Meta Platforms has officially launched anticipated paid versions for its popular social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The company announced on May 27 that it is testing these subscription plans globally, targeting businesses, creators, and users of its Meta AI services.
Introducing Instagram Plus, Facebook Plus, and WhatsApp Plus
The new subscription models are branded as Instagram Plus, Facebook Plus, and WhatsApp Plus. These individual plans are expected to eventually be bundled under a single, overarching “Meta One” subscription, offering a unified premium experience across Meta’s ecosystem.
According to reports, users will pay a monthly fee to access premium features. Initial pricing estimates suggest Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus could each cost approximately $3.99 per month, while WhatsApp Plus might be priced around $2.99 per month.
Premium Features Across Platforms
Subscribers can anticipate a range of enhanced functionalities, including advanced profile customization options, detailed story insights, and exclusive “super reactions.”
- Instagram Plus features may include:
- Viewing aggregate rewatch counts for Stories.
- Creating unlimited audience lists beyond “Close Friends.”
- Spotlighting one Story per week for increased visibility.
- Extending Stories beyond the standard 24-hour limit.
- Previewing Stories anonymously without appearing in viewer lists.
- Searching Story viewer lists to check who has watched content.
- Posting directly to profiles and highlights without appearing in followers’ feeds.
- Additional exclusive Story management and audience control tools.
- Facebook Plus is expected to offer:
- Similar premium tools to Instagram Plus.
- Enhanced Story controls and audience management.
- Additional profile and content visibility features.
- Exclusive engagement and customization options.
- WhatsApp Plus features may include:
- Custom app themes and personalized ringtones.
- The ability to pin additional chats.
- Advanced list customization tools.
- Premium stickers.
- Extra personalization and chat management features.
Meta AI Subscription Tiers
Beyond the app-specific subscriptions, Meta is also set to introduce paid plans for its Meta AI services. These AI plans, anticipated to launch in beta next month and initially limited to certain regions, are expected to include two monthly offers:
- Meta One Plus: Estimated to cost around $7.99 per month.
- Meta One Premium: Expected to be priced at approximately $19.99 per month.
These new subscription models mark a significant shift in Meta’s strategy, aiming to diversify revenue streams and offer more value to its extensive user base through exclusive, enhanced features.