This has not been a lie that Meta is already testing a new subscription model for its social media apps, including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Now, the latest reports suggest that Meta has started testing the low-cost subscription tier for Instagram, as the company looks to expand its premium offerings beyond creators and businesses. The plan is reportedly called Instagram Plus and is being tested in a few markets, including the Philippines and Mexico.
This comes soon after paid features are becoming common across social media platforms. While Meta already offers a Meta Verified subscription, its pricing and benefits are primarily for professionals. Now, with the Instagram Plus tier, the company seems to be targeting everyday users with more aggressive pricing and feature-focused upgrades.
Previously, the details suggest that the subscription will mainly depend on Stories. Users in the test group can reportedly create multiple custom audience lists, track how many times their Stories are watched and highlight posts to boost visibility. The plan also introduces new interaction tools, such as animated “Superlikes” for Stories.
The subscribers may also be able to extend the lifespan of their Stories to 48 hours without saving them to Highlights. Adding on, the users can preview Stories without appearing in the viewer list, offering a more private browsing experience.
The subscription is expected to be priced at around $1–$2 per month, which is around Rs 100 to Rs 200 in test regions. However, the final pricing may vary depending on the market.
According to the report, Meta has clarified that the core Instagram experience will remain free, with the new plan aimed at determining which features users are willing to pay for. The company is expected to use the feedback from this limited rollout to improve the strategy before making it available to the rest of the world.