Patna: Meta has unveiled a series of paid subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, introducing premium features aimed at creators, businesses and regular users. The company is gradually rolling out the plans globally, including in India.
The new subscription tiers, branded as “Plus” plans, will include additional tools and exclusive features not available to free users. Meta has also introduced premium AI plans and business-focused subscriptions as it expands its revenue streams beyond advertising.
Pricing Yet to Be Confirmed for India
According to reports, Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus subscriptions are expected to cost $3.99 per month, roughly Rs 387. WhatsApp Plus may cost around $2.99 per month, or approximately Rs 290.
Meta has not yet announced official pricing or launch dates for the Indian market.
Instagram Plus to Offer Story and Profile Features
A report by TechCrunch stated that Instagram Plus subscribers will receive access to several advanced Story features.
These include the ability to see how many times a Story has been re-watched, create unlimited Story audience lists and view Stories anonymously without appearing in the viewer list.
Users will also be able to keep Stories visible for longer than 24 hours and “Spotlight” one Story each week to increase visibility.
Additional features include searching within the Story viewer list and adding posts directly to Profiles and Highlights without publishing them to followers’ feeds.
Meta is also introducing cosmetic customisation options such as animated reactions, custom app icons, profile pins and special bio fonts for Plus subscribers.
WhatsApp Plus Focuses on Personalisation
WhatsApp Plus has been designed around messaging customisation and premium chat features.
The subscription is expected to include custom themes, exclusive stickers, unique ringtones, additional pinned chats and advanced chat list management tools.
Naomi Gleit, Meta’s Head of Product, said the company plans to introduce more entertainment and customisation features in future updates.
Separate From Meta Verified
Meta said the new subscription plans will remain distinct from Meta Verified, the company’s existing paid verification service.
Meta Verified currently offers identity verification, protection against impersonation and access to customer support.
Meta Launches Paid AI Subscription Plans
Alongside its social media subscriptions, Meta has also introduced paid AI plans under the “Meta One” branding.
The Meta One Plus plan is expected to cost $7.99 per month, or around Rs 775, and is aimed at users who frequently use AI-powered image generation and video tools.
The Meta One Premium plan, priced at $19.99 per month, or roughly Rs 1,939, will provide higher usage limits and additional AI capabilities.
Meta said the standard AI chatbot will continue to remain free for general users, although premium access may be required for heavier usage.
Creator and Business Plans Announced
The company has also launched dedicated subscription plans for creators and businesses.
The Meta One Essential plan, priced at $14.99 per month, is expected to include account verification, protection against fake accounts and enhanced profile promotion tools.
Meanwhile, the Meta One Advanced plan will cost $49.99 per month and target influencers and businesses requiring advanced audience and management features.
The higher-tier plan includes priority placement in Facebook feeds and search results, advanced analytics, multi-moderator controls and a more prominent “Follow” button on Reels.
Human Customer Support Added
Meta said premium business subscribers will also gain access to direct human customer support.
The move addresses long-standing complaints from creators and small businesses about delays and difficulties in resolving account-related issues through automated systems.
The company also plans to introduce alerts for users when their original content is reposted without credit.
Shift Towards Subscription-Based Social Media
The introduction of these paid plans reflects Meta’s broader strategy to diversify revenue as investment in AI and platform development increases.
Industry analysts believe the move could gradually create a clearer distinction between free and paid experiences across Meta’s platforms if adoption grows in key markets.
