Meta Rolls Out Plus Subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
Meta is launching global Plus subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp while testing paid Meta AI tiers that impose limits on free users. The plans introduce new revenue streams after major AI investments by adding story tools, chat pins, and enhanced AI generation.
Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus will cost $3.99 per month. WhatsApp Plus will cost $2.99 per month. These subscriptions will not replace Meta Verified.
The free version of Meta AI will now have usage limits in its Thinking mode and with video and image generation.
Facebook Plus lets users extend Facebook stories so they last for 48 hours instead of 24 hours. Additional features include the ability to pick a unique app icon for the Facebook or Messenger app, send Super Reactions as animated heart reactions on friends’ stories, search the story viewer list by name, see the number of times a story was rewatched, and view a mini preview of stories without showing up as a viewer. Posters are notified that the preview feature exists.
WhatsApp Plus adds the ability to pin up to 20 additional chats and use Premium stickers.
Meta joins other tech companies adjusting subscription plans to generate revenue after substantial AI investments.
For creators and businesses, Meta is testing Meta One Essential at $14.99 per month, which includes the Meta Verified badge. Meta One Advanced costs $49.99 per month and lets subscribers appear higher in search results on Instagram and Facebook. It also allows Instagram creators to offer clickable links in posts and reels. These plans begin testing later this week in countries including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
The new offerings follow Meta's earlier tests of premium subscriptions announced this year. Meta joins other tech companies adjusting subscription plans to generate revenue after substantial AI investments. Google, for example, recently lowered the price of its most expensive subscription and added YouTube Premium.
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