Meta to test premium subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp

Meta Platforms is gearing up to launch new subscription options for its popular applications, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, as detailed in a recent TechCrunch report. A Meta spokesperson confirmed that these upcoming subscription services aim to enhance user productivity and creativity by providing paid subscribers with access to additional features and advanced AI tools. As part of these subscription plans, Meta intends to expand the capabilities of its recently acquired AI agents from Manus, a Singapore-based developer founded in China, which the company purchased for approximately $2 billion last December. This strategic move reflects Meta's ongoing commitment to leveraging AI technology and recouping its significant investments in AI talent and acquisitions from the previous year. While Meta has been developing open-source large language models under the Llama project, these new subscription services will differentiate themselves from existing free offerings. Unlike competitors such as OpenAI and Google, which have premium access to their AI services, Meta's paid plans will introduce exclusive features, including full access to its AI-driven short-form video experience, Vibes. Initially available for free since its launch in 2025, Vibes will maintain a basic free version while offering subscribers enhanced options for a fee. Additionally, it's important to note that these new subscription services will be distinct from Meta Verified, a paid feature introduced in 2023 that provided content creators and businesses with a verified badge, 24/7 support, protection from impersonation, and improved search visibility. As Meta prepares to roll out these subscription models, it has expressed its commitment to engaging with its user community to gather feedback and refine the offerings.