Meta rolls out subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp users globally

Meta Platforms has officially begun rolling out subscription plans across its major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as the tech giant intensifies efforts to diversify its revenue beyond digital advertising.

The new rollout, announced on Wednesday, introduces consumer-focused “Plus” subscription plans that provide users with access to premium features such as profile customization, super reactions, enhanced story insights, and additional engagement tools.

Under the new pricing structure:

Instagram Plus costs between $2.99 and $3.99 monthly
Facebook Plus is priced within the same range
WhatsApp Plus also falls between $2.99 and $3.99 depending on the market and features offered
Meta Introduces Premium Features for Power Users and Creators

Speaking on the launch, Meta’s Head of Product, Naomi Gleit, said the company plans to introduce “more fun features” in the future.

According to her, the subscription plans are designed for users seeking enhanced functionality from Meta’s platforms, especially content creators and heavy users looking for deeper engagement and customization tools.

Meta also revealed plans to begin testing additional premium offerings, including professional subscription plans for creators and businesses, as well as AI-powered subscription services for general users.

These upcoming services will operate under a broader brand called “Meta One,” which will become the company’s central hub for subscription-based products.

Meta Begins Testing AI Subscription Plans

As part of the expansion, Meta is testing two AI subscription plans priced at $7.99 and $19.99 monthly for users of its Meta AI system.

The premium AI tier will provide:

Increased computing power for complex requests
Enhanced reasoning capabilities
Advanced image and video generation features across Meta apps

Testing for the AI plans is expected to begin next month in selected countries, including Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia.

The company clarified that these new subscription services will not replace its existing Meta Verified offering, which focuses on account verification, impersonation protection, and customer support.

Instagram Plus Features

For starters, Instagram Plus subscribers will gain access to several exclusive features, including:

Story rewatch analytics
Unlimited audience lists beyond “Close Friends”
Weekly Story spotlighting for increased visibility
Extended Story duration beyond 24 hours
Anonymous Story previews
Searchable Story viewer lists
Profile-only posts hidden from followers’ feeds
Super Heart animated Story reactions
Custom app icons and profile fonts
Additional profile pins
Facebook Plus and WhatsApp Plus Features

Facebook Plus offers a similar package of customization and engagement tools available on Instagram Plus.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp Plus introduces features such as:

Custom app themes
Personalized ringtones
Additional pinned chats
Chat list customization
Premium stickers and personalization tools
What You Should Know

The move follows a strategy similar to the one introduced by Elon Musk on X.

Back in 2023, Mark Zuckerberg announced paid verification for Facebook and Instagram, converting the once-free blue verification badge into a subscription service costing about $12 per month.

At the time, Zuckerberg explained that the paid verification model was intended to improve authenticity, security, and account protection across Meta’s platforms while also opening new revenue streams for the company.