How To Start A Music Blog On Blogger Blogspot Blog (MP3) 2023

Many music bloggers complain of not having places to upload or host their audio files because of the limited nature of the Blogspot platform.

Top music bloggers use WordPress but not all new bloggers can afford the hosting, yet they need to deliver the music to their audience. We have earlier discussed on why every blogger must have a custom domain, but hosting is not compulsory because Google has paid the price for Blogspot users.

How To Upload Files For Download In Blogger

There are so many ways to upload files such as pdf, mp3, videos, apk, and word documents to Blogger for direct downloads. However, not all are free and some you'll have to pay for life to have your files hosted on the platforms.

- Visit http://sites.google.com and sign-in using your gmail account.

- Click on 'Create'

A drop down menu with two options will pop-out, click on 'in Classic sites'

- 

Select 'Blank Document', name your site, solve recaptcha and Click on 'Create Site'

- You'll be redirected to something like this

Congrats, we have successfully passed the first stage, I hope it was easy? I experienced issues opening the page with my Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers, however, my Opera Mini browser worked perfectly. I only needed to clear my cookies but I don't like that, so I had to switch browsers.
The next step is to create a music folder

How To Create A Music FolderThis is the most important part of the tutorial and it's very easy. You'll learn how to create a folder that can host your files like pdfs, music audios (mp3), videos, apks and more.

- Click on 'Create Page'. It is at the top right corner of the page, you can check the photo below.

- 

Just choose a name and leave all other things with the default options.

Hurray, we have graduated into another stage and it's also very important. It's now time to upload the files.

How To Upload Music Files To Blogspot Free- Click on 'Add File'

- 

Select a file and upload, it'll bring out something like the screenshot below

- We are almost done, look at the red circle that I drew on the photo below

- You'll see a download symbol on the left, right click it with your mouse to copy the link. That's the download link to your file.

You can share it directly or put it in your blog posts.

You can click on this link to download my sample song.

Was't it easier than you thought? I'm certain it was. The next step is not compulsory but you can use it if you want to add a download button to your blog post.

How To Create A Music Download Button On BloggerThe button will look something like this

To add it to your website, copy this code.

 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.infoguideafrica.com/"><img alt="Download button from know.com.ng" border="0" data-original-height="48" data-original-width="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhjnavhhqVc/W2JOUmpeDEI/AAAAAAAAJus/WAGyMXhTuj4wqB9qBns9TXfBSeCL_Q7gQCLcBGAs/s1600/Download%2BButton%2BInfoGuideAfrica.com.jpg" title="Download button from know.com.ng" /></a></div>

To customize it, replace the highlighted http://www.infoguideafrica.com with the download link to your own file.

Don't touch other parts of the code or you might ruin them.

That's all, thanks for reading along and we hope it was helpful.

How to Transfer Money from Varo to Cash App Easy Way

Varo Bank is a banking institution created to fill the gap in online banking and has over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs. It is common to wonder how to transfer money from Varo to Cash App, especially since many people use both services simultaneously.

This way, you can make a money transfer simply and without inconvenience. In addition, Varo allows us to link a Cash App account to transfer funds directly.

How to link Cash App to Varo

There are several ways to link Cash App to Varo. They are very easy to set up because Varo will use Plaid to connect to Cash App. This way, bank accounts can be verified with just a few clicks.

Plaid is a service that enables payment integration and allows you to connect bank accounts to various payment applications. In this way, information is verified and transferred securely between financial institutions.

Steps to link Cash App to Varo. To link the two platforms, we will have to follow these steps:

• We start the Varo app on our Android or iOS device.
• We tap on create an external account in the Varo app panel.
• Choose Cash App in the search.

We will be asked to verify our Cash App identity by entering our login credentials.
Cash App users can link the account to Varo without a debit card. For this, our bank account information and routing number must be entered to make direct deposits from Cash App using ACH. But, these transfers can take up to 5 days to reach our account. 

As for linking without a debit card. If we want to link Cash App to Varo without a card, we will have to follow these steps:

• We start Cash App from our mobile device.
• Select the “Bank” icon on the home screen.
• Look for the linked bank option by scrolling down.
• Next, we enter the Varo bank account with the routing number to make ACH transfers.

Varo Money Transfers to Cash AppOnce we link the Cash App and Varo accounts, you can quickly transfer money between the two accounts. To make the money transfer from Varo to Cash App, we will have to follow these steps:

• We start Cash App on our mobile device.
• Select the “Add Cash” option.
• Enter the amount of money to be transferred.
• Select our linked Varo account.

Confirm the transfer, and the money will be transferred within a few days. We can also do the procedure in reverse so that we can send money from Cash App to Varo. We can select the bank from the app and withdraw the money, which will allow the money to be transferred.

What is the transfer limit from Varo to Cash App?

The transfer limit between Varo and Cash App is a maximum of 35 instant debit transfers per month, which resets every 30 days. We will also have a spending limit of $2,500 per day in Cash App.

We will also be able to view the Varo account statements by visiting the page, and there we will be able to download our account statements. There we will be able to specify the month or year of the statement we would like to see so that we can know all the transfers we have made. 

On the other hand, if we transfer money from Cash App to Varo, the limit will be up to $7,500 per week. This is if we have not verified our identity, since as soon as we have our identity verified, we will be able to receive an unlimited amount of funds.

Fees that apply for transfers between Cash App and Varo

Cash App will charge us a 1.5% transfer fee for immediate transfers to our linked Varo bank account. However, we will have the option to make a standard transfer free of charge, which can take up to three business days to process.

On the other hand, if we transfer money from Varo to Cash App, we will not have any instant transfers. It is also possible to use our Varo debit card in Cash App so that we can transfer money directly.

If we want to send money this way, we link our Varo debit card, and it will allow instant transfers between the two.

How long do transfers take?

The transfer time will vary depending on the transfer speed we select. If we link our Varo debit card, we can make instant transfers in as little as 30 minutes.

But, if we deposit via ACH it could take up to five business days as long as we have linked our bank account to Cash App. The advantage of these transfers is that we will not have to pay any fees.

We should consider that linking Varo without a debit card will take several days per money transfer. In addition, Cash App will allow us to add external bank accounts so that funds can be transferred directly.

This will allow us to make transactions quickly, and if we use both services, we can make all our transactions without any limits. But, for it to work, you must be sure to link both accounts.

How To Use WeChat for Business Complete Guide for Beginner

WeChat (Weixin in Chinese) is the largest social media app in China. Launched in 2011, it has already grown to over a billion monthly active users, dominating the social media and messaging space in China.

WeChat is now a go-to channel for merchants to promote their brand and sell their products in China. If you want to leverage WeChat to grow your business in China, here's your guide to getting started.

What is WeChat?

WeChat is a social media and messaging app that was developed in China. It is similar to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but it also has a lot of other features that make it unique.
Click here to start selling online now with Shopify

WeChat has a 1.24 billion user base and is the largest social media app in China. It is available in both Chinese and English, making it accessible to a global audience.

 
How WeChat works for businesses

WeChat for Business is a promotional tool that allows businesses to set up a presence on the WeChat platform. By setting up a WeChat store, businesses can sell their products directly to Chinese consumers.

WeChat for Business is a powerful way to reach Chinese consumers, as the app has over a billion monthly active users. In addition, WeChat users are highly engaged with the app, spending an average of two hours per day on it.

The app contains four main sections that are particularly important for business owners:

• WeChat chat interface. A chat interface similar to Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
• WeChat moments. Similar to the Facebook timeline, it is the place where users can post or access news from their friends

• WeChat wallet. This gives users access to payment services, money transfers, flight and movie tickets, and more.

WeChat Pay. This is the payment service that is built into the app. Users can link their bank account or credit card to the app and use it to make payments in-app or in-store.

By combining social media, chat, and payment features, WeChat has become a powerful promotional tool for ecommerce businesses social selling in China. Over 100 countries can now apply for an account with WeChat, even if they don’t have a Chinese business license.
Who owns WeChat?

WeChat is owned by the Chinese tech giant Tencent. Tencent is one of the largest tech companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $251 billion.

Tencent also owns: QQ, a social networking and instant messaging app with more than 552 million monthly active users

• Tencent Games, the largest gaming company in the world
• Tencent Music, the largest music streaming service in China

Tencent also has a minority stake in Snapchat, and it is an investor in several other tech companies, including Tesla, Lyft, and Reddit.
How to use WeChat for business

But how can you, as a brand, set up your own presence on WeChat? Here are the steps to follow, from setting up your WeChat account to marketing it to WeChat users.

1. Set up a brand page on WeChat

Unlike Facebook or Instagram, brand posts on WeChat do not appear on the main social timeline. Instead, they appear in WeChat’s chat interface.

A brand page on WeChat is called a WeChat Official Account.

There are three types of WeChat Official Accounts that can be used for marketing:WeChat service accounts. These accounts appear alongside “friends” for WeChat users. They are extremely visible but are limited to four push notifications per month. It offers customer service, ecommerce, CRM, and API integration features.

WeChat subscription accounts. These accounts can post articles daily (one push notification per day) but are less visible than service accounts in your news feeds. They appear in a “subscription” folder that users have to open in order to see the latest articles.

WeChat enterprise accounts. These accounts are for corporations like Slack or Facebook.

Both types of accounts let you send an unlimited number of messages to any user who messages the account directly.

These messages will be considered “customer service messages” and will therefore not be counted into the account quota. The customer service window lasts 48 hours from the moment the account receives the last message from that user.

Users can then open either a service account or their subscription account folder in order to access articles published by brands.

How to create a WeChat Official Account

You can start creating a WeChat Official Account by going to the WeChat Official Accounts page and completing the following steps:

Select your country.
Select your account type (in the case of an overseas account, Service Account will be your only option).
Submit the required materials from WeChat.
Confirm your phone number via SMS verification.
Pay the $99 USD verification fee to WeChat.
Receive a verification call from a WeChat representative who will review and verify your application.

2. Create a WeChat store

WeChat shops are ecommerce experiences embedded within WeChat. A brand can make its products available through WeChat by creating a WeChat store.

WeChat stores benefit from several unique features:WeChat stores show up in the WeChat search engine.

• Customers can use WeChat payments to check out.
• Customers can use WeChat’s one-click login to authenticate themselves.
• Your store can pre-fill the user’s shipping addresses stored within WeChat.
• A better integration with WeChat influencer campaigns.
• Influencers can create direct links for a WeChat article to a WeChat store.
• You can offer a native, in-app shopping experience for potential customers.

In particular, WeChat’s integration with influencer campaigns is one of the main advantages you get with a WeChat store compared to traditional websites.

Conversion rates are also much higher, as each step on the user path is optimized for WeChat.

This integration between social and ecommerce has been extremely successful in China. In 2018, influencer Becky Li sold 100 Mini Coopers within five minutes on WeChat!
How to create a WeChat shop

WeChat shops are not provided directly by WeChat. In that sense, they are completely different from Facebook shops or Google Listings. Instead, WeChat provides a toolkit (SDK and API) that enables merchants to create WeChat shops using a special programming language.

The language used to create the WeChat shop is a framework based on the ubiquitous JavaScript programming language.

As a merchant, you have two options in order to create a WeChat mini-program shop: 

Develop a shop in-house. In order to do so, you will need a dedicated, most likely Chinese-speaking, development team. This is the path chosen by very large brands or influencers who want to have complete control over their mini-program experience. Use a software-as-a-service WeChat shop provider. Many brands will choose a SaaS provider, which will enable them to launch a WeChat shop faster and at a lower cost.

 
WeChat shop SaaS providers

The market for WeChat shop providers is highly fragmented, with thousands of different players. But a few of them are worth a mention:Youzan. Likely the most famous WeChat store provider, this company operates thousands of stores in Mainland China, from small stores to large enterprises such as Dell. Their WeChat stores offer a wide variety of features, including gamification, group buying, and affiliate sales.

Weidian. A more affordable version of Youzan, Weidian stores don’t require a fee to get started (provided you keep the Weidian branding), and you will only have to pay in order to use some of the most advanced features. However, due to its lower price positioning, Weidian also has fewer features than Youzan.

WalktheChat. WalktheChat is focused on cross-border WeChat stores (merchants outside China promoting themselves in China). It supports cross-border payments, has an English-language back end and integrates with Shopify, enabling you to synchronize orders, products, and inventory. Disclaimer: The author of this article is affiliated with WalktheChat.

Once you set up your store, you will become visible within WeChat. However, launching a WeChat shop is just like launching a website: It won’t get you any sales unless you promote it. Let’s look at a few options to get customers to your WeChat shop.

3. Advertise your WeChat shop

• There are three main types of advertising on WeChat: 
• WeChat Moment ads, 
• WeChat Mini-program ads, and WeChat article ads.
• WeChat Moment ads

WeChat Moment ads appear on the main WeChat social timeline (WeChat Moments). They are very similar to Facebook mobile timeline ads.

These ads open a landing page that can then lead to either a website, a Mini-program, or a download page on App stores.

These ads are the most visible of WeChat ads. They are, however, also the most expensive, with a CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions) of around 65 renminbi ($9.10 USD).

WeChat Mini-program ads

WeChat also enables display advertising within WeChat Mini-programs.

In practice, these ads behave like advertising banners on newspapers: the developer of a Mini-program can define locations where they would accept ads to be displayed. WeChat then optimizes the type of ads in order to maximize user engagement, and the Mini-program developer receives a share of the ad revenue.

Mini-program ads can also be displayed as interstitial ads in WeChat games.

The links can take users to a website, another Mini-program, a WeChat Official Account, a WeChat coupon, or a game on the App Store.

WeChat Mini-program ads are much cheaper than WeChat Moment ads, with a CPM around 11 renminbi ($1.50 USD)

WeChat article ads

WeChat article ads are displayed at the bottom of an article from another WeChat Official Account.

As WeChat Mini-program ads, they behave like advertising banners on websites. Accounts can opt-in for these ads to be displayed and will then receive a share of revenue.

WeChat article ads can take users to websites, Mini-programs, WeChat Official Accounts, app stores or WeChat coupons.

WeChat article ads are among the cheapest with a CPM of about 6 renminbi (80¢ USD)
Comparison of different ads formats

Of these three advertising formats, which is the best for brands? Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:WeChat Moment ads stand out with an extremely high CPM. They are, however, a very powerful way to generate brand awareness. They are the right choice if you want to spread the word about your brand but are not focused on conversions.

WeChat Mini-program ads are located in visible locations of WeChat Mini-programs, which are seeing a continuous rise in engagement. They are affordable, and perfect for conversion to either WeChat followers or sales.

WeChat article ads are the cheapest of all WeChat ad formats, but also the ones with the lowest level of engagement. We recommend them mostly for follower growth campaigns or retargeting.
How to open your WeChat advertising account

In order to open your WeChat advertising account, log in to your WeChat Official Account and click on “Advertiser” in the “Promotion” tab of the left menu.

The next page will be displayed in Chinese. You can use Google Translate to translate it to English, and click on the “Advertiser” button.

On the next pages, simply review and accept the terms of use and select your company’s industry to complete the application.

Note that: Accounts in the real estate, supplements, and financial industries will systematically get rejected. Accounts in the fashion industry are the most likely to pass the verification. If you are unable to pass the verification on your own, you might need to reach out to one of WeChat’s partner digital marketing agencies in order to help you with the process.

4. Interact with WeChat users

Interacting with WeChat users is essential in China, where word-of-mouth is very powerful.

Three types of interaction should be part of your WeChat marketing strategy.
WeChat groups

Telegram, Facebook groups, and even WhatsApp groups are popular in the Western world. WeChat groups are the equivalent in China.

In China, nearly all major ecommerce platforms have WeChat groups for users to complain and ask for help. The users of the group also help each other out whenever possible.

WeChat groups also often exist for meetups and communities around an interest. WeChat groups are a great place to talk directly to your customers in real time and give them the best possible experience.
WeChat reviews

Everything is social in China. To buy a restaurant meal, a hotel room or a rental car, users can read reviews and ratings, comment on the business, and even rate the services the business provides, just like on TripAdvisor.

Unlike on TripAdvisor, however, users won’t just do one review or rating; they will consistently update it every time they use the same service.

For a business in China, customer testimonials on WeChat matter a lot. Make sure to constantly interact with users on your WeChat Moment and WeChat Official Account posts to turn them into your loyal customers.
QR codes

QR codes are a great way to give users a richer and more interactive brand experience. You can use a QR code to let people scan and access your WeChat Official Account, a Mini-program, a coupon, a product page on Taobao, your profile, or even a WeChat group. Users can also use a QR code to apply for a job, use a bank service, or even buy a ticket in a stadium.

5. Partner with KOLs

WeChat’s key opinion leaders (KOLs) are influencers typically selected by WeChat because they have high follower numbers and are highly engaged with their followers.

Due to the fact WeChat KOLs are selected by WeChat, they have a high level of trust among users. This co-marketing partnership is a great way to expand visibility on WeChat, generate word of mouth or even drive sales.

“If you’re a brand, you’ll pay a key opinion leader to write about your brand. These are influencers. It’ll be a much more organic, integrated experience, frankly,” said Yiren Lu, a writer who covers WeChat and Chinese technology, to ModernRetail.

“In general, a lot of these people are very good writers and they can give a much more authentic sense of your product and make their audience feel like, ‘I’m just a friend of yours, you happen to like my writing and my images, and I’m recommending this out of the goodness of my heart.’”

 
6. Stream live on WeChat

WeChat livestreaming is a great way to connect with your target audience. WeChat livestreaming allows users to share their live video stream directly to their followers on their WeChat Official Accounts.

Live streaming sessions are saved and can be reviewed so users who might have missed the live broadcast can still watch the recording. It’s a great way to directly promote products, build engagement, and inspire action.

Case study: Botkier New York sells designer bags to the Chinese market

WeChat shops can be powerful tools for new brands to launch in China. They enable a lean approach, at a much more affordable cost than launching on online marketplaces such as Tmall or via offline distributors.

Botkier New York is a contemporary accessories line launched in 2003, and a Shopify Plus merchant. Botkier wanted to enter the Chinese market in a lean way by starting with Chinese social media WeChat and Weibo, and eventually convert traffic into sales.

Botkier launched in China by setting up WeChat and Weibo accounts and a WeChat shop, along with sales-driven marketing campaigns on WeChat and Weibo.

Botkier’s store launched in late August and benefited greatly from its Singles’ Day promotion (Singles’ Day is the biggest shopping festival on the planet, organized by Alibaba on November 11 of each year).

The NYC brand saw tremendous results from its WeChat and Weibo investment:750,000 users reached during its Singles’ Days promotion
960% return on investment after three months of operation
600% growth of its WeChat followers during its Singles’ Day promotion

In order to generate growth, Botkier tapped into the organic interest in its products, and accelerated its momentum via influencer marketing. The combination of a Shopify-integrated WeChat shop, targeted gifting to relevant influencers, and high-ROI paid influencer campaigns was the key to Botkier’s success in China.

Sell your products in China through WeChat

WeChat is a powerful ecosystem through which to launch a brand in China.

By leveraging cross-border payments and influencers, companies can quickly grow their presence in the Chinese market, setting themselves up to expand further through a popular ecommerce market.

How To Get Money From Venmo Without Bank Account

If you're searching for a way to earn money via Venmo without having a bank account, be sure to read this article since we came across an option that could allow you to get cash from Venmo without having a bank.

A majority of people connect their bank accounts with their Venmo accounts to top up or withdraw the Venmo balance. This is because the majority of them aren't aware of how to withdraw money from Venmo without having a bank account, or simply because they have an account at a bank and prefer using the account.

Let's say there are reasons that are well-known to you and you don't have access to an account with a bank is this a sign that with no bank account that you cannot access funds through Venmo?

It is quite possible to earn money using Venmo without having a bank account. We will provide you with a step-by-step procedure to receive money through Venmo without a bank account.

While it takes extra effort and patience, in the end, it's worth it.

• How do I get cash from Venmo without a bank account
• Who Issues the Venmo Debit Card?
• How to get the Venmo Debit Card
• What is the cost to acquire and maintain the Venmo card?
• What is the time frame to get your Venmo Debit Card to reach you?
• Does Venmo Debit card expire?
• What do you do if you lose the Venmo Debit credit card?
• CONCLUSION

How To Get Money From Venmo Without Bank Account

The best way to withdraw money with Venmo without a bank account is via the Venmo debit card. Venmo debit cards perform the same functions as other debit cards that are issued by credit unions and banks.

While other debit cards allow online transfers, the Venmo Debit Card allows the same, so it is possible to withdraw money from Venmo without a bank account.

A Venmo debit card is linked with the Venmo account balance. Any figure or amount the balance is on your Venmo balance is exactly the same you have on you have on the Venmo debit card is carrying.

This means that if you are topped up by someone else with Venmo, this will reflect on your Venmo debit card. If you don't have the Venmo debit card, the method to access money through Venmo without having a bank account would not be feasible.

As a buyer or seller, it is important to have a bank account to make any transactions. Every person should open one and even students nowadays need one to buy their basic needs. But the process of opening one can be a little confusing, so people can resort to other options. One of them in fact is Venmo, a digital payment system easy to use.

You can download this app to your phone and have your account with money to start buying things. This is mostly aimed for students and families to interact easily with money. Things like buying clothes, food, going to the cinema, or even splitting a bill can be done within the app.

Even better, you can link a bank account into the Venmo system. That way, you can have another type of payment that can be done in seconds. In fact, if you transfer money that you receive to a bank account, then you could withdraw it from an ATM.

But without one, that is impossible unless you resort to another method. And we are going to tell you more about it as well as things you need to keep an eye out for.

Alternative To Obtaining Money From Venmo

College students need to have some way to make purchases, whether it is on the campus or in stores. Venmo has the advantage of making quick transactions through the app, but you need to ask first if the seller accepts this payment method. Even some online-selling websites have the option to pay from the app itself.

If you can link your account to a bank account, then you could benefit from it. You can transfer the money that you receive from friends and family from the app to the bank account.

But without one, what can you do? The answer lies in the app. You can apply for a Venmo Debit Card and do what you would normally do with a bank card. Basically, it is a Mastercard that can operate on the Mastercard Network. Meaning that wherever in the U.S that accepts Mastercard as a payment option, then you can use the money you receive from Venmo efficiently.

So this is where it gets interesting; if you possess this debit card, and have money in the account, then you could go to an ATM that accepts Mastercards and withdraw the cash. Of course, this only changes the idea of making online transactions, but it is a great alternative to get money from the app.

How To Apply for One

After you create your Venmo account, it is quite easy to apply for a debit card. Open the Cards Tab and you will look for Venmo Debit Card. Now, there are some qualifications that you need to have in order to apply for it:

• You need to be 18 years old or older
• Be a resident of the U.S (You cannot apply outside the country)
• Have a phone and a U.S number that can be used to receive verification codes

Once you confirm that you are eligible to obtain the debit card, you will also have to fulfill some requirements:

• Provide your personal information, this includes name, address, birth date, Social Security Number (SSN)
• Attach an Identification Document. This can be your driver’s license, U.S passport, DHS card, U.S. government-issued ID, or other documents.

It is important that you take clear images of these documents. If not, it could make the reviewing process slower or even denied in the worst scenario. Keep in mind that they could ask you for extra documents if needed. But if that is not the case, then you just have to wait until it arrives.

Usually, it only takes between 10 and 15 business days for the Venmo Debit Card to arrive. You will not be charged for getting the card or even for applying.

Fees Included With Withdrawals

On top of that, for any purchase that you make, you will not be charged any fees. That being said, withdrawing money from your debit card can bring some fees with it.

If you decide to withdraw money from an ATM that allows Mastercard, PULSE, or Cirrus, then you will be charged with a $2.5 fee. Additionally, there is an over-the-counter fee of $3 if you decide to withdraw at a bank or financial institution.

To avoid any of the fees mentioned, you could always withdraw money from a MoneyPass ATM. Even better, some point of sale devices function with cashback, meaning that you will get back a percentage for the purchase, but ask first your retailer if they have the latter.

There is also one more problem: you can only withdraw $400 from your Venmo balance. So, if you want to withdraw more than the maximum amount, then you will have to wait until 12:00 AM CST when the limit resets.

Expiration Date Of Venmo Cards

Since these are technically Mastercards, these work the same as normal debit cards, meaning that they expire. The cards only function until the last day of the expiration month.

Luckily, the app will notify you when it is about to expire so that you can request a new one. This notification will arrive within 60 days of the expiration date. At that moment, it is best that you renew it as soon as possible to avoid any future problems.

Select on the same section that you first applied for the debit card, or just tap the notification. Once done, it will arrive at you in the same time span as the first one (10 to 15 days).

After you receive the new card, it is important to activate it. If you do not do this after 90 days of arrival, then the renewed card will be shut down. Do not worry, it does not mean that you will not be able to use your account.

If you do successfully activate, then finally destroy the old card. Do not return through mail the old card.

Students Need The Support Of a Venmo Card

It is important to know that you can only have one debit card per account. The representative of the account cannot order two or more cards, only renew the original.

And even though you can get money through this option, we recommend that you still link a bank account. That way you can add more money to the Venmo balance. There are also direct and check deposits that you can receive from other parties that you can cash in.

Having this card will be beneficial to a lot of college students. Opening a bank account can be a complicated process, but with Venmo, you will not have those problems.

List of iPhones and Android Phones that Can Not Use WhatsApp from May 31

Many smartphones will lose their ability to use the popular cross-platform messaging application known as Whatsapp after December 31, 2022.

In a message to its billions of users WhatsApp said in just a few days, the app will end support for 49 different smartphone models.

• Users of specific versions of iPhones and Andriod have been warned that WhatsApp will not be supported on their phones
• New information stated that the premium messaging platform would cease operating on many phones
• Those who own the listed will need to upgrade or get a new phone before May 31, 2023.

Meta confirmed that as of May 31, 2023, the app will stop working on several phones that do not meet the compatibility requirements, as they are somewhat discontinued models.

It noted that the new updates affect both iPhone models and Andriod phones across different makers.

WhatsApp also noted that some smartphone users may need to update to the latest operating system to keep using the app.

WhatsApp also recommended that Apple’s iOS 9 and above, and Android v4.3 and above, to continue to receive support.

On its FAQ page, WhatsApp said:

“Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.

“To choose what to stop supporting, every year we, like other technology companies, look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest number of people still using them. These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.”

WhatsApp identifies each year which devices and software are the most out of date, and those with the fewest users are the ones that are no longer supported. It is also possible that these devices do not have the latest security updates or the functionality required to run WhatsApp.

WhatsApp will stop working in more than 20 andriod and iPhones Photo credit: @whatsapp Source: UGC

"In order to keep up with the latest technological advances, we regularly stop supporting outdated operating systems to dedicate our resources to supporting the latest ones," so "we will update this page regularly to ensure that the latest operating systems we support are listed here," warns WhatsApp.

Mobile phones that will be without WhatsApp by May 31Samsung Galaxy Core

• Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite
• Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
• Samsung Galaxy S3 mini
• Samsung Galaxy Trend II
• Samsung Galaxy X cover 2.
• LG Optimus L3 II Dual
• LG Optimus L5 II
• LG Optimus F5
• LG Optimus L3 II
• LG Optimus L7II
• LG Optimus L5 Dual
• LG Optimus L7 Dual
• LG Optimus F3
• LG Optimus F3Q
• LG Optimus L2 II
• LG Optimus L4 II
• LG Optimus F6
• LG Enact
• LG Lucid 2
• LG Optimus F7
• Huawei Ascend Mate
• Huawei Ascend G740
• Huawei Ascend D2
• Sony Xperia M
• Lenovo A820
• ZTE V956 - UMI X2
• ZTE Grand S Flex
• ZTE Grand Memo
• Faea F1THL W8
• Wiko Cink Five
• Winko Darknight
• Archos 53 Platinum
• iPhone 6S
• iPhone SE
• iPhone 6S Plus

If your phones or tablets is listed above and you cannot use WhatsApp as of May 31, you can try update your WhatsApp and if that is not working you might consider buying a new phone or tablet. 

WhatsApp Will Now Let You Edit Sent Messages 15 Minutes After Hitting Send

WhatsApp has added another handy feature update, with users now able to edit sent messages in the app for a period after hitting ‘Send’. 

The WhatsApp roll out is a long-requested new feature: message editing following the recent update on chat lock Feature, which allows Users to hide messages .

As you can see in this example, you’ll now be able to update any sent message, within 15 minutes of submitting it, which will help to address small errors within your DMs.

The Meta-owned messaging platform on Tuesday said users will now be able to edit messages – as long as it’s within 15 minutes after sending. Adjusted messages will be shown in the chat with an “edited” label, without showing edit history.

“From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats,” WhatsApp said in a statement.

The new WhatsApp feature follows a similar move by Apple’s iMessage last fall to let users edit messages up to five times within 15 minutes after sending. It appears WhatsApp’s edit feature will allow only one revision, according to a video the company posted to Twitter.

WhatsApp users can access the edit feature by long-pressing on a message. Editing has begun to roll out globally and will be available to the platform’s more than 2 billion users in the coming weeks, the company said. PAY ATTENTION: Remove These 10 Apps That Drain Your Android Phone Battery

WhatsApp has in recent years rolled out a number of privacy and commerce features for users and businesses operating on the app, as it seeks to boost usage and compete with rivals like Signal. In August, WhatsApp introduced the ability for users to check their messages without other people knowing they’re online.

WhatsApp’s new editing update is being rolled out to users globally from today, and will be available to everyone ‘in the coming weeks’.

How to Send Money Directly from PayPal into EcoCash USD Wallet

EcoCash is a Zimbabwe’s largest mobile phone-based money transfer, financing and microfinancing service, the latest announcement came from their spokesperson revealing that PayPal holder can now send money directly into an EcoCash account, Pindula News reveal.

PayPal Inc is an American multinational financial technology company operating an online payments system that serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods such as checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

It has been impossible in the past for people based in Zimbabwe to receive money via PayPal

EcoCash has announced that it has partnered with PayPal for users in Zimbabwe to receive international remittances through its existing partnership with global cross-border remittance giant Thunes.

“Leveraging our Hub partnership with Thunes, we are excited to add Xoom, a PayPal money transfer service, to our growing number of remittance partners to Zimbabwe,” .

EcoCash spokesperson

The name Thunes is one we have heard before from EcoCash’s sister company Steward Bank, which late last year announced that it had added it to its network of remittance partners. If that arrangement has bled into this one is something we cannot be sure of, but one can wonder.

At any rate, this means any Zimbabweans in the diaspora with a PayPal account will now be able to send funds directly to the EcoCash USD wallet.

“Anyone with a PayPal account can now simply logon to the Pay Pal Xoom service, using their PayPal credentials, and be able to instantly send money to their family or friends on EcoCash USD wallet from wherever they are around the world,”

EcoCash Spokesperson

For those in the diaspora, Xoom charges US$9.99 for transactions up to US$599 and US$12.99 for transactions above that if it’s for cash pick up. There is also a mobile money fee, which on the Xoom fee calculator, stays at US$5.99 even up to US$1,000.

To receive PayPal transfers directly into an EcoCash USD wallet

To start sending money from PayPal to EcoCash, you need to create a PayPal account if you do not have an existed one already and select mobile pick up when sending funds so that the funds are credited into the recipient’s FCA wallet. The recipient is able to cash out USD at Econet Shops.

This is a big deal because of the limitations which come with a PayPal account. There are restrictions for many people in Zimbabwe because of the country’s sanctioned status.

For most, a debit card connected to PayPal can only pay out but cannot receive through the same platform.

WhatsApp Unveils New Chat Lock Feature, Allows Users Hide Messages

With so much personal information being shared on WhatsApp, it’s important to keep your chats secure. Over time, people have resorted to using third-party apps and the archive option to hide private WhatsApp chats. While the former can be stressful, the latter also allows anyone who has access to your WhatsApp to easily get into your archives and open up your closet. However, with the latest Whatsapp updates, there’s now a chat lock feature that allows you to hide secret conversations and secure them with a password.

However, with the latest Whatsapp updates, there’s now a chat lock feature that allows you to hide secret conversations and secure them with a password.

With this new feature, locked chats will be completely private, not even popping up in your notifications tab. Here are the steps to activate the locked chats feature on your WhatsApp:

Authentication can be done using password or biometric security, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition.

WhatsApp enhances chat lock features. Photo credit: @whatsapp Source: Facebook

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, made the announcement in a Facebook post, emphasising that the locked chats in WhatsApp enhance users' privacy.

WhatsApp's private features

WhatsApp has a history of prioritising security and privacy, with features such as end-to-end encryption, encrypted chat backup, disappearing messages, screenshot blocking, and control over the visibility of the last seen status.

WhatsApp's new Chat Lock feature represents another step in the company's ongoing efforts to provide users with robust privacy and security controls, allowing individuals to protect their most sensitive conversations from prying eyes.

How to enable WhatsApp Chat Lock feature

• To enable the Chat Lock feature, users must download or update WhatsApp to the latest version on Android and iOS devices.

• Once updated, they can go to the specific chat they wish to lock, click on the profile picture, and find the new "chat lock" option below the disappearing message menu.

• Enabling the chat lock requires authentication using the phone's password or biometrics.

• Users can swipe down on the WhatsApp home page to access locked chats and conveniently view all the closed conversations.

There are several reasons why you may want to hide your WhatsApp chats. Firstly, you may have personal or sensitive information that you want to keep private from others who may have access to your phone. 

Secondly, you may want to keep your conversations with certain individuals confidential. Lastly, hiding your chats can also prevent unnecessary interruptions and distractions from notifications, allowing you to focus on your work or personal time without any interruptions. Regardless, as you can see, the new WhatsApp chat lock is a simple and effective way to keep your personal information secure. 

By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that only you have access to your private chats on WhatsApp regardless of who handles your phone.

How to Withdraw Money from PayPal in Zimbabwe

PayPal launched in Zimbabwe in 2014, but users were only allowed to send funds or make payments. All that’s changed now and Zimbabwe citizens can both send and receive funds via PayPal.

Source – techzim.co.zw

PayPal is a way to pay and get paid online. The service allows anyone to pay in any way they prefer, including through credit cards, bank accounts, PayPal Smart Connect or account balances, without sharing financial information.

PayPal allows one to send money to Zimbabwe and you can pick up at ZB Bank and Terra Payment Services locations. Transfer money directly to Econet mobile wallets.

To create a verified PayPal account, you will need a prepaid card or Debit Card, which you will use to verify your PayPal account. A verified PayPal account is an account that has at least 1 prepaid card or debit card or bank account connected to it and with a card linked to your PayPal account your PayPal account will appear credible to your customers and clients.

It’s important that you link a card to your PayPal account if you intend to use your PayPal account for online payments immediately after creating it.

PayPal enables digital and mobile payments on behalf of consumers and merchants worldwide. With PayPal, the applicant can:

• Send / receive payments on e-commerce stores such as Amazon, eBay, Alibaba etc
• Buy or sell goods and services
• Transfer money from one PayPal account to another
• Transfer money from bank to PayPal account and vice-versa
• Exchange cash with someone
• Make or receive donations
• Send money to his/her friends, family and relatives

Required Information to create a verified PayPal include but not limited to:

• Full name of the applicant
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Sex, Age and marital status of applicant
• Nationality
• Email address
• Postal address
• Mobile phone number
• Business name (in case of business account)
• Credit /Debit Card details (Number / Expiry date)
• Passport / Identity card Number

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

• e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

Steps to open a verified PayPal account in Zimbabwe:

You will have to first visit Zimbabwe’s PayPal website page to make the application. The PayPal account can be accessed through the link here Open PayPal Account Link.

Upon entering the Zimbabwe’s PayPal homepage, click on the “Sign Up” Option to register for an account on the PayPal platform. This will direct the applicant to the next page where they can start their registration process.

On the next page choose between the provided account options. You can choose from 

• Personal Account (for personal accounts)
• Business Account (for business accounts)

Upon choosing the type of account the applicant intends to open, the applicants have to enter their mobile number for confirmation.

Upon entering the phone number, the applicant will receive an automated text (code) to confirm the validity phone number. 

Enter the code onto the text box and click on the “Next” button to proceed with the application. 

On the next page enter the required information for registration click on the “Register” button.

This will cause a confirmation email address to be sent to the applicants email address.

The applicant should log into their email address and confirm their registration by clicking on the “Complete Registration” button, in the email which has been sent.

This will direct you back to the Zimbabwe’s PayPal website page.

The applicant should then update their profile details by adding and verifying their identification details, uploading their photograph and Changing/Setting their password.

• Please provide required information. 

A list of the required information is mentioned in the “Required Information” section of this page.

Confirm that all the information you have given is correct and click on the “Submit Application” button.

This will cause a confirmation email address to be sent to the applicants email address.

The applicant should confirm the email by logging into their email address and add their Credit/Debit card information to their PayPal account (if available) and click on the “Submit” button to complete the application.

The PayPal officials then will check the application’s authenticity. If the authorities are satisfied with the application, a notification email confirming the opening of the account will be sent to the applicant.

This process usually takes a period of one week and no fee is charged for the application. The applicant can now log into their PayPal account and use it to make or receive payments.

Other Required Documents includes but not limited to:

• Identification card
• Passport / driver license (optional)
• Passport photo (optional)
• Proof of physical address (e.g water/ electricity bill)

How to withdraw your  PayPal balance using myRunner

myRunner. What is it?

When they started off, myRunner was an online bus booking company that allowed you to also track your bus and rate the bus service making it easier to know the quality and reliability of 3rd party buses before using them. In 2018 they were nominated for the Southern Africa startup awards amongst 2 other startups.

From there they diversified into remittances allowing sending of goods and money to and from South Africa. The service was further expanded to Zambia and now has grown to have a presence in 50 countries. And they did not stop there. They also introduced PayPal deposits and withdrawals earlier this year and the process is really simple.

Their services are WhatsApp based. No app or functional website really. So you reach out to them via their WhatsApp number and you make your request of how much you intend on depositing or withdrawing. In my case, it was a withdrawal.

A PayPal link was sent to me via WhatsApp with an accompanying message to visit any of their physical outlets. The closest one to me at that point was their 5th street branch opposite Roadport in Harare. Their agent requested the amount (US$30) and my ID as well as a US$5 service charge for the withdrawal. So in total, it cost me US$5 to withdraw US$30.

Once payment is made, you send them a screenshot of the proof of payment and as soon as the payment reflects on their end they proceed to hand you the cash. All in all the entire process took around 5 minutes.

Charges

myRunner has a minimum fee of US$5 if the transaction is less than US$50 and 5-10% of the transaction value for amounts greater than US$50. However, it is only this straightforward if your PayPal account is a customer account and not a merchant and also if it is a US dollar account.

For accounts that use other currencies, there may be some currency conversion charges on top of the standard transaction fees driving the cost of the transaction up. These are charges within PayPal and not myRunner. PayPal will notify you if the account you are sending money to is using a different currency to your account. It will even show you how much they will receive after factoring in all the charges and you can take a look at those charges by clicking here. If you want to try out their service you can reach out to them on WhatsApp by clicking here and for those in Harare here.

How to Withdraw Money from PayPal in South Africa

PayPal is one of the leading payments solutions worldwide, trusted by millions of people across the globe. Wondering how to use PayPal in South Africa? Or how does PayPal work in South Africa? In this article, we’ll see how to create a PayPal account and use it to receive payments online in South Africa.

You can withdraw your PayPal funds to any South African banking account. This includes Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABSA, and all other South African banks. The withdrawal process only requires that you link your South African bank account to PayPal. To withdraw money from your PayPal account:

Click Transfer Money below your PayPal balance.

Follow the instructions.

To withdraw money on the app:

Tap your PayPal balance.
Tap Transfer Money.
Follow the instructions.

Automatic transfers enable you to schedule the withdrawal of your PayPal balance to your bank account at a desired frequency and amount.

To set up Automatic transfers:Click the More Options icon next to your PayPal balance and select Automatic transfers.
Select which bank account, the frequency, and the amount, and click Turn on Automatic Transfers.

You can set a minimum balance to ensure that there’s sufficient money in your account for refunds, purchases, etc.

To see all Central and South American countries' transfer options, go to the PayPal Offerings Worldwide page and select a specific country.

If you have a PayPal account in South Africa, you can withdraw money from your PayPal account directly to your First National Bank of South Africa (FNB) or any linked South African bank account.

You will need an FNB Online Banking profile. If you don't bank with FNB, you can create a free FNB Online Banking profile and link your PayPal account to your South African bank account.

To link your PayPal account to your FNB account:Log in to your FNB Online Banking profile at www.fnb.co.za.

Click Forex, then click PayPal Services.
Select the menu option on the left, then select Link PayPal Profile.
Complete the instructions to link your accounts.

You’ll need to log in to your PayPal account to confirm that you are the account holder.

To link your PayPal account to your other South African bank account if you don’t have an FNB account:Go to www.fnb.co.za.

Click Register, then click Register for PayPal for non FNB customers.

You will need to submit certain FICA (The Financial Intelligence Centre Act) documents via email (paypalkyc@fnb.co.za) to complete the registration. Once you've completed the FICA process, you can link your verified PayPal account to your bank account(s). You'll be able to add your non-FNB account for withdrawal purposes.

After linking your PayPal account to your bank account, here’s how to withdraw money:

Log in to your FNB Online Banking profile at www.fnb.co.za.

• Click Forex, then click PayPal Services.
• Select the menu option on the left, then select Withdraw from PayPal.
• Enter the withdrawal amount in US Dollars (make sure you have enough money in your PayPal balance to make this withdrawal).
• Follow the instructions to confirm the exchange rate, the Rand amount you will receive, and the transaction terms and conditions.

You’ll be taken back to the PayPal website to log in and review the amount you are withdrawing to your FNB or another South African bank account. After completing this, you’ll then be sent back to the FNB website. You'll receive your money in your FNB bank account within 3 to 5 business days.

All transfers are subject to review and could be delayed or stopped if PayPal identify an issue.

MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9Mobile Announce Single Codes for Data, Airtime, 11 Other Telecom Services

“No More *556#": MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9Mobile, NCC Announces Single Codes for Data, Airtime, 11 Other Telecom Services.

Nigeria's major telecom companies (MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile) are set to implement a unified set of shortcodes for all telecom services

The move is directed by the NCC to make it easier for Nigerians to remember a single code for different services across all networks

All old codes for recharging, data subscription, and balance checking will no longer work

Nigeria's major telecommunications companies, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, will implement a harmonised set of shortcodes for all telecommunications services from May 17, 2023.

The move, directed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), means all mobile network operators will now use the same code for services.

NCC mandated all telecommunication companies to have the same code. Photo credit: @ncc Source: Facebook

This will make it easier for Nigerians to memorise single codes for various services across all mobile networks.

Why the new shortcodes are important

Before the harmonisation, each telecom operator had its unique code for checking balances, recharging, borrowing credit, etc.

This required subscribers with multiple lines to memorise different codes for the respective operators.

However, with the harmonised codes, all telcos will now use the same code to carry out credit recharges, balance checks, and other telecom services.
What happened to the old codes for each network

According to a report from May 17, 2023, all old codes used to recharge, subscribe for data, and check balance, among others, will cease functioning.

The NCC has therefore asked telecom consumers to familiarise themselves with the new codes for various services.

Why the new shortcodes

The harmonisation of shortcodes is part of the NCC's regulatory modernisation program, which is expected to improve telecom consumers' quality of experience (QoE).

Here are the new codes as approved by the NCC300 is the code for Call Centre/Help Desk on all mobile networks

301 for voice Mail Deposit

302 for Voice Mail Retrieval

303 for Borrow Services

305 for STOP Service

310 for Check Balance

3111 is for credit recharge.

312 is for Data Plan

321 is for Share services.

323 is for Data Plan Balance

996 is now for verification of subscriber identity module (SIM) registration or NIN-SIM linkage.

2442 is retained for Do-Not-Disturb (DND) unsolicited messaging complaint management.

3232 is also retained for porting services, otherwise called mobile number portability.

MTN Changes Recharge Activation/ Data Bundles Codes

• MTN Nigeria has introduced new recharge activation and data bundle codes to improve customer experience
• Additionally, MTN hopes the codes will help reduce confusion among customers as they buy airtime or data bundles
• MTN is one of Nigeria's biggest telecommunication companies and, in the first three months of 2023, reported over N500bn in revenue

MTN Nigeria has announced changes in its recharge activation and data bundle codes.

This was revealed in statements sent by MTN to over 92 million connected lines.

The new recharge activation codes will be *311* and no longer code *555*.

MTN sold over N400 billion worth of airtime for calls and data. Photo credit: @mtn Source: Facebook

Data changes

In addition, MTN has also introduced a new data bundle code, *312#, that will replace the previous *131# used to activate data bundles.

The statements to customers read:

"Dear Customer, You can now buy data bundles using *312# instead of *131#. We encourage you to start using the new code for your convenience. Thank you for choosing MTN.

"Dear Customer, this is to inform you of a change in our recharge activation code. You can now recharge your lines using *311*rechargepin# instead of *555*rechargepin#. We encourage you to start using the new code for your convenience. Thank you for choosing MTN."

MTN makes over N500bn in three months

Meanwhile, in its audited financial report for the first quarter of 2022, MTN announced that it generated revenue of N568.13 billion during the period spanning from January to March 2023.

There was a 20.62% rise in revenue from N470.9 billion reported during the same period in 2022, as it now stands at N568.13 billion.

A breakdown of MTN revenue shows that the highest amount came from voice calls, followed by data service, which customers paid over N400bn to activate.

Here are the highlights from MTN Q1, 2023 revenue

• Voice N234.49 billion.
• Data N227.60 billion.
• SMS N21.55 billion.
• Interconnect and roaming N40.69 billion.
• Handset and accessories N1.36 billion.
• Digital N8.62 billion.
• Value-added services N21.28 billion.
• Other revenues- N12.52 billion.