Instagram reportedly tests new paid features with Instagram Plus
Meta has begun testing a new subscription tier on Instagram, adding extra features to Stories and visibility.
Instagram is reportedly testing a new subscription that introduces extra features for users on the platform. According to TechCrunch, the tier is called Instagram Plus and is currently being trialled in a small number of countries.
While Meta has not officially confirmed every location, reports suggest the test is live in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. The price varies depending on the region, but early screenshots indicate it sits at roughly $1 to $2 per month, making it a relatively low-cost option for users who want additional features.
The subscription is designed for everyday users rather than creators or businesses, and it sits separately from Meta Verified. Instead of focusing on account verification or security, Instagram Plus is centred around how people interact with Stories.
One of the most notable additions is the ability to view Stories anonymously. This means users can watch content without their name appearing in the viewer list. Alongside this, subscribers are given more insight into their own posts, including data on how many times a Story has been rewatched.
There is also a clear focus on giving users more control over who sees their content. With Instagram Plus, it becomes possible to create multiple audience lists for Stories, rather than relying only on the single “Close Friends” option. This makes it easier to share different types of content with different groups of followers.
Some of the features are aimed at extending visibility. Subscribers can keep a Story live for an extra 24 hours, and they can also choose to highlight one Story per week so that it appears more prominently in their followers’ feeds. While these are small changes on their own, they offer more flexibility in how content is shared and seen.
Other additions are more about interaction. Users can send an animated “Superlike” on Stories, and there is also a search function within the viewer list. Instead of scrolling through every name, users can quickly check whether a specific person has viewed their post.
The test comes after Meta previously said it planned to explore subscriptions across its apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp. According to The Independent, similar ideas are already being developed elsewhere, with features focused on customisation and exclusive content.
For now, Instagram Plus remains a limited test. Meta has said it will continue refining the subscription before deciding whether to expand it further.