Meta tests "Instagram Plus" with new premium features
Meta has started testing an Instagram subscription. It offers exclusive story features and new options for increased visibility.
Meta is testing an Instagram subscription in initial countries.
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Meta is currently testing a paid subscription for Instagram in some countries. In recent days, reports have emerged that the subscription, called “Instagram Plus,” is available in countries such as Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. Meta has since confirmed the tests to TechCrunch without naming a list of countries. It is therefore possible that the offer is currently being tested in other countries as well.
Prices vary by region: In Mexico, the subscription costs 39 pesos per month (around 1.9 euros), in Japan 319 yen (around 1.7 euros), and in the Philippines 65 pesos (around 0.9 euros). Meta wants to continue testing the Instagram subscription further before making it more widely available.
More Story Options
According to reports so far, Instagram Plus unlocks a range of exclusive features. These include, among other things, the ability to view stories without the creator noticing. Users also gain insight into how often their stories have been rewatched. In the future, any number of target group lists can be created for the distribution of stories. Content can thus be specifically played out to different follower groups.
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Furthermore, stories can remain visible for 48 instead of 24 hours and be highlighted once a week to increase their reach. The offer is supplemented by animated “Superlikes” for other stories. The viewer overview is also expanded: subscribers can search for individual people in the list specifically instead of going through it manually.
New Social Media Subscriptions Target the Masses
The tests follow two months after the announcement that Meta plans subscriptions for Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. There are also initial reports about WhatsApp Plus. According to these, it is mainly supposed to offer additional design options, exclusive stickers and ringtones, as well as more pinned chats. However, nothing is known about concrete tests so far. There are currently no details about a Facebook subscription.
Instagram Plus differs from previous Meta paid offers in that it targets a broader audience. With Meta Verified, the company already offers a subscription for creators and businesses, allowing them to verify their identity and secure a blue checkmark and better support. Prices start at 12 US dollars per month.
In addition, Meta offers an ad-free subscription for Facebook and Instagram in Europe, which also includes certain areas of WhatsApp. It is available from around 6 euros per month and removes personalized advertising, but does not unlock any additional features.
(kbe)
