Meta Platforms Tests ‘Instagram Plus’ Subscription With Premium Features
The subscription will offer users access to a range of exclusive features on Instagram.
Meta Platforms has begun testing a new premium subscription service, Instagram Plus, in select markets as it looks to expand revenue streams beyond advertising, TechCrunch reported.
The subscription, currently being trialed in countries including Mexico, Japan and the Philippines, offers users access to a range of exclusive features on Instagram.
Among the key additions is the ability to view Stories anonymously, allowing users to watch posts without notifying the creator. Subscribers can also see how many times their own Stories have been rewatched.
Other features include the option to create multiple custom audience lists for Stories, extending beyond the standard Close Friends list, as well as the ability to keep Stories live for up to 48 hours. Users can also “spotlight” a Story once a week to boost its visibility and send animated “Superlikes” to other users’ posts.
Pricing varies by region, with reports indicating the service costs the equivalent of $1 to $2 per month in test markets.
The move follows Meta’s earlier plans to introduce subscription-based offerings across its platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp. Unlike Meta Verified, which targets creators and businesses with features such as verification badges, Instagram Plus is aimed at everyday users.
The test comes as social media companies increasingly explore subscription models. Rivals such as Snapchat have found success with premium tiers, while platforms like X have also rolled out paid features.
Meta said it will continue testing Instagram Plus before deciding on a broader rollout, amid mixed user reactions and concerns over subscription fatigue.
