Instagram may be exploring a new subscription option that offers users additional features on the platform. According to TechCrunch, Meta has begun testing a premium tier called “Instagram Plus” in a few countries. The company later confirmed the test to Agence France-Presse, although it has not shared a full list of where it’s currently available.
Photo: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash
Reports indicate that the test includes countries such as Japan, Mexico, and the Philippines, with pricing varying by region. Screenshots shared online suggest it may cost around ₱65 per month locally, or roughly $1–$2 in other markets.
The subscription focuses largely on expanding how users interact with Instagram Stories.
One of the more talked-about features is the ability to view stories without the poster knowing. Since story views are typically visible to the person who uploaded them, this would offer a more private way to browse content.
Subscribers may also get access to additional insights, such as seeing how many people rewatched their own Stories.
The test includes more customization tools for sharing Stories. Users could create multiple audience lists—going beyond the current “Close Friends” option—to better control who sees each post.
Photo: June Aye/Unsplash
Other features being explored include extending a Story’s visibility for an extra 24 hours, spotlighting a Story once a week to boost its placement, and reacting with an animated “Superlike.” There’s also a search function that lets users quickly check whether a specific person has viewed their Story.
Meta noted that this subscription is separate from Meta Verified, which is designed for creators and businesses. Instead, Instagram Plus appears to be geared toward general users who want more control and flexibility in their everyday use of the app.
The move comes as Meta continues to experiment with subscription-based features across its platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp. It also follows the company’s earlier rollout of ad-free paid options in select regions, such as the United Kingdom.
Other platforms have taken a similar approach. Snapchat, for instance, offers Snapchat+, which has reportedly reached over 25 million subscribers, while X (formerly Twitter) has long offered premium features.
As with many tests, it’s unclear if or when Instagram Plus will roll out more broadly. Meta says it plans to continue refining the subscription before making any decisions about a wider release.
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