Managing Paid Channels on IHUBApp

Paid Channels on IHUBApp allow you to charge users for premium content access, with flexible pricing options such as one-time or recurring payments. This guide will walk you through setting up and managing Paid Channels using Stripe.

Multi-Factor Authentication Requirement

Before connecting a Stripe account, you will be required to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). If MFA is not enabled, you will be prompted to set it up, and the Stripe connection will remain disabled until this is completed.

If you haven’t already connected your Stripe account, follow these steps here.

*NOTE: Some features listed below are still actively being developed, and are not included in the current early beta build. Beta features included in this article are also subject to change. Please continue to check back here for updates.* 

1. Setting Up a Paid Channel

Step 1: Channel Creation

When creating a new channel, you will now see Channel Type as a dropdown option. If you are not sure how to create a new channel, please refer to the instructions here. If you select Paid:

• The channel can only be set to Paid during the creation process, and can't be changed from Paid after creation (this only applies to the current beta version).
• You must connect a Stripe account before saving the channel. If you have not completed the Stripe setup, a message will prompt you to connect it.

Once Stripe is connected, you can set a price for the channel.

If a Stripe account is not connected, you won’t be able to save the Paid Channel settings, and a message will prompt you to connect a Stripe account. 

If you started connecting your account, but did not complete the setup entirely, you won't be able to save the Paid Channel settings, and a message will prompt you to complete setting up your account.

Step 2: Setting Prices

• Upon creating the Paid Channel, you will have the option to set up a price.
• Choose whether the price will be one-time or recurring. Recurring payments default to monthly but can be customized.
• Note: Any applicable taxes are not included in the price by default.
• Product Name & Description: The name and description will display to the user when your Hub has multiple subscription plans setup.

2. Managing Paid Channels

Channel Visibility

Paid Channels are publicly visible to everyone, functioning similarly to "request to join" channels. Instead of a "Request" button, users will see:

• Subscribe for recurring payments or
• Purchase for one-time payments.

Clicking these buttons will send users to the Stripe checkout page.

You can also see a list of payments for each user, in the channel members list.

3. Checkouts and Cancelling Subscriptions

Checkout Process

Once the user completes the payment process in Stripe:

• They are automatically redirected back to the channel.
• Stripe will process the payment, then automatically notify your Hub to add the user to the channel once the payment has been processed.
• Welcome Message: The user will see the custom welcome message you’ve created for paid channels.

Canceling Subscriptions

Users can manage their subscriptions directly from the channel:

• Leave or Cancel: For one-time payments, users will see a Leave button, and for recurring payments, they will see a Cancel button. Upon clicking, a confirmation dialog will appear.
• If the user confirms, they will be removed from the channel, and their subscription will be canceled in Stripe.

Stripe also handles any cancellations or lapses:

• If a user’s subscription lapses or is canceled in Stripe, your Hub will be notified to be automatically remove them from the channel.

4. Content Locking for Paid Channels

IHUBApp offers a unique feature for Paid Channels, allowing you to create locked content for channel guests. Here’s how it works:

• Teaser Content: A locked content card will be displayed to guests with an image overlay and lock icon.
• Join to Unlock: Guests will see a label prompting them to subscribe to access the full content.
• Clicking the card will either prompt the user to log in or show the pricing table for the channel.

5. *Coming Soon* - Admin Management for Paid Channels

Editing Prices

Admins can manage and edit the prices of a Paid Channel from the channel configuration settings:

• Edit Existing Products: You can link, archive, or reactivate products.
• Add Products: Choose from existing products in Stripe or create a new one directly within IHUBApp. You can specify whether the product is a one-time or recurring payment.
• Link/Unlink Channels: You can add or remove channels from a product, and adding a channel as a benefit will automatically grant product subscribers access to that channel.

Upgrading/Downgrading Subscriptions

Users can upgrade or downgrade their subscriptions directly within the channel:

• All available subscription options will be shown, with the current subscription highlighted.
• Users can cancel their subscription at any time, with access remaining until the end of the billing period.

Canceling User Subscriptions

When removing a user from a channel, admins will be prompted to confirm whether they want to cancel the user's subscription.

6. *Coming Soon* - Widgets and External Purchase Buttons

IHUBApp allows you to create purchase or subscription buttons as widgets or code snippets to use within and outside the platform:

• Internal Widgets: You can create a widget with a Subscribe or Purchase button to place anywhere on the platform. Each widget is tied to a specific price.
• External Snippets: A code snippet will be available for embedding a purchase button on external websites.

7. *Coming Soon* - Analytics for Paid Channels

Channel admins can track essential subscriber data and revenue:

• Total Number of Subscribers
• Total Amount Collected

This feature provides key insights into the performance of your Paid Channel.

8. *Coming Soon* - Managing Content Visibility for Guests

Admins have the ability to force locked content to appear in the home feed for channel guests:

• This option can be toggled in the post editor. However, if a guest mutes the channel, the content will not appear in their home feed.

This guide covers the core features for setting up and managing Paid Channels on IHUBApp. If you have further questions or need additional help, feel free to reach out to our support at support@inspirehub.com.