Meta is preparing to test a new set of paid subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, a move that could change how users interact with the company’s platforms. The confirmation was shared with TechCrunch, where Meta said the upcoming subscriptions will unlock exclusive features while keeping the core experience of all three apps free.
According to Meta, the premium plans will focus on productivity tools, creative controls and especially on expanded AI capabilities.
This is how the company is trying to reduce its reliance on advertising revenue. However, users will not know the exact pricing until the tests appear inside the apps themselves.
ALSO READ | Govt pilots hybrid ATMs to tackle small currency note crunch amid UPI push
Separate subscriptions, no bundled plan
Meta has clarified that there will be no single subscription covering all three platforms. Instead, each app will have its own paid functions, with features designed around how people typically use that service. Over the next few months, Meta plans to experiment with different feature combinations and pricing models, underlining that this rollout is still in a testing phase.
Early details are most visible on Instagram. Leaks suggest the platform may offer premium tools such as unlimited audience lists, insights into followers who do not follow back, and the ability to view Stories anonymously. While Meta has not officially confirmed these features, they appear aimed at everyday users rather than creators alone.
For Facebook and WhatsApp, the exact details remain unclear. Meta has not yet revealed what paid features might look like on those platforms, nor whether there will be multiple subscription tiers.
ALSO READ | iPhone 18 Pro leaks: A new chip and split launch could mark Apple’s biggest upgrade in years
How this differs from Meta Verified
Meta has linked the push for paid subscriptions to its broader expansion plans, particularly around AI. The company referenced more advanced AI capabilities and products such as Manus and the Vibes video creation feature, which already follow a freemium model with usage limits for non-paying users.
The company also stressed that these new subscriptions are not an extension of Meta Verified. Meta Verified will continue to target creators and businesses, offering benefits such as verification badges, customer support and impersonation protection. The upcoming subscriptions, by contrast, are meant for everyday users who want greater control, privacy or creative flexibility, rather than a blue tick.
