Meta is preparing a new way for people to use Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp by adding paid subscription plans. These plans focus on giving users more creative tools, better productivity features, and deeper AI access, while the main apps stay free for everyone.
TechCrunch reported that Meta will begin testing these subscriptions in the coming months. The company said the goal is to offer users “more control over how they share and connect, while keeping the core experiences free.”
What these new subscriptions include
Meta plans to give each app its own set of paid features. That means Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp will not share a single package. Instead, Meta will test different bundles and adjust them based on how people use the apps.
On Instagram, early tests point to features such as:
- Unlimited audience lists
- A list of followers who do not follow you back
- The option to view Stories without the poster knowing you watched them
Paid tools on Facebook and WhatsApp are expected to offer similar control and privacy features, although Meta has not shared full details yet.
AI tools play a big role
Meta also plans to bring its new AI agent, Manus, into these subscriptions. The company recently bought Manus for about $2 billion and now wants to scale it across its products.
TechCrunch said Meta will take a “two fold approach” to Manus. The company will add it to Meta apps for regular users, while also selling it as a separate service for businesses.
At the same time, Meta will keep working on AI video tools. One key feature is Vibes, an AI-powered video tool that lets people create and remix short videos. Vibes has been free so far, but Meta now plans to offer freemium access, where users can pay to unlock more video creation options each month.
How this differs from Meta Verified
These new subscriptions will not replace Meta Verified. Meta Verified targets creators and businesses and includes a badge, direct support, and protection from impersonation.
Meta said it wants to use what it learned from Meta Verified to build something broader that works for everyday users, not just creators or brands.
Why Meta is doing this
Meta wants to grow its subscription business. Other social platforms have already shown that people will pay for extra features.
Snapchat+ costs $3.99 per month and now has more than 16 million subscribers. That success shows there is demand for paid social tools, even though many users already feel tired of paying for too many subscriptions.
Meta says it will listen to user feedback as it rolls out these plans and adjust the features based on what people actually want.
