Meta tests premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp



Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and more, has revealed plans for a new subscription service that will expand its AI capabilities and improve productivity and creativity.

Meta to test premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/meta-to-test-premium-subscriptions-on-instagram-facebook-and-whatsapp/

Meta told TechCrunch that it plans to launch subscriptions that will offer premium experiences on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp in the coming months.

While the core features of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are free, subscribers gain access to special features and more control over how they share and connect.

Meta, meanwhile, isn't sticking to a specific strategy and says it's testing different subscription features and bundles, with each app subscription offering its own unique set of features.

Meta also announced that it plans to offer Manus, an AI agent acquired for $2 billion (approximately 310 billion yen), as part of its subscription plans.

Meta acquires Chinese-founded AI startup 'Manus' for a total of over 310 billion yen - GIGAZINE



Meta is taking a dual approach with Manus, integrating it into the Meta product while continuing to sell it as a standalone subscription for businesses. Meta is also working on adding a shortcut to Manus AI on Instagram, according to screenshots shared by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who is known for frequently discovering unreleased features in development.




Meta plans to test subscriptions for AI features such as Vibes , a new AI video feed in the Meta AI app. Vibes is not just a video feed, but also allows users to create short videos using AI. Vibes has been offered free of charge since its release in 2025. However, Meta plans to offer some of Vibes' video creation features for a fee in the future, with subscription options offering additional video creation features each month.

It's unclear what paid features WhatsApp and Facebook will offer, but Paluzzi noted that Instagram's new subscriptions will allow users to create unlimited audience lists, see a list of followers who don't follow back, and the option to view stories without the poster knowing they've viewed them.

It's important to note that the new subscription service will be separate from Meta Verified , which Meta explains will leverage what it has learned from Meta Verified to incorporate services desired by consumers, creators, and businesses into its subscription business.

Meta announces 'Meta Verified,' a paid service that allows users to get Facebook and Instagram verification badges for 1,600 yen per month - GIGAZINE



While launching new subscriptions could help Meta generate more revenue, it could also lead to subscription fatigue for users.

Meta plans to begin rolling out subscriptions in the coming months, but also said it will be listening to its user community and gathering feedback.

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