Meta has initiated testing for a premium subscription service on Instagram, named Instagram Plus, in select regions, as confirmed by the company to TechCrunch. This move follows Meta’s recent announcement of plans to experiment with new subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
One of the key features of Instagram Plus is the option to view Stories anonymously, allowing users to watch without the poster being notified. Subscribers can also track the number of viewers of their own Stories, Meta revealed in a statement to TechCrunch.
Moreover, subscribers gain the ability to create unlimited audience lists for their Stories, surpassing the traditional Close Friends list. This feature enables users to segment followers into various lists, enhancing customization for Story sharing beyond broad or limited groups.
Additionally, subscribers can extend the lifespan of a Story by 24 hours, highlight a Story once a week for increased visibility, send animated ‘Superlikes,’ and quickly search their Story viewer list for specific individuals.
Although Meta has not disclosed the specific countries involved in the testing, social media reports suggest that the premium subscription is undergoing trials in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines.
Pricing for Instagram Plus varies by location, with reported costs of approximately $2.20 USD per month in Mexico, around $2 USD per month in Japan, and roughly $1.07 USD per month in the Philippines based on user-shared screenshots.
Source: TechCrunch