Facebook Tests Charging Subscriptions for Access to Groups The social network is piloting a feature that will let group administrators charge membership fees for access to exclusive content.

By Angela Moscaritolo

This story originally appeared on PCMag

via PC Mag

Several times over the years, hoaxes have popped up claiming that Facebook would be charging for access. Now, that's sort of actually happening with Facebook groups.

The social network on Wednesday said it's piloting a feature that will let group administrators charge membership fees for access to exclusive content. At this point, Facebook is testing this feature with "a small number of groups."

"We hear from group admins that they're looking for ways to help them earn money to deepen engagement with their members and continue to support their communities," Facebook groups Product Director Alex Deve wrote in a blog post. He pointed out that group admins can already create subscribers-only groups and use third-party tools to collect payments.

Facebook created subscription groups to "make it easier for admins to provide these experiences with built-in tools, and to save them time so they can focus on offering members-only content," Deve wrote.

One newly-launched subscription group called Organize My Home, for instance, is charging $14.99 per month for access to "mini-projects, group challenges, trainings and live Q&A" to help with home organization, according to admin Sarah Mueller. Others include Grown and Flown Parents: College Admissions and Affordability, which offers access to college counselors to help the parents of high schoolers navigate the college application process, and Meal Planning Central Premium, which offers weekly meal plans and shopping lists organized by grocery store.

"As we learn from this pilot and understand how group members feel about subscription groups, we'll continue to improve this experience to help admins offer more to their members and continue to invest in their communities," Deve wrote.

Facebook users can sign up and manage their subscriptions to members-only groups through the Facebook app for iOS or Android.

Facebook is letting group admins charge between $4.99 and $29.99 per month, according to TechCrunch. The report notes that Facebook won't be taking a portion of the revenue during this trial, but may eventually start asking for a cut.

Angela Moscaritolo has been a PCMag reporter since January 2012. 

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

Kevin O'Leary Says to 'Survive the Rest of Your Life' You'll Need This Hefty Amount in Your Bank Account

The "Shark Star" explained the concept of passive income based on interest rates.

Leadership

Why Most People Fail at Giving Presentations — and How to Make Your Next One Successful

Here's what I learned guest lecturing at Stanford: You can become a better presenter by following the "Two Points per Hour Rule."

Growing a Business

10 Creative Content Ideas Inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk to Break Through the Noise

Vee stresses the importance of building lifetime value by capturing audience attention first before chasing immediate conversions.

Leadership

If You Want People to Follow You, Stop Being a Boss — 8 Steps to Truly Effective Leadership

Understand the key differences and embark on the journey from boss to leader with these eight vital steps. This article unveils how to inspire and lead teams with passion and purpose.

Business Process

50 Simple Questions to Ask Yourself Before the New Year

These questions, focused on branding and business growth, can help brands capitalize on past events and help you plan for the year ahead.

Side Hustle

This Millennial Dad Just Wanted to Help His Daughter Care for Her Bearded Dragon. Then His Cricket-Breeding Side Hustle Exploded — Earning $27,000 in One Month.

It wasn't Jeff Neal's first attempt at a side gig, and before long, the "prototypical millennial side-hustler" realized his product had major potential.