Social Media Giants Roll Out Premium Subscription Testing

Meta is set to roll out new premium subscription options for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp in the near future. These subscriptions will offer users access to enhanced AI capabilities and extra features, as reported by TechCrunch. The aim is to provide premium users with increased control over their sharing and connections, promoting productivity and creativity.

The basic services of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp will remain free of charge, with the new premium subscriptions being separate from the existing Meta Verified service introduced in 2023. Meta plans to test various subscription features and bundles, each app subscription offering a unique set of exclusive capabilities. The pricing details for these upcoming subscription plans are currently undisclosed.

One of the features under experimentation is Vibes, an AI-generated short-form video experience integrated into the Meta AI app. While Vibes has been free since its launch in September 2025, Meta is considering transitioning to a freemium model, where certain video creation options will be available only to paid subscribers. Additionally, Manus, the suite of general AI agents acquired by Meta for $2 billion in December, will form part of the subscription plans. Meta will integrate Manus into its products and offer it as a standalone subscription for businesses.

A leaked integration by Alessandro Paluzzi reveals a shortcut to Manus AI on Instagram, with a description inviting users to “research, create, and build with Manus.” The premium subscription for Instagram may provide features like creating unlimited audience lists, identifying accounts you follow that don’t reciprocate, and discreetly viewing Stories. Details on the premium subscriptions for WhatsApp and Facebook are yet to be disclosed.

Meta’s introduction of premium subscription plans is likely a strategic move to recoup investments made in AI technology. While other AI providers charge for advanced model access, Meta’s Llama family has remained open-source and free. The challenge now is to convince users of the value of AI features on social media platforms enough to justify the subscription costs.