Meta plans to experiment with premium subscription options on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp

Meta to Introduce Exclusive Subscription Features Across Its Platforms

Meta has announced plans to trial new subscription offerings that will provide users with access to unique features on its suite of apps. According to information shared with TechCrunch, these premium subscriptions are designed to enhance both productivity and creativity, while also expanding the use of artificial intelligence within the apps.

Over the next several months, Meta intends to roll out premium experiences on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. These paid options will grant subscribers special tools and greater control over their sharing and interactions, all while maintaining free access to the core functionalities. The company emphasized that it will experiment with various subscription models and feature bundles, with each app offering its own set of exclusive benefits.

As part of its subscription strategy, Meta will also expand the use of Manus, an AI agent it recently purchased for approximately $2 billion. The company plans to integrate Manus into its products, while also continuing to offer standalone Manus subscriptions to business clients. Evidence of Meta working on a Manus AI shortcut for Instagram has already surfaced, thanks to a screenshot shared by reverse engineering expert Alessandro Paluzzi, who is known for uncovering unreleased features.

Meta is also preparing to test subscriptions for AI-driven features such as Vibes, a tool for generating short-form videos powered by artificial intelligence. Vibes, which is built into the Meta AI app, enables users to create and remix AI-generated video content. While Vibes has been available for free since its debut, Meta now plans to introduce a freemium model, allowing basic access at no cost and offering paid subscriptions for expanded video creation capabilities each month.

Although the specifics of paid features for WhatsApp and Facebook have not been disclosed, Paluzzi reports that Instagram’s upcoming subscription will allow users to create unlimited audience lists, view which followers do not follow them back, and watch Stories anonymously.

It is important to note that these new subscriptions are separate from Meta Verified. Meta Verified is targeted at creators and businesses, offering perks such as a verification badge, round-the-clock support, protection against impersonation, improved search visibility, and exclusive stickers. In contrast, the new subscription plans are intended for a wider user base, including everyday users, creators, and businesses.

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With the introduction of additional subscription options, Meta aims to diversify its revenue streams. However, the company acknowledges that users may be hesitant to subscribe to yet another paid service, given the growing number of monthly subscriptions available. To succeed, Meta will need to deliver compelling value that stands out in a crowded market.

The success of Snapchat+ demonstrates that there is demand for paid social media experiences. Snapchat+, which offers exclusive features starting at $3.99 per month, has surpassed 16 million subscribers, more than doubling its user base since early 2024.

Meta has stated that it will actively seek feedback from its user community as it begins to introduce these new subscription features in the near future.