Meta Tests Subscription Service for Instagram with Exclusive Features

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Meta has reportedly begun testing a premium subscription service on the Instagram platform, offering exclusive features to paid subscribers. According to a TechCrunch report on Monday (30/3), the subscription service, known as Instagram Plus, is being trialled in several countries. Premium features provided to Instagram Plus users include the ability to view Stories—photo or video uploads that disappear after 24 hours—without the account owner, as the poster, knowing. Additionally, subscribers can see the number of users who have rewatched their Stories, as stated by Meta in an email to TechCrunch. Subscribers can also create unlimited audience lists for Stories beyond the Close Friends list. Thus, users can customise who sees each Story by grouping followers into different lists, rather than sharing with everyone or a single limited group. Other additional features include providing a “Superlike” animation on other users’ Stories and the ability to search for account names in the Stories viewers list more quickly without having to scroll through the entire list. Meta has not disclosed which countries are hosting the trial of the Instagram premium subscription service. However, according to user reports on social media, the subscription service has been tested in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. Screenshots shared by users on social media show the subscription cost at around 1 to 2 US dollars, or approximately Rp17,000 to Rp34,000 per month. It should be noted that the Instagram Plus service is separate from Meta Verified, which is aimed at creators and businesses. Instagram Plus is designed for regular users, focusing on a more personal user experience. Meta states it will continue testing the Instagram premium subscription service before launching it widely.