 |
| Image:X |
Technology giant Meta has announced plans to begin testing paid subscription services across its major platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, in a move aimed at offering users access to exclusive features while keeping core services free.
According to a report by TechCrunch, Meta said the upcoming subscriptions would introduce premium tools designed to give users more control over how they share content, interact with others and manage their online presence.
The company stressed that the main experiences on its platforms would remain accessible to all users at no cost.
“In the coming months, Meta will offer a premium experience on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp that gives users access to special features and more control over how they share and connect, while keeping the core experiences free,” the company said.
Meta revealed that it plans to experiment with different subscription models and feature bundles, noting that each app will offer its own set of exclusive benefits tailored to user needs.
While specific pricing details have not yet been announced, the company said it will rely heavily on user feedback as it rolls out the tests.
As part of its broader subscription strategy, Meta also disclosed plans to scale Manus, an AI agent it recently acquired for a reported $2 billion.
Manus is expected to be integrated into Meta’s platforms, while standalone subscriptions will continue to be available for businesses. Screenshots shared by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi suggest Meta is already working on adding a shortcut to Manus AI within Instagram.
In addition, Meta plans to introduce subscriptions for AI-powered tools such as Vibes, a short-form AI video generation feature built into the Meta AI app. Vibes allows users to create and remix AI-generated videos and has been free since its launch last year.
Under the new model, the tool will move to a freemium structure, offering limited free usage with paid options for additional video creation each month.
While details surrounding paid features for Facebook and WhatsApp remain unclear, Paluzzi noted that Instagram’s subscription could include tools such as unlimited audience lists, the ability to see followers who do not follow back, and the option to view Stories anonymously.
Meta clarified that these new subscriptions will be separate from Meta Verified, its existing paid service for creators and businesses.
Meta Verified currently offers benefits including a verified badge, impersonation protection, direct customer support, search optimisation and exclusive stickers. The company said insights gained from Meta Verified would help guide the expansion of subscriptions to everyday users, creators and businesses.
However, industry analysts have warned that subscription fatigue could pose a challenge, as users increasingly face pressure from multiple monthly digital payments.
Meta pointed to the success of rival platform Snapchat, whose Snapchat+ service, starting at $3.99 per month, has reportedly surpassed 16 million subscribers.
Meta said it will continue to gather feedback as it begins testing and gradually rolling out the new subscription offerings in the coming months.
#ExclusiveUpdate
#ViralContent
No comments:
Post a Comment