Meta Platforms has begun testing a new subscription called Instagram Plus, giving daily users access to exclusive content as the company expands its reach into paid social media tools, according to a. TechCrunch reports.
The test follows previous plans to introduce subscriptions to its core apps, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
Instagram Plus brings a number of features aimed at improving the way users interact with Stories. Subscribers can view Stories without revealing the image, which has been requested for a long time, and can also see how many people have viewed their Stories. The update also expands audience controls by allowing users to create more diverse lists than the existing Close Friends option.
Other features include extending the life of a Story by another 24 hours, checking the Story once a week for visibility, and sending containers such as Superlike. Users can also search the News viewer list, making it easy to see if other accounts have viewed the content.
The subscription is being tested in select markets, including Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines, with prices starting at about $1 to $2 per month, depending on the region. The product is different from Meta Verified, which targets creators and businesses, showing that Instagram Plus is designed to monetize everyday users and not premium accounts.
The move comes as the social network is experimenting with subscription strategies to generate more revenue than advertising. Snapchat has seen some flirting with Snapchat+, which recently surpassed 25 million subscribers, while platforms like X have also introduced paid segments with basic features.
Meta said it will continue to test Instagram Plus before deciding on a larger rollout. These results can determine whether users are willing to pay for advanced features as subscription fatigue is a major concern for digital platforms.
