Meta plans paid premium subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp

For additional features on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, Meta plans paid subscriptions. Details are still unknown and likely not yet finalized.

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The apps of Facebook, WhatsApp, the Facebook Messenger and Instagram on a smartphone

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2 min. read

Meta is planning paid subscription offers for Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, through which regular users can unlock additional features. The US company has explained this to the online magazine TechCrunch, without providing details. An expert who often discovers new features in the source code of applications in advance has meanwhile compiled that with the subscription on Instagram. For example, it should be possible to see who you are following without the account following you back. Furthermore, it would be possible to briefly view another person's story without them being informed. Which functions Meta wants to make paid for WhatsApp and Facebook, on the other hand, is still unclear.

TechCrunch summarizes that Meta speaks of a "premium experience" on the three platforms, which should include more control over how one connects with others and how one shares content. However, the company does not yet seem to have a final strategy, instead various models and subscription offers are to be tested. Each subscription is intended to bring "its own exclusive features." Independently of this, there will also be paid AI subscriptions that unlock additional options for video generation with Meta Vibes, for example.

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The planned premium subscriptions would not be Meta's first paid offers, but so far they have not been aimed at the general user base. Meta Verified is intended for creators who can verify their identity on Facebook or Instagram and secure a blue checkmark and better support. This costs 14 euros per month in the standard tariff, with three further offers being pricier. You can also pay for Facebook and Instagram if you want to use both services without ads, which costs 6 euros in the browser and 8 euros per month in the apps for iOS and Android. The new subscriptions are now intended to appeal to a significantly larger target group, and according to TechCrunch, Meta also intends to incorporate feedback into the design.

(mho)

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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.