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People who use Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp may soon need to decide if they want to pay extra for additional features beyond the free versions they’re using.
Meta confirmed that it plans to roll out and test premium subscription levels for its three most popular services, which, according to the company, will unlock “special features and more control over how they are shared and connected.” According to TechCrunch Detailed report on changes.
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A Meta representative did not elaborate on the subscription plans but confirmed to CNET that TechCrunch’s story is accurate.
According to the report, this will differ from Display the Meta Verified badge Targeted at businesses and internet content creators. Meta Verified starts at $15 and includes enhanced support options and anti-impersonation protection.
Instead, the new subscriptions that Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users can expect will offer a broader Premium experience, but it’s not yet clear what specific features will be included. According to TechCrunch, AI will be part of the mix with a potential paywall or additional access to AI image generators or AI agents part of its plans. Meta told TechCrunch that the packages and subscriptions offered could change based on customer feedback.
Subscriptions to social media services that were previously free are now common, with LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and Snapchat All of this gives people the option to pay more for additional features.
Will those on the platforms pay more?
Whether people on Meta platforms decide to pay for more than they actually get will likely depend on how useful the features are, how much ongoing premiums cost, and whether the add-ons are worth it. This means Meta will have to convince people on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp that the premium version is a real upgrade.
“Most platforms are optimized to keep people browsing longer, without them feeling better about how they spend their time,” said Mike Force, CEO of marketing firm Skydeo.
“Subscription becomes compelling when it reverses that incentive, when it helps users set boundaries, make fewer decisions, and walk away feeling like the platform is working for them rather than for them,” he said.
This could mean anything from giving premium subscribers new ways to filter their friends and contacts or limit who sees what they post or submit. Powered by artificial intelligence Features that make tedious tasks more automated, which can save people time and effort.