Meta is testing a premium subscription service called “Instagram Plus,” which could allow users to view Instagram Stories anonymously. This new feature, currently being trialed in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines, offers subscribers the ability to create unlimited audience lists for their Stories, meaning they can share content with selected groups rather than all followers. Additional features include extending Story visibility, gaining insights on Story replays, and a “superlike” option for engaging with other users’ content. Prices for the subscription in the trial countries range from approximately £1.51 to £1.65 per month. User feedback has been mixed, with some expressing concerns about the implications of viewing Stories without the poster’s knowledge.
Why It Matters
The introduction of Instagram Plus reflects Meta’s ongoing efforts to monetize its platforms amid increasing competition in the social media space. The move aligns with broader industry trends towards premium subscription models, seen in services like Snapchat+. As platforms explore new revenue streams, user privacy and comfort become critical issues, particularly with features that allow anonymous interactions. The response to this feature could influence Meta’s strategy as it continues to evolve its offerings across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, following a recent announcement to test various subscription options.
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