New Delhi, May 29: Meta is expanding beyond its advertising-led business model with the global rollout of paid subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, offering premium features and advanced customisation tools to paying users.
The company has introduced Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus at $3.99 per month and WhatsApp Plus at $2.99 per month, though India-specific pricing has not yet been announced. The move reflects Meta’s broader strategy to diversify revenue streams through subscription-based digital services.
According to reports, Instagram Plus subscribers will gain access to exclusive Story analytics and visibility tools, including rewatch insights, unlimited Story audience lists, anonymous Story previews and extended Story duration beyond the standard 24-hour limit. Users will also be able to spotlight one Story weekly for greater reach and search through Story viewer lists.
The premium tier further introduces custom profile features and cosmetic upgrades, such as animated “Super Heart” reactions, customised bio fonts, app icons and expanded profile pinning options. Subscribers can also post directly to profiles and highlights without displaying posts in followers’ feeds.
Facebook Plus is expected to provide similar engagement and personalisation tools, while WhatsApp Plus focuses on messaging customisation. Premium WhatsApp users will gain access to custom chat themes, exclusive ringtones, premium stickers, additional pinned chats and enhanced list management tools.
Meta’s Head of Product Naomi Gleit indicated that the company plans to add more premium features over time, signalling an evolving subscription ecosystem.
Meta clarified that the new offerings are separate from Meta Verified, its existing paid verification service focused on identity authentication, impersonation protection and customer support.
The company is simultaneously expanding into AI-focused subscriptions under the “Meta One” ecosystem, which will eventually integrate AI, creator and business-oriented premium tools as Meta deepens its push into recurring digital revenue models.
