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Accessing some Facebook groups could soon cost you money

Access to Facebook groups has always been free, but that could be about to change. The company is currently trialling subscription access to some groups …

CNET says that monthly fees could run as high as $29.99.

The social network announced a pilot program for Facebook Groups that lets administrators create a paid tier option for their communities. Members can pay a monthly subscription to certain groups for access to exclusive content, including videos, tutorials and advice. The fees will range from $4.99 to $29.99.

The fees go to the group owners, with Facebook not taking a cut at this stage. One group has already opted to go for the maximum sum allowed.

[One] group, called “Grown and Flown Parents,” created a paid subgroup called “College Admissions and Affordability,” which charges $29.99 a month. It’s a dedicated college prep group with access to college counselors.

The trial follows an earlier one testing subscription fees for access to video content from certain creators.

Facebook is said to be actively exploring the possibility of offering ad-free subscription access to the service as a whole, though one analysis suggested that the subscription might need to be a high one to compensate for the loss of ad revenue.

The company continues to push its ad-funded model in the meantime, now rolling out autoplay video ads to Messenger users.

Image: Marketing Land


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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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