Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp to Trial New Premium Subscriptions

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Manama: Meta is preparing to test premium subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, introducing paid access to expanded AI capabilities and additional features, according to a report by TechCrunch.

The company said the core services of all three platforms will remain free, while the new subscriptions will offer exclusive tools designed to boost productivity, creativity, and user control. The premium plans will be separate from Meta Verified, the paid verification service launched in 2023.

Meta plans to test multiple subscription bundles, with each app offering a distinct set of premium features. Pricing details have not yet been disclosed.

Among the features expected to be included is Vibes, Meta’s AI-generated short-form video tool. Although Vibes has been free since its launch in September 2025, Meta is reportedly considering a freemium model that would place some video creation options behind a paywall.

The subscription plans are also expected to include Manus, a suite of AI agents that Meta acquired in December for a reported $2 billion. Meta plans to integrate Manus into its apps while continuing to offer it as a standalone product for businesses.

Leaker Alessandro Paluzzi has identified references to Manus integration within Instagram, including a shortcut described as allowing users to “research, create, and build with Manus.” According to Paluzzi, Instagram’s premium tier may offer features such as unlimited audience lists, insights into accounts that do not follow back, and the ability to view Stories without notifying the original poster.

Details about premium features for WhatsApp and Facebook have not yet been revealed.

Analysts say the move may reflect Meta’s efforts to offset rising investments in artificial intelligence. While competitors like OpenAI, Google and Anthropic charge for advanced AI access, Meta’s Llama models have remained open-source and free. The challenge for Meta will be convincing users that AI-enhanced social media features are worth paying for.