Meta joins OpenAI and Google in race for AI subscription revenue
Chinese regulators are currently investigating Meta’s recent $2 billion acquisition of the AI startup Manus
Meta Platforms is preparing to shake up the social media landscape by introducing new paid subscription tiers across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
According to reports on Tuesday, the tech giant intends to monetise its significant investments in artificial intelligence, moving away from its traditionally free-to-use model.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed the plans, stating that the subscriptions are designed to "unlock more productivity and creativity" for users willing to pay for premium tools.
This includes expanded access to Manus, the Singapore-based AI agent startup Meta snapped up for $2 billion in December.
Interestingly, the deal is currently under scrutiny by Chinese officials for potential "technology control violations."
While Meta’s "Llama" models remain open-source and free, these new plans will offer "expanded AI capabilities" similar to the paid services of rivals like OpenAI and Google.
Subscribers may also gain full access to "Vibes," Meta’s AI-powered video tool launched in 2025, allowing for more advanced remixing and creation.
Crucially, this new "Meta AI" subscription will sit alongside the existing Meta Verified service, which focuses on account security and badges.
By pivoting towards a paid model, Mark Zuckerberg’s firm is seeking a clear return on the billions spent on AI talent over the last year.
The company insists it plans to "listen to its user community and gather feedback" as these features are rolled out to the public in the coming months.