Meta is rolling out its Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Plus subscription services globally, offering enhanced features for users at prices ranging from $2.99 to $3.99 per month, according to reports from TechCrunch and Bloomberg.
Subscription Features and Pricing
Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus are priced at $3.99 per month. WhatsApp Plus comes at a slightly lower rate of $2.99 per month. Instagram Plus allows users to spotlight a story once per week, extend story availability by 24 hours, and preview others’ stories without being seen as a viewer. Facebook Plus offers extended story durations and various interactive features:
- Pick Your App Icon: Customize the Facebook or Messenger app icon on your device.
- Extend Story Expiration: Stories can last for 48 hours instead of the standard 24.
- Super Reactions: Send animated heart reactions on friends’ stories.
- Search Story Viewer List: Search for specific viewers by name.
- Story Rewatch Insights: Track the number of times a story is rewatched.
- Story Preview: View a mini preview of stories without appearing as a viewer.
WhatsApp Plus adds capabilities such as pinning up to 20 additional chats and using Premium stickers. These subscriptions do not replace Meta's existing paid verification service, Meta Verified.
AI-Focused Subscription Plans
Meta is also testing AI-focused plans with Meta One Plus and Meta One Premium, costing $7.99 and $19.99 per month respectively. These plans provide more options for generating images and videos using Meta AI. The free version of Meta AI will now have restrictions on Thinking mode and video/image generation. Testing begins next month in Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia.
Plans for Creators and Businesses
For creators and businesses, Meta is trialing two new plans: Meta One Essential at $14.99, which includes the Meta Verified badge, and Meta One Advanced at $49.99 per month, offering enhanced search visibility on Instagram and Facebook, and clickable links in Instagram posts and reels. Testing for these plans will start later this week in regions like Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
As Meta continues to expand its subscription offerings globally, these new services reflect the company's strategy to diversify revenue streams following significant investments in AI technology.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/938500/facebook-whatsapp-instagram-meta-ai-subscriptions
