Glossary
Facebook group types: meaning and how it works
A plain-English definition of Facebook group types, why it matters when you market your business in Facebook groups, and how to handle it the right way.
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What are the Facebook group types?
Facebook groups have two privacy settings: public, where anyone can see who is in the group and what they post, and private, where only members can. Private groups are also either visible, so anyone can find them in search, or hidden, so only members can find them.
Public, private, visible and hidden explained
Public groups are always visible. A private group can be visible or hidden.
- Public: anyone on or off Facebook can see who is in the group and what they post.
- Private: only members can see who is in the group and what they post.
- Visible: anyone can find the group in search and ask to join.
- Hidden: only members can find the group, so new people join by invitation.
Why group type matters for businesses
Group type changes how you find groups and how your posts are seen. Public groups show up in search and anyone can read their posts. Private groups keep posts among members, so they often feel like a trusted circle where people are open to recommendations. Hidden groups you join by invitation, usually through someone you know.
Choose and use them the right way
- To find customers, search for visible groups in your town and niche. Our group finding guide shows how.
- Answer membership questions honestly to get approved.
- For your own business group, private and visible is a common choice: findable, with posts kept for members. See how to create a Facebook group.
- Treat private group content as private. Never screenshot members’ posts into your marketing.
What is the difference between a private and a hidden Facebook group?
Private describes who can see posts and members: only members. Hidden describes who can find the group: only members, so others join by invitation. A private group can be visible, so anyone can find it and ask to join, or hidden, so it does not appear in search for people outside it.
Can a business post in private Facebook groups?
Yes, once you are a member and the group allows promotion. Request to join, answer the membership questions and read the rules. Many private local groups welcome businesses that are helpful and follow the promotion rules, such as posting only in a weekly thread or on a set promotion day.
Keep exploring
Related terms and guides
- Membership questions Membership questions are short questions a Facebook group’s admins can ask people who request to join.
- Group rules Facebook group rules are the guidelines a group’s admins set for what members may post and how they should behave.
- Facebook Page vs profile vs group A Facebook profile is your personal account, a Page is a public presence for a business or brand, and a group is a community where members post and talk together.
- Find Facebook groups to join for marketing Where your customers already gather.
- How to create a Facebook group Set up a group for your business.
- Facebook group marketing glossary Every term, A to Z, in plain English.
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