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Key Takeaways
- Meta is looking to trial new paid subscription plans for premium experiences on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, according to a report from TechCrunch.
- The report, confirmed by a Meta spokesperson, said the plans could be rolled out in the coming months and offer access to special AI features.
You’re likely one of the billions who use social media. But would you pay for the privilege?
More changes to do so may soon come your way. Meta Platforms (META), parent company of Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, is looking to test new subscription plans for premium experiences on the trio of apps, according to a TechCrunch report later confirmed to Investopedia by a Meta spokesperson.
The report said the plans would give users access to features that could include AI capabilities, as well as more control over their actions on the platform; it has fueled speculation that some tools and features that are currently free could movebehind a paywall.
Many of Meta’s social media peers already have ‘freemium’ models, with paid subscriptions offering premium versions of products that are also offered free of charge. Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, has long offered paid premium subscription options. So has Microsoft’s (MSFT) LinkedIn and Snap’s (SNAP) Snapchat.
Why This Is Signficiant
Rolling out new premium subscription options could help Meta raise revenues. At a time when many Americans are cutting back on nonessentials, however, the company may have a harder time convincing users to pay.
Several of those plans, which can range in price from as low as $3 monthly for X’s “basic” premium tier to hundreds of dollars for access to LinkedIn’s most advanced recruiter features, received some pushback from users when they launched, and those services still largely rely on the free versions to attract new users and prime them to upgrade.
Meta, too, offers a service called Meta Verified, which comes with a verified badge promoting the authenticity of those who have it. That service, targeted toward content creators and business, is expected to remain separate from the new subscriptions.
The company has also rolled out ad-free experiences on Facebook and Instagram in the U.K. and European Union in recent years, part of its efforts to comply with local regulations. The offerings cost about 2.99 British pounds ($4.12) monthly in the U.K. and 5.99 euros ($7.18) monthly in the EU.
Meta reportedly looks to gauge interest and collect feedback from its users as it starts rolling out the subscriptions in the coming months. The social media giant is set to report earnings after the market’s close Wednesday, when it could offer more details about its plans.
Shares of Meta, while little changed Tuesday, have added about 3% in 2026 so far after a roughly 13% climb in 2025.
