Meta has started testing a premium subscription on Instagram in a few countries. This move is significant as it marks a shift towards a paid model for the popular social media platform. Instagram Plus, as the subscription is called, will offer users exclusive features not available to free users. Among the premium features are the ability to view a Story without the poster knowing, see how many people have rewatched their own Stories, and create unlimited audience lists for Stories.
The premium subscription is separate from Meta Verified, which is aimed at content creators and businesses. Instagram Plus is designed for everyday users and will allow them to customize who sees each Story by grouping followers into different lists. Subscribers will also be able to extend their Story for an extra 24 hours, choose to spotlight a Story, and give an animated "Superlike" on others' Stories.
While Meta didn't share which countries it's testing the premium subscription in, social media reports indicate that it's being tested in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. Pricing varies by country, with the subscription costing MX$39 per month in Mexico, ¥319 per month in Japan, and PHP 65 per month in the Philippines.
The move to a paid model is a sign that Meta is looking to generate more revenue from its platforms. However, it remains to be seen how users will react to the introduction of a premium subscription on Instagram. Some users have already expressed their displeasure with the subscription offering, citing subscription fatigue.
