Meta testing Instagram Plus with anonymous Story viewing and paid extra features
Meta has started testing a paid tier for Instagram called Instagram Plus, and it is already live in a few markets, as reported by TechCrunch. This comes shortly after Meta said it was exploring subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, so this test looks like a move in that direction. Instead of focusing on creators or businesses, this version is aimed more at everyday users who spend a lot of time on the app.
The rollout is currently limited to markets such as Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines, based on user reports. Pricing is relatively low at this stage, ranging from roughly USD 1 (around Rs 95) to just over USD 2 (around Rs 190) a month depending on the region. That pricing suggests Meta is still testing the waters rather than committing to a fixed global model. It also leaves room for changes later, especially if the company decides to bundle features or adjust pricing for larger markets.
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What are the new Stories features for Instagram Plus?
Most of the features centre on Stories, which continue to be one of Instagram’s most-used formats. The most noticeable addition is the ability to view Stories anonymously, which changes a long-standing part of how the feature works. At the same time, users get more insight into their own content, including how many times a Story has been rewatched and a quicker way to check if a specific person has viewed it.
There is also more flexibility in how Stories are shared. Instead of relying only on Close Friends, users can create multiple audience lists and decide exactly who sees each Story. This adds a layer of control that has been missing so far, especially for people who share different kinds of content with different groups. Alongside that, Stories can be extended by another 24 hours, and one Story each week can be pushed to the front of followers’ trays, which gives users more ways to keep content visible for longer.
Instagram Plus vs Meta Verified
This subscription sits separately from Meta Verified, which is designed for creators and businesses and focuses on verification and account protection. Instagram Plus is more about changing how the app is used day to day rather than offering professional tools. That makes it easier to compare with other paid tiers in social apps, such as Snapchat+, which has managed to build a sizeable subscriber base with a similar mix of extra features.
Those who use Stories frequently may find value in features like anonymous viewing or custom audience lists, while others may not see enough of a difference to justify a monthly fee. There is also the question of subscription fatigue, as users already pay for multiple digital services and may be selective about adding another.
Meta says it will continue testing Instagram Plus before deciding on a wider rollout. Whether it becomes a permanent part of Instagram will depend on how users respond to these features and whether they feel worth paying for in an app that has largely remained free so far.
