Meta tests premium 'Instagram Plus' subscription with exclusive features

Meta Platforms has begun testing a new premium subscription service on Instagram, the company confirmed. 

The subscription, called "Instagram Plus," is currently being trialed in select countries and offers users access to a range of exclusive features.

The move comes just two months after Meta revealed plans to experiment with paid subscriptions across its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

Among the standout features is the ability to view Stories — temporary photo or video posts that disappear after 24 hours — without notifying the creator. Subscribers will also gain insights into how many people have rewatched their own Stories.

The subscription introduces more advanced audience controls as well. Users can create unlimited custom lists for Story sharing, going beyond the standard “Close Friends” option. This allows for more precise control over who can view each post.

Additionally, subscribers can extend the lifespan of a Story by another 24 hours and “spotlight” one Story per week, boosting its visibility by placing it at the front of followers’ Story feeds.

Other perks include sending animated “Superlikes” on Stories and the ability to search viewer lists to quickly check whether a specific person has seen a Story.

While Meta has not officially disclosed all testing locations, reports suggest the feature is currently being trialed in countries such as Mexico, Japan, and Philippines.

Pricing varies by region, with reported monthly costs of around $2.20 in Mexico, $2 in Japan, and just over $1 in the Philippines.