Facebook could be adding a 'tip jar' to let users make money from their posts

Facebook could be the one company that could actually make micropayments popular

The tip jar is one of Facebook's new ideas for ways users can monetise their posts (Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

Facebook is reportedly considering introducing a 'tip jar' which would let users give a cash tip in exchange for a good post, rather than just a 'like'.

The potential new product was first spotted by The Verge, who saw a Facebook survey asking users' views on the best way they could earn money on the site.

One of these options was a tip jar, which would probably work in a similar way to the 'Like' button, allowing users to give a few pennies to creators and publishers whose posts they enjoy with a single click.

'Micropayment' systems are nothing new - companies like Flattr allow users to set up a small monthly fund, which they can choose to spend freely on content they like simply by clicking a button on participating websites.

Other services, like Blendle, are more focused on journalism, letting users choose to pay small sums for individual stories.

Services like these have always faced one major problem - people don't sign up for them. However, Facebook is so ubiquitous that their system has a much greater chance of really taking off.

The social network has previously faced criticism for not sharing the advertising revenue it generates with creators. A tip jar could be an experimental way of trying to give something back.

The user survey featured other options for raising money, such as a 'donate' button, advertising revenue sharing and branded content.

YouTube already has similar schemes in place, and has turned some of its most popular users into millionaires by sharing ad revenue with them.

Whichever money-sharing scheme Facebook hits upon, it's likely to prove a success - the company's recent focus on live video could make it a great place for internet personalities, and if they can get paid for putting their content on Facebook, they may well embrace it.