Overview
Meetup Starter is our free, entry‑level plan that empowers new and aspiring organizers to launch and manage groups in a simplified environment. It delivers a curated set of core Meetup features—so you can get hands‑on experience planning events, engaging members, and building community without a subscription fee.
Who Can Use Meetup Starter?
Meetup Starter is available in most regions where Meetup operates. This option is open to anyone looking to start their first Meetup group. If you already have a paid plan or belong to a sponsored Meetup Pro network, the Starter plan option won't be available at checkout, as you're not eligible for the plan.
What’s Included
The Meetup plan Starter includes:
- 1 group with unlimited members
- Up to 2 in-person events per month
- Up to 10 attendees per event
- In-app communications via Groups Discussions and Event Chat
Every Starter feature is built to help you master Meetup basics before moving to a paid subscription: plan and run events at your own pace, test out new group themes, and refine how you attract and engage attendees. You’ll be able to:
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Learn event management tools without commitment
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Experiment with group topics and formats
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Grow your confidence in attracting and engaging attendees
As a simplified option for first-time organizers, Meetup Starter brings fresh ideas, diverse organizers, and vibrant new communities into the Meetup ecosystem.
How to Subscribe
If you’re looking to organize a group and schedule events to build your community for the first time, follow these steps:
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Log in to your Meetup account.
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Create your first Meetup group.
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Select the Starter plan at checkout and confirm.
Meetup Starter: FAQ
What are the main differences between Meetup Starter & Standard?
Meetup Standard is still our primary, full‑featured plan for organizers—it includes all the tools needed to confidently manage up to three different groups and host an unlimited number of events every month.
Meetup Starter is a simplified version of the Meetup Standard organizer experience, accessible only to new and would-be organizers. It focuses on the basics of community and event management and is designed to make event management accessible for new organizers.
If you’re serious about growing multiple communities and need a robust, all‑in‑one toolkit, the Standard plan is likely the solution for you.
You can compare the two plans using the table below:
| Starter | Standard | |
| Max. number of groups | 1 | 3 |
| Max. number of events | 2/month | Unlimited |
| Max. number of attendees per event | 10 | Unlimited |
| Groups & events promotion | Limited | Unlimited |
| Basic group communication features (Group Discussions & Event Chat) | ✅ | ✅ |
| In-person events | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advanced communication tools (Direct messages, broadcast communication) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Online events | ❌ | ✅ |
| Recurring events | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ticket fees and member dues | ❌ | ✅ |
| Co-organizers | ❌ | ✅ |
How much does Starter cost?
Meetup Starter is currently available for free to new organizers.
Can I downgrade from Standard/Pro to Starter?
Meetup Starter is reserved for first‑time organizers. If you’re already subscribed to a Standard or Pro plan, you cannot switch or downgrade to a Starter plan.
Can I upgrade from Starter to Standard/Pro?
Yes, you can upgrade at any time and whenever you’re ready. Simply click on any paywall on Meetup’s web or mobile app, or navigate through your Settings > Organizer Subscription > Manage Subscription and choose the Standard or Pro plan.
How do I close my group?
If you wish to close your group, you may follow these steps:
- Start by letting your members know you intend to close the group, so everyone has time to save any photos or reach out to other members.
- Open the group you’d like to close in your Meetup account.
- Click on Manage Group.
- Tap on Transfer Group ownership.
- Choose whether to transfer the group or cancel it.
- Follow the further cancellation questions.
- At the end of the whole process, click on Close group permanently.
- Once complete, you’ll see a green banner confirming your group has been closed.
❗️Closing your group doesn't automatically stop your subscription. If you also want to unsubscribe from your Starter plan, you'll need to follow the steps listed in our article Canceling a recurring subscription.
Why did we decide on these particular benefits?
Meetup Starter is designed specifically for first‑time organizers—whether new to Meetup or event and community management altogether. We built it after gathering feedback and usage data from aspiring hosts as a lightweight version of our more powerful Standard plan, giving first-time organizers a streamlined toolkit that lets them learn the platform’s core features before diving into advanced capabilities.