Meta Launches Paid Subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Meta AI
After months of testing, Meta is rolling out premium subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Meta AI globally. The new offerings, reported by TechCrunch and Bloomberg, aim to generate additional revenue following substantial AI investments. This move aligns with industry trends—Google recently adjusted its subscription pricing and added YouTube Premium to attract users. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Meta subscriptions.
Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus: Pricing and Key Features
Both Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus cost $3.99 per month. These plans focus on enhancing story interactions and personalization. Key features include:
- Story Spotlight: Highlight one story per week on Instagram.
- Extended Story Availability: Keep stories live for 48 hours instead of 24 hours on Facebook.
- Story Preview: View stories anonymously (posters are notified this feature exists).
- Super Reactions: Send animated heart reactions on friends’ stories.
- Search Story Viewer List: Find specific viewers by name.
- Story Rewatch Insights: See how many times your story was rewatched.
- Custom App Icon: Change the Facebook or Messenger app icon on your phone.
WhatsApp Plus: Features and Pricing
WhatsApp Plus costs $2.99 per month and includes premium features like the ability to pin up to 20 additional chats and access exclusive Premium stickers. Importantly, these subscriptions do not replace Meta Verified, the paid verification service.
Meta AI Gets Paid Tiers: Meta One Plus and Meta One Premium
Meta is testing two new AI-focused subscription plans. Meta One Plus costs $7.99 per month, while Meta One Premium is priced at $19.99 per month. These plans allow subscribers to generate more images and videos using Meta AI. The free version of Meta AI will now have usage limits in its Thinking mode and for video/image generation. Testing begins next month in Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia.
Meta One Essential and Meta One Advanced for Creators and Businesses
For creators and businesses, Meta is testing two new plans. Meta One Essential costs $14.99 per month and includes the Meta Verified badge. Meta One Advanced costs $49.99 per month and offers perks like higher search result visibility on Instagram and Facebook, plus clickable links in posts and reels for Instagram creators. Testing begins later this week in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
What This Means for Users
Meta’s subscription expansion reflects a broader industry shift toward monetizing AI and premium features. With competitors like Google adjusting their plans, users can expect more tiered options in the future. Whether you’re a casual user or a business, these subscriptions offer enhanced functionality—but at a cost.
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