend on super chats for content creators, so Singh’s request was not very different. Others, however, mocked the idea, saying it could lead to a culture of influencers crowdfunding for luxury items such as cars or even luxury homes.

The episode has once again highlighted the role of crowdfunding in the digital space, where influencers use their reach to fund personal and professional goals. Whether Singh will succeed in buying the iPhone 17 Pro Max with her QR code appeal remains uncertain, but the video has ensured that her campaign has already achieved viral attention.