Meta has announced plans to begin testing paid subscription services across its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp.
According to a report by TechCrunch, the subscriptions will give users access to premium features while keeping the core services free.
Meta said the new paid options will offer users “more control over how they share and connect on the platforms.
In the coming months, Meta will offer a premium experience on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp that gives users access to special features and more control, while keeping the core experiences free, the company said.
The tech giant explained that it will experiment with different subscription models and feature bundles, with each app offering its own exclusive benefits.
Meta also revealed plans to scale Manus, an artificial intelligence agent it recently acquired for a reported $2 billion, as part of its broader subscription strategy. Manus is expected to be integrated into Meta’s products, while standalone subscriptions will continue to be offered to businesses.
Screenshots shared by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi suggest that Meta is already working on adding a shortcut to Manus AI on Instagram.
In addition, Meta plans to introduce subscriptions for AI-powered tools such as Vibes, a short-form AI video generation feature built into the Meta AI app. Vibes, which allows users to create and remix AI-generated videos, has been free since its launch but will move to a freemium model, offering limited access with paid options for additional video creation.
While details of paid features for Facebook and WhatsApp are still unclear, Paluzzi noted that Instagram’s subscription could include features such as unlimited audience lists, the ability to see followers who do not follow back, and the option to view Stories anonymously.
Meta clarified that the new subscriptions will be separate from Meta Verified, its existing paid service for creators and businesses, which offers benefits such as verification badges, direct support, impersonation protection and enhanced visibility.
The company added that insights from Meta Verified would help guide the rollout of subscription services to everyday users, creators and businesses.
However, analysts have warned that subscription fatigue could be a challenge, as users already face growing monthly digital expenses.
Meta pointed to rival platform Snapchat, whose Snapchat+ service, priced from $3.99 per month, has attracted over 16 million subscribers.
Meta said it will rely on user feedback as it begins testing and gradually rolling out the new subscription services in the coming months.
