Meta to Test Paid Subscriptions Across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp
New premium plans to unlock advanced AI tools while keeping core services free
Meta is set to trial premium subscription services for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp in the coming months, marking its latest push to monetise its platforms beyond advertising.
Under the proposed plans, users who opt to pay will gain access to a range of enhanced feature including expanded artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. On the other hand the core services of the platforms will remain free to use. The move reflects Meta’s growing focus on AI-driven products and paid digital services as it seeks new revenue streams.
Among the features expected to be included in the subscriptions is access to Meta’s Vibes video generation app, which the company says can “bring your ideas to life with new AI visual creation tools.” However, Vibes was unveiled in September as part of the latest update to the Meta AI app and is positioned as a creative tool for content creators and everyday users alike.
Meta also plans to integrate Manus, a Chinese-founded AI firm it agreed to acquire in December for a reported $2 billion (£1.46 billion), into its subscription offerings. Manus will, however, continue to offer standalone subscriptions for business users.
At the time of the acquisition, Meta said Manus would strengthen its AI ecosystem by providing access to so-called “agents” — tools capable of performing complex tasks such as planning trips or creating presentations with minimal user interaction. Manus claims its technology is “truly autonomous,” setting it apart from many chatbots that require repeated prompts to complete tasks.
Now based in Singapore after relocating from China, Manus has drawn regulatory scrutiny. In January, Beijing said it would investigate the Meta-Manus deal to determine whether it violated China’s technology export laws or national security regulations.
Meta’s experimentation with paid features is not new. Last year, Facebook tested limits on the number of links some users could share in posts, with notifications in the UK and US suggesting higher limits could be unlocked through a subscription. The company described the move as a limited test to assess whether increased link-sharing capacity adds value for paying users.
In 2023, Meta also rolled out paid verification services on Facebook and Instagram, allowing users to obtain a blue tick for a monthly fee, a move that signalled its broader shift toward subscription-based offerings.
The upcoming trials suggest Meta is doubling down on AI-powered premium services as it reshapes its platforms for the next phase of digital engagement.