Facebook is building a feature that would soon allow users to subscribe to news publications directly within the mobile app, reported the Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, the “pay for news within the mobile app” is a long-requested feature by news publications, and will be launched by the end of this year.
The company is reportedly leaning towards a model that would allow users to read a certain number of articles before readers are prompted to pay. However, the feature may only be available to Facebook’s Instant Article, a tool that helps publications directly publish stories on the social media platform.
Additionally, Facebook had launched a “Journalism Project” to deepen its relation with media outlets and fight fake news. The company is also hiring a former journalist to lead its news partnership team.
“We’re working with partners to understand their business and explore ways we can help them drive more value from Facebook. We are taking the time to deeply understand their different goals and needs,” a Facebook spokesperson told SiliconBeat.
