Meta Launches Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Subscriptions, with AI Plans on the Horizon

['Meta is doubling down on its subscription offerings, announcing the global rollout of consumer subscription plans for its flagship apps, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The company is also beginning tests of new subscriptions for businesses, creators, and Meta AI users. For a few dollars per month, consumers can subscribe to Instagram Plus ($3.99/mo), Facebook Plus ($3.99/mo), or WhatsApp Plus ($2.99/mo) to gain access to extra features, such as profile customization, super reactions, and story insights.', "The new 'Plus' plans are tailored to each individual app, with Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus focused on social expression, while WhatsApp Plus focuses on personalization and messaging.

According to Naomi Gleit, Meta's head of product, 'more fun features' will be added in the future. The company confirmed it was planning a subscription offering earlier this year, with initial tests rolling out in the spring.", "The new plans don't replace Meta's existing offering, Meta Verified, which is focused on verification, impersonation protection, and extra support. The Instagram Plus plan gives subscribers access to extra features, such as the ability to see how many people have rewatched their Story, create unlimited audience lists for Stories, and spotlight a story once a week for additional views.

Facebook Plus offers a similar set of features, while WhatsApp Plus offers features like app themes, custom ringtones, and additional pinned chats.", 'Meta will also begin testing AI-focused plans, including Meta One Plus ($7.99/mo) and Meta One Premium ($19.99/mo), which offer additional compute capacity and features like video and image generation. The AI plans will start testing next month in Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia. Additionally, the company will test two plans for creators and businesses, Meta One Essential ($14.99/mo) and Meta One Advanced ($49.99/mo), which offer features like verification, enhanced linksheets, and optimized scheduling tools.', "The Meta One Advanced plan includes benefits like being featured in the Facebook feed, appearing higher in Facebook and Instagram search results, and gaining attention with a bold 'Follow' button on Reels.

Gleit acknowledged that Meta is still experimenting with these AI and professional plans but aims to bring them all together under Meta One, where they will continue to be updated and expanded over time."]