Meta rolls out paid plans globally

Meta Platforms has commenced the global rollout of subscription plans across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp as the company seeks to diversify revenue sources beyond digital advertising.

The company announced the introduction of consumer-focused “Plus” plans that provide users with additional features including profile customisation, super reactions and story insights.

Under the new structure, users can subscribe to Instagram Plus, Facebook Plus or WhatsApp Plus for monthly fees ranging from $2.99 to $3.99 depending on the platform.

Meta’s Head of Product, Naomi Gleit, said more features would be introduced in the future as part of the subscription offering.

She explained that the plans are targeted at creators and heavy users seeking deeper engagement tools and expanded functionality across Meta’s social platforms.

The company also disclosed plans to begin testing additional offerings, including professional subscription plans for creators and businesses as well as AI-focused plans for users.

According to Meta, the new offerings will operate under a broader subscription platform branded “Meta One.”

Meta said it would begin testing two AI subscription plans priced at $7.99 and $19.99 monthly for users of its Meta AI system.

The premium AI package is expected to offer higher computing capacity for complex queries, improved reasoning capabilities and expanded image and video generation features across Meta platforms.

Testing for the AI subscription plans is scheduled to begin next month in selected markets including Singapore, Guatemala and Bolivia.

The company clarified that the new subscription plans would not replace its existing Meta Verified service, which focuses on verification, impersonation protection and enhanced customer support.

Meta said Instagram Plus subscribers would gain access to features such as audience rewatch insights for stories, unlimited story audience lists beyond the Close Friends feature and the ability to spotlight stories for additional views.

Subscribers will also be able to extend stories beyond 24 hours, preview stories anonymously, search story viewer lists and post directly to their profile highlights without appearing on followers’ feeds.

Additional features include Super Heart animated reactions for stories, custom app icons, profile bio font customisation and extra profile pins.

Facebook Plus will provide similar features to Instagram Plus, while WhatsApp Plus will offer custom themes, personalised ringtones, additional pinned chats, list customisation and premium stickers.

The rollout forms part of Meta’s broader strategy to expand subscription-based revenue streams alongside its traditional advertising business.