Group type setting: Group type permissions and how they impact join, read, and write rules for a group
A required group setting is "type". Group type defines the join, read, and write rules of a group. Group type and their rules support the many use cases network admins need to support when creating groups for their network.
Note: Group "type" cannot be changed once the group is created.
Group Type Permission Table
In more depth...
Open
Everyone can see the group exists in the group directory
Everyone can see the content, live chat, and member directory
Everyone can freely join to interact with no need for admin approval
Open group posts can be featured by an admin
Admins can add members to open groups via the Control Center
Gated
Everyone can see the group exists in the group directory
Everyone can see the content, live chat, and member directory
Any community member can apply to join the group and must be approved by an admin to become a member of the group to interact within the group
Gated group posts can be featured by an admin
Admins can also add members to open groups via the Control Center
Network admins often create Gated groups as a way to create a space where only certain members (approved group members) can create content and live chat but the entire network can see what those members are posting and chatting about.
Closed
Everyone can see the group exists in the group directory
Any community member can apply to join the group and must be approved by an admin to become a member of the group in order to interact within the group
ONLY approved group members can see the groups content, live chat, and member directory
Closed group posts can NOT be featured by an admin
Admins can also add members to open groups via the Control Center
Private (AKA "Restricted")
The group can NOT be seen in the group directory
A community member must be added to the group by a network admin in order to become a group member to view and interact within the group
Private group posts can NOT be featured by an admin
Premium
Everyone can see the group exists in the group directory and that it's a premium group
Clicking on a premium group will produce the "In-app Subscription Gate", a window that informs members the group requires subscription and directs the members to where they can purchase the subscription(s)
ONLY active group subscription customers can see the groups content, live chat, and member directory
Premium group posts can NOT be featured by an admin