Highlights
- Meta to test paid subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
- It will be offering exclusive tools, AI features, and creative controls while keeping core functions free.
- Manus AI integration will play a central role with freemium access to Vibes AI video generation and more.
Meta is preparing to test premium subscription plans across its major apps including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. A TechCrunch report based on word directly from Meta reveals that subscriptions are expected to unlock exclusive features on these popular apps. Users can expect to get features focused on productivity, creativity and expansion of AI capabilities. Here’s more on that.
Premium Experiences Coming Soon on Meta Apps
According to the report, Meta said that in the coming months it will begin offering paid experiences on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp that provide access to special tools and greater control over how users share content and connect with others.
The company emphasised that the core functionality of each app will remain free.
Meta also noted that it is not committing to a single subscription strategy. Instead, it plans to experiment with different subscription features and bundles with each app offering its own unique set of premium capabilities.
Manus AI to Play a Key Role in Subscription Plans
As part of its subscription push, Meta plans to scale Manus, the AI agent it recently acquired for a reported $2 billion. The company is taking a two-pronged approach with Manus by integrating it into Meta’s products while also continuing to sell standalone subscriptions to businesses.
Signs of this integration are already emerging. Meta has reportedly been working on adding a shortcut for Manus AI within Instagram, according to a screenshot shared by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who is known for uncovering features still in development.
Meta also intends to test subscriptions tied specifically to AI-powered features including Vibes video generation. Vibes is Meta’s short-form AI video experience built into the Meta AI app, allowing users to create and remix AI-generated videos.
While Vibes has been free since its launch last year, Meta now plans to introduce a freemium model. Users will get limited access to video creation for free with the option to subscribe for additional AI video generation opportunities each month.
Instagram Subscription Features Leak
Although Meta has not yet detailed what paid features will be offered on WhatsApp and Facebook, a recent leak has shed some light. Developer Alessandro Paluzzi @alex193a on X has shared insights into what the Instagram subscription may include.
According to him, premium Instagram users could get access to unlimited audience lists, see a list of followers who don’t follow them back, and view Stories anonymously without the original poster knowing they were viewed.
👆🏻 #Instagram is working on a new paid subscription** that will offer new perks, including the ability to create unlimited audience lists, see the list of followers who don’t follow you back and sneak a peek at a story without showing that you’ve viewed it 👀 pic.twitter.com/cQp6xUEzOY
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) January 22, 2026
Paid Plans To Be Separate From Meta Verified
Meta clarified that these new subscriptions will be separate from Meta Verified. The company said it plans to apply lessons learned from Meta Verified to expand its subscription business with offerings aimed at everyday users, creators and businesses.
Meta Verified primarily targets creators and businesses, offering benefits such as a verified badge, 24/7 direct support, impersonation protection, search optimisation, exclusive stickers and more. Since these features are not designed for regular users, the upcoming subscriptions are expected to cater to a much broader audience.
The introduction of new paid plans could help Meta diversify and grow its revenue streams. However, the company may face challenges due to subscription fatigue as users are already juggling multiple paid services each month. To succeed, Meta will need to make its subscriptions compelling enough to justify the additional cost.
Snap has already demonstrated demand for paid social media features. Its Snapchat+ subscription, which starts at $3.99 per month, has surpassed 16 million subscribers, more than doubling since early 2024.
Rollout and User Feedback
Meta said it plans to actively listen to user feedback as it begins rolling out these subscriptions over the next few months. The company will be using community input to refine and shape its premium offerings.
FAQs
Q1. What apps will Meta’s new paid subscriptions cover?
Answer. Meta plans to test premium subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, offering exclusive features.
Q2. What kind of features will these Meta apps paid subscriptions include?
Answer. They will unlock tools focused on productivity, creativity, and expanded AI capabilities, including Manus AI and Vibes video generation.
Q3. How are these paid Meta subscriptions different from Meta Verified?
Answer. Unlike Meta Verified, which targets creators and businesses, the new subscriptions are designed for a broader audience of everyday users, creators, and businesses.
Also Read –
https://www.mymobileindia.com/meta-announces-rollout-of-ads-on-threads-worldwide-starting-next-week/