Instagram Tests “Instagram Plus” Subscription

31st March 2026 Staff Writer

Instagram has begun live testing a new subscription package called “Instagram Plus”, offering creators and power users enhanced tools to boost engagement and content visibility. The program, confirmed to TechCrunch, is currently rolling out in select regions as Meta continues expanding its paid subscription offerings beyond the existing Meta Verified tier.

The initial Instagram Plus package focuses heavily on Stories, providing the following features:

Unlimited audience lists for Stories (beyond the standard Close Friends limit).
Visibility into how many people have rewatched a Story.
“Spotlight” option to feature a Story at the top of the Stories tray once per week.
Animated “Superlike” reactions to show extra appreciation for others’ Stories.
Ability to extend a Story’s availability for an additional 24 hours.
Preview a Story without appearing in the viewer list.
Search functionality within the Story viewer list instead of manual scrolling.

These tools are designed to give paying users more control over their audience targeting, content longevity, and interaction analytics. Instagram describes the package as a way to “ensure your post always reflects your creative vision.”The timing aligns with Meta’s broader push to grow subscription revenue. Meta Verified, launched in 2023, has reportedly attracted around 35 million users across Facebook and Instagram, generating an estimated $2 billion in annual revenue. Instagram Plus appears to be an extension of this model, offering platform-specific perks for creators and active users who want an edge in reach and engagement.

However, the features raise questions about fairness and user experience, especially if many creators subscribe. Instagram has not yet detailed how it plans to manage potential overcrowding or prioritization logic. Full pricing, availability, and global rollout details have not been announced. The current limited test will likely inform whether Instagram Plus becomes a permanent, widely available tier in the coming months.