"The revenue model of mega-journals is based entirely on charging article publication fees. The publishers increase these fees when a journal improves its impact factor ranking. The model secures high journal revenue but poses difficulties for authors with limited discretionary funds."

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2802853

The Rapid Growth of Mega-Journals

This Viewpoint examines the increase in “mega-journals” (prolific publishers of medical articles) and both the opportunities and threats to scientific research they present.