Meta confirms new subscriptions for Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook

Following a recent leak about Meta's plans for a WhatsApp subscription that would allow users to use the app ad-free, Meta has confirmed to TechCrunch that another subscription service is in the works, which will also be available on Instagram and Facebook. Currently in a testing phase, details about the price, launch date or full scope of features that will be unlocked by this subscription are not yet available.

Nevetheless, Meta describes it as a "premium user experience" that should be available in the coming months. The new features unlocked by the subscription are intended not only to boost productivity and creativity through AI capabilities but also to offer greater control over how content is shared. Leaker Alessandro Paluzzi has already found hints of some of these new features in the code of Meta's apps.

Apparently, the Instagram subscription allows users to view Stories without the account that shared them being able to see this. The subscription is said to unlock a list of profiles that you follow but that do not follow you back. Meta is also reportedly testing a subscription for the Vibes app, which primarily serves to share AI-generated videos. Meta stresses that it will still be possible to use all of the aforementioned apps for free. The new premium subscription will be offered in addition to the "Meta Verified" subscription and the subscription for ad-free apps, meaning that anyone wanting to use all the features of Meta apps will have to subscribe to three different services.