🔒 Paid channels in Communities

Private channels just got a major upgrade. They’re no longer limited to being hidden and free - admins can now make them visible, paid, or both. Turn any private channel into a revenue stream while giving members a self-serve way to join.

✨ What’s New?
👁️ Visible Private Channels

Private channels no longer have to stay hidden. When creating or editing a private channel, admins can now choose between two visibility modes:

Visible - The channel appears in the sidebar for all members, sparking interest even before they join. Non-members can see the channel name and description but can’t access posts until they join.
Hidden - The traditional behavior. The channel stays off the list for non-members, keeping it truly private.

Visible private channels show up with a lock icon in the sidebar - locked, but impossible to miss.

💰 Paid Private Channels

Admins can now charge members to join a private channel. During channel creation (Step 2/2), choose from three pricing modes:

Free - No charge to join (default).
Recurring - Charge a monthly and/or annual subscription to access the channel.
One-time - Charge a single payment for permanent access.

Recurring channels support multiple currencies with configurable monthly and annual pricing. A Test Mode toggle lets admins verify the payment flow before going live.

🛒 Self-Serve Member Payment Flow

When a member clicks on a visible paid channel, they see the channel details - description, member count, and managers - along with a prompt to complete payment. Clicking Join channel opens the payment flow where members choose their billing cycle, enter billing details, and proceed to payment. No manual adds needed.

📱 Mobile Support

Premium Channels are fully supported on the mobile app. Members can view paid channel details - description, activity, and managers - and tap Enroll now to complete payment directly from their phone.

⚙️ How to Configure

Click the + button next to Channels in the sidebar.
Select Create a channel for conversations and updates.
Step 1/2 - Set the channel name, icon, and description. Toggle Private channel on, then choose Visible or Hidden. Optionally enable Read Only Channel.
Step 2/2 - Select pricing: Free, Recurring, or One-time. For paid channels, configure currency, billing options (Monthly/Annually), and pricing. Optionally enable Test Mode.
Click Create Channel.

💡 Why This Matters

Previously, private channels were always hidden and always free. Admins had no way to showcase exclusive content or charge for channel access - members didn’t even know private channels existed unless they were manually invited.

Premium Channels change this entirely. Visible channels let admins surface exclusive spaces in the sidebar to spark interest, while paid access turns those channels into a direct revenue stream. Members pay and join on their own - no manual invites, no back-and-forth.

📝 Notes

Paid channels support recurring (monthly/annually) and one-time pricing.
Multiple currencies are supported.
Test Mode lets admins verify the payment flow without real charges.
Read-only channels can also be made visible and/or paid.
Visible paid channels show a lock icon with a hash symbol in the sidebar, distinguishing them from free and hidden channels.
Available on both web and mobile.