Facebook is once again testing the self-absorption and inherent narcissism of its users by allowing them to pay to make sure their witty statuses and clever amateur photography reach the maximum number of friends. Once a limited test, Facebook has confirmed that they are expanding the option for users to pay to promote posts.
“We are expanding a test that started last May that enables people to pay to promote a status update so that more friends may see it in their news feed. We’re constantly testing new features across the site. This particular test is simply to gauge people’s interest in this method of sharing with their friends,” said Facebook in a statement.
Back in May, the feature was called “Highlight” and was only tested on a small batch of users in New Zealand. At that time, images of the feature showed a price of around $2, payable through PayPal or credit card. “Highlight an important post,” it said. “Make sure friends see this.”
Of course, Promoted Posts for Pages popped up between then and now. Promoted Posts allow brands to pay to promote their statuses, photos, videos, offers, and questions to a larger percentage of their fan base. The more they pay – the more people eventually see the post.
And it looks like Facebook’s “Highlight” feature has turned into “Promoted Posts for users.”
As you can see, the new option brings up a box that asks users to “Promote an important post.” IT goes on to say that “now you can promote and bump your important news, links, and photos higher in news feed.”
Only this time, it looks like the price has jumped significantly:
This video shows Promoted Posts for users charging a little over 3 Euros.
Of course, Facebook tests new features all the time and only a fraction of them ever come to fruition. But the fact that this product has been around for a few months and has received an extra push from Facebook means that the company is definitely considering it, if initial user reaction is strong. In May, I said that this feature could be profitable for Facebook, considering people really want to make their voice heard. Then again, I’m not sure that the average Facebook users really understands that their posts are only reaching a certain amount of their friends on an everyday basis. Those people may not see the need to “promote” anything.
What do you think? Would you pay to promote a post?
[via The Next Web]