Meta has announced plans to roll out paid subscription options across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, giving users access to premium features while maintaining free access to basic services.

The tech giant confirmed this week that it plans to introduce these new subscription tiers in the coming months. The move will bring exclusive tools and enhanced control over sharing and connectivity to paying users.

What the New Subscriptions Will Include

Each platform will offer its own unique set of premium features. Meta has indicated it will trial various subscription packages and pricing models to find what works best for different user groups.

For Instagram, leaked information suggests possible features could include unlimited audience lists, the ability to identify followers who don’t follow back, and anonymous Story viewing. However, Meta has not officially confirmed these specific features.

Details about premium offerings for Facebook and WhatsApp remain under wraps for now.

AI Integration and Manus

The subscription strategy ties into Meta’s broader artificial intelligence ambitions. The company recently acquired Manus, an AI agent, for approximately £1.6 billion. This technology will be woven into Meta’s products as part of the subscription experience.

Early testing appears to show Manus AI being integrated into Instagram, with shortcuts already visible in developer builds.

Meta is also planning to monetise Vibes, its short-form AI video creation tool currently available in the Meta AI app. The feature, which lets users generate and edit AI videos, has been free since launching last year. It will transition to a freemium model, offering limited free access with paid options for creating additional videos monthly.

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Separate from Meta Verified

These new subscriptions will operate independently from Meta Verified, the existing paid service designed for creators and businesses. Meta Verified provides benefits such as verification badges, priority support, impersonation protection, improved search visibility and special stickers.

The company says lessons learnt from Meta Verified will help shape how it expands subscriptions to regular users, content creators and businesses alike.

Following Snapchat’s Success

Meta appears to be taking inspiration from competitors who have successfully monetised premium features. Snapchat’s subscription service, Snapchat Plus, costs £3.99 monthly and has attracted over 16 million paying subscribers.

This success demonstrates appetite for social media subscriptions, though some industry watchers caution that users are increasingly suffering from subscription fatigue. With growing pressure on household budgets, convincing people to pay for features they currently get free may prove challenging.

Testing and Feedback

Meta emphasises it will lean heavily on user feedback during the testing phase. The company plans to gather insights as it gradually introduces these subscriptions over the next few months.

The phased approach suggests Meta wants to avoid alienating its user base whilst finding the right balance between free and paid features. How users respond will likely determine the final shape these subscriptions take when they launch more widely.

For now, Meta users can expect their core social media experiences to remain free, with premium subscriptions offering optional extras for those willing to pay.