Meta has started testing a premium subscription called Instagram Plus in a few countries, confirmed to TechCrunch. This subscription offers users exclusive features and comes two months after Meta announced plans to test subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
Instagram Plus features include viewing Stories anonymously and seeing the rewatch count on one’s own Stories. Subscribers can create unlimited audience lists for Stories, allowing for more customization beyond the Close Friends list.
Subscribers can extend their Story visibility by 24 additional hours and spotlight a Story weekly to enhance its prominence. They can also send animated “Superlikes” and easily search the Story viewer list for specific viewers.
Meta hasn’t disclosed the specific countries for testing, but user reports suggest Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. The pricing varies, costing MX$39 in Mexico, ¥319 in Japan, and PHP 65 in the Philippines.
This subscription is separate from Meta Verified, which targets creators and businesses with a verified badge and other protections. Instagram Plus caters to everyday users.
Although Meta aims to boost revenue with the new subscriptions, some users express dissatisfaction due to subscription fatigue. Meanwhile, social media platforms like Snapchat and X have shown a demand for such services, with Snapchat+ reaching over 25 million subscribers.
Meta plans to continue testing Instagram Plus before a wider rollout.