Facebook offers groups option to make users pay for subgroups

Facebook has started a test where administrators of groups on Facebook can charge money for access to certain subgroups. Prices range from $4.99 to $29.99 per month. Facebook is not making any money from this for the time being.

The Subscription Groups feature is live for a limited number of admins, Facebook reports. Based on the feedback, the company will look at what can be improved and then the function will be available to many more group managers, the social network promises.

Facebook does not take a percentage of the subscription fee for the time being, but Apple and Google do; Subscriptions are made via the apps on iOS and Android, giving Apple and Google 30 percent of the price in the first year and 15 percent in the following years. There is no option to take out the subscriptions through the Facebook website.

Making Facebook users pay for admin support isn’t the first option. Previously, users could already start paying to support creators on Facebook with a monthly fee.