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Meta tests Instagram plus subscription across key markets
Meta is testing a paid Instagram subscription called Instagram Plus in a few countries, adding extra Story and engagement tools for some users.
Meta said Instagram Plus includes viewing Stories anonymously, seeing how many people rewatched your Stories, making unlimited Story audience lists, extending a Story by 24 hours, spotlighting a Story once a week, using an animated “Superlike,” and searching Story viewer lists.
Meta did not name the test markets, but users on social media reported seeing the option in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. Screenshots showed monthly prices of MX$39 (US$2.15), 319 yen (US$2) and PHP 65 (US$1.07).
The offering is separate from Meta Verified, and Meta said it will continue testing before any wider rollout as it explores new revenue streams.
🔗 Source: TechCrunch
🧠 Food for thought
Implications, context, and why it matters.
Meta’s subscription tests aim to charge for new features, including AI
- The plan goes beyond Instagram, with tests planned for Facebook and WhatsApp 1.
- Meta says subscriptions will add “more productivity and creativity,” plus “expanded AI capabilities” 1.
- Subscriptions may help Meta earn back heavy AI costs, including its reported $2 billion acquisition of AI agent developer Manus, a company that builds software that can take actions on a user’s behalf 2.
- Meta also plans paid access for AI tools such as its AI video creation tool, Vibes. The company plans a freemium setup where users can subscribe for more video creation opportunities each month 1.
Meta frames the new subscriptions as separate from Meta Verified
- Meta plans these subscriptions for a wider group than Meta Verified, which focuses on content creators and businesses 1.
- Meta Verified offers impersonation protection and a verified badge for content creators and businesses 2.
- Meta cites demand for social media subscriptions through Snap’s Snapchat+, which starts at $3.99 per month and has topped 16 million subscribers 1.
- Meta also flags a hurdle, since many people already feel “subscription fatigue” 1.
