Meta Starts Testing Instagram Plus Subscription in Select Markets

Meta has started testing a new Instagram Plus subscription in select markets that provides access to a couple of exclusive features. Unlike Meta’s existing Verified subscription, which is targeting creators and businesses, Instagram Plus is a consumer offering with extra features for people using the ephemeral Stories format pioneered by Snapchat, a platform that offers a similar Snapchat+ subscription.

According to TechCrunch, the list of test markets for Instagram Plus currently includes Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. In Mexico, the new subscription is priced at MX$39 per month (approximately $2.20 USD).

Here are the main features included with Instagram Plus:

• View Stories from other Instagram users anonymously
• Extend a Story for an extra 24 hours
• Highlight a story by adding it to the front of your followers’ Stories tray
• Create different audience lists for Stories in addition to the existing ‘Close Friends’ list
• See how many people have rewatched your own Stories
• Search your Story viewer list
• Give an animated “Superlike” on others’ Stories

Earlier this year, Meta told TechCrunch that it was planning to introduce new premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Snapchat recently announced that it now has 25 million people paying for its Snapchat+, Lens+, Snapchat Premium, and Memories storage plans, with this direct revenue business crossing a $1B annualized revenue run rate. It’s probably no surprise to see Meta taking inspiration from that and finding new ways to monetize its massive user bases.