Meta Expands Subscription for Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook

Meta is expanding its subscription offerings with new paid add-ons for its main apps. The company announced Instagram Plus at $3.99 per month, WhatsApp Plus at $2.99 per month, and plans for a similar tier on Facebook. These add-ons provide exclusive features such as Stories insights and extended Story duration on Instagram, plus new stickers, themes, and premium ringtones on WhatsApp. Meta says additional features will be added over time.

The new tiers sit alongside Meta Verified, the company’s existing subscription service launched in 2023. While Meta has not released official subscriber numbers, estimates suggest Meta Verified may have around 35 million users across Facebook and Instagram, generating roughly $2 billion annually.

Meta is also testing two new AI-focused subscription plans under the Meta One branding. Meta One Plus ($7.99/month) and Meta One Premium ($19.99/month) offer increased capacity for more complex requests from Meta AI. Basic access to Meta AI remains free. The company is initially testing these plans in Singapore, Guatemala, Bolivia, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Thailand, and Bangladesh.

The expansions reflect Meta’s strategy to create additional revenue streams beyond advertising, which still accounts for the vast majority of its income. Heavy investment in AI infrastructure has increased costs, and subscriptions are seen as one way to help offset those expenses while providing enhanced tools for users and creators.