Stars are often given as part of a rating. We give restaurants and hotels that we like a five-star rating, letting others know that we value and would recommend it to them.
But when it comes to Facebook, stars have their own meaning – and for creators, it goes well beyond a recommendation or review.
For Facebook creators, stars form a major role in the monetisation of the platform.
Introducing Stars Donations on Facebook
If a user wants to give some money to a creator, then they can purchase packs of stars through the platform and then hand stars out to creators through their Live content, reels, and videos.
Stars are increasingly being used by creators as a way of fundraising for different causes – be it a local charity that they are passionate about, or a larger cause.
But one important thing to note is that not all the money you give goes to the creator or cause. To understand this, you need to know a little more about how stars work on the platform.
Understanding the Cost of Stars on Facebook
When a user wants to donate to a creator or to a cause that they are spearheading, they can do so with ease by purchasing packs of stars on Facebook.
The platform sells stars in different packs, with the larger packs equating to a lower cost per star.
However, regardless of how much the user spends, typically 1 star equals 1 penny when donated or shared with a creator.
This is because when a user purchase stars, Facebook keeps a percentage of their payment as a commission fee. So, if a user buys 75 stars for $1, and each star is worth 1p to the creator, Facebook is keeping 25 pence for itself.
How to Buy Stars on Facebook
If, as a user, you want to buy some stars and then donate or gift them to a creator, you need to follow these steps:
- Head to a live broadcast or Reel shared by the creator
- Click on the star icon next to the comment box
- Check your existing stars balance, or buy some more stars, then choose how many you want to give to the creator
Creators will be able to see which followers and users have donated to their cause and thank them accordingly.
And if stars don’t appeal to you as a user, you could also consider subscribing to a creator’s content in order to offer them more long term and sustainable support. By subscribing, you are able to offer financial support to the creator in return for additional perks – including exclusive content, discounts, and more.
We hope this quick guide to Facebook stars helps you to not only understand how they work but also where your money is going. While stars are no doubt a quick and easy way to support creators and/or the causes that they are passionate about, it’s important to recognise that some of the money you give as a user stays in Facebook’s own account.
