Meta has begun testing a new premium subscription on Instagram called Instagram Plus, introducing a paid tier that offers additional Story-focused features for users in a limited number of countries.
TL;DR
- Meta is testing a paid Instagram subscription called Instagram Plus.
- The tier focuses on enhanced Story features and controls.
- Features include stealth viewing, rewatch counts, and extended Story visibility.
- The test is limited to select countries, with no global rollout confirmed.
Meta has started testing a premium subscription tier on Instagram named Instagram Plus, as confirmed to TechCrunch. The test introduces a set of paid features primarily centered around Instagram Stories, rather than altering the core experience of the app.
The subscription includes several new capabilities. Users can view Stories without notifying the creator, offering a form of private or stealth viewing. Subscribers can also access rewatch counts, allowing them to see how many times their Stories have been viewed again by others.
Additional features include the ability to create unlimited audience lists, expanding beyond the current Close Friends functionality. Users can also extend the visibility of a Story for an additional 24 hours beyond the standard duration.
The test further includes a feature that allows users to highlight one Story per week, increasing its visibility within followers’ Story feeds. Other tools reported include the ability to send a Superlike on Stories and search within the list of viewers for a specific account.
Meta stated that the subscription is currently being tested in a small number of countries. While the company did not officially disclose the regions, TechCrunch reported that users in markets such as Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines have observed the feature.
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Pricing also varies by region. According to screenshots cited by TechCrunch, the subscription is priced at MX$39 per month in Mexico, ¥319 per month in Japan, and PHP 65 per month in the Philippines.
Meta clarified that Instagram Plus is separate from its existing Meta Verified subscription. Meta Verified is designed for creators and businesses, offering features such as account verification, impersonation protection, and access to support.
In contrast, Instagram Plus is focused on introducing product features for general users, particularly around content sharing and interaction within Stories.
At this stage, Meta has not announced any plans for a wider rollout or provided additional details on availability beyond the current test markets.
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