Meta to Introduce Paid Premium Versions of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook
ISLAMABAD: Technology giant Meta Platforms has announced plans to introduce paid premium versions of its major social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
According to reports, the company will roll out subscription-based “premium” tiers offering additional features and enhanced services to users in exchange for a monthly fee.
Under the proposed pricing model, Facebook and Instagram subscriptions are expected to cost around $3.99 per month each, while WhatsApp premium features may be offered for approximately $2.99 per month. Each platform will have a separate subscription fee.
Initially, the premium features will be limited, but Meta says it plans to expand and introduce more advanced tools in the future.
For Instagram premium users, new features may include the ability to see how many times their stories have been rewatched, though not the identities of viewers. Other proposed features include extending story visibility beyond 24 hours, receiving weekly boosted story promotions, previewing stories anonymously, and searching within viewer lists for specific users.
The move marks a significant shift toward monetization of social media services through subscription-based models, alongside existing free access supported by advertisements.
