Meta is preparing to test new subscription plans that offer access to exclusive features across its apps, the company told TechCrunch on Monday. According to Meta, the subscriptions will focus on boosting productivity and creativity, while also unlocking expanded AI-powered tools.

Figure 1. Meta Trials Paid Features on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

Over the coming months, Meta plans to introduce premium experiences on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, giving subscribers access to special features and greater control over how they share and connect—while keeping the core services free. The company emphasized that it is not committed to a single model and will experiment with different subscription features and bundles, with each app offering its own set of exclusive tools. Figure 1 shws Meta Trials Paid Features on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp

As part of these plans, Meta also intends to scale Manus, the AI agent it reportedly acquired for $2 billion. The company is taking a two-pronged approach by integrating Manus into its existing products while continuing to sell standalone subscriptions to businesses. Meta has already been spotted working on a Manus AI shortcut within Instagram, based on a screenshot shared by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who frequently uncovers unreleased features in development.

Meta also plans to test subscriptions tied specifically to AI features, including Vibes video generation. Vibes is an AI-powered short-form video tool built into the Meta AI app that allows users to create and remix AI-generated videos. While the feature has been free since launching last year, Meta now plans to introduce a freemium model, offering limited access with the option to subscribe for additional video creation credits each month.

Although details around paid features for WhatsApp and Facebook remain unclear, Paluzzi reports that Instagram’s subscription could include unlimited audience lists, insights into followers who don’t follow back, and the ability to view Stories anonymously.

Meta noted that these new subscriptions will be separate from Meta Verified. The company says it will apply lessons learned from Meta Verified to expand its subscription offerings, tailoring them to what it believes everyday users, creators, and businesses are looking for.

Meta Verified is primarily targeted at creators and businesses, offering perks such as a verified badge, 24/7 priority support, impersonation protection, search visibility boosts, exclusive stickers, and more. Because these features aren’t designed for everyday users or non-creators, Meta says its upcoming subscriptions will be built to appeal to a much wider audience.

Expanding its subscription lineup gives Meta another path to revenue growth, but it also comes with the challenge of subscription fatigue. With consumers already juggling numerous paid services each month, Meta will need to deliver clear, compelling value to convince users to commit to an additional subscription.

Reference:

1. https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/meta-to-test-premium-subscriptions-on-instagram-facebook-and-whatsapp/

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025), Meta to Roll Out Trial Premium Subscriptions Across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, AnaTechMaz, pp. 328