The battle between major software firms and the creator of iOS is escalating, with Facebook now planning to avoid Apple’s notorious platform fees, according to a recent announcement. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced in a blog that the site would provide eligible content providers new custom links that allow them to accept tips directly, avoiding Apple’s 30 percent cut.
“As we build for the metaverse, we’re focused on unlocking opportunities for creators to make money from their work,” Zuckerberg said. “The 30% fees that Apple takes on transactions make it harder to do that, so we’re updating our Subscriptions product so now creators can earn more.”
Patreon-like subscriptions on Facebook
Facebook pages that are eligible for subscriptions may distribute the new promotion links via text or email, directing fans to a payment portal run through Facebook Pay. In the creator post, Facebook also revealed a new incentive program that pays creators between $5 and $20 for each new subscriber they bring on until the end of the year, part of the billion-dollar creator program announced last month.
Patreon-like subscriptions on Facebook, which is similar to Patreon, provide prominent Facebook personalities with additional monetization tools for monthly recurring payments. To join, the current criteria stipulate a page owner must have at least 10,000 followers and 250 return views as well as 50,000 post interactions or 180,000 minutes watched.
According to Facebook, it will not charge any fees on creator payments through 2023, though the company is undoubtedly planning to profit off of the developing creator economy after providing users with a few free years rent-free. The firm even previously intended to take a 30% cut of subscriber revenue, albeit temporarily withdrew those plans — for now, at least.
