Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook: Meta launches Plus subscriptions for additional functions

Users of Whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook can apparently access new functions – but they have to take out new subscriptions to do so. This emerges from announcements from Meta, the parent company of Whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook.

Meta’s product manager Naomi Gleit announced the new paid Plus models in a video. Accordingly, users who choose Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus should be able to access additional functions such as improved analytics, profile customization options and statistics for rewatching stories.

According to Techcrunch, stories can be extended beyond the usual 24 hours with Plus subscriptions and users can watch them anonymously without appearing in the viewer list. According to Gleit, Whatsapp Plus enables more personalization and will, for example, offer premium stickers and individual ringtones.

Do the subscriptions cost $3.99 and $2.99 ​​per month?

Meta did not reveal how much the Plus models cost. The Tagesschau refers to media reports that Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus could cost $3.99 a month and WhatsApp Plus $2.99.

Meta has been offering paid versions of Facebook and Instagram in Europe since 2023 that do not display advertising. According to Spiegel, with the new subscription models the US group wants to free itself from dependence on advertising revenue and open up additional financial opportunities.

Meta is also planning new AI subscription models

According to product manager Gleit, the various offerings will be brought together under a single brand called Meta One in the future.

Meta apparently also wants to monetize its offerings more in the AI ​​area. Two levels are reportedly planned – one for $7.99 per month and one for $19.99. In contrast to the basic AI, which is still free, these payment models should not only offer more computing power for complex tasks, but also expanded functions for image and video creation.

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