Instagram Plus is a feature designed to significantly transform the user experience on the platform, with the most substantial updates expected within the 'Stories' feature.

Instagram Plus: Social media giant Meta has commenced testing a new subscription service on Instagram. Dubbed 'Instagram Plus,' this service offers a range of additional features and capabilities that are not available in the free version of the app. This initiative is not limited solely to content creators; it is also being piloted for general users. In fact, social media platforms are gradually moving beyond a sole reliance on advertising revenue by incorporating paid features and premium services. Platforms such as Snapchat and X (formerly Twitter) have already paved the way in this direction with their respective membership plans, and Meta is certainly not one to be left behind.

What is Instagram Plus?

Instagram Plus is a paid add-on that unlocks exclusive features and capabilities within the app. It is distinct from 'Meta Verified,' which is primarily aimed at content creators and focuses on aspects such as account verification and security. Instagram Plus, conversely, is designed for general users who desire greater control over their usage of 'Stories' and their interactions with others. The majority of its features are centered around the 'Stories' functionality. According to a report by TechCrunch, the current testing phase is limited to a select few countries, including Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. It remains unclear at this time when the service will be officially launched.

What features are currently being tested?

One of the most notable features of this service is the ability to view someone's Story anonymously—without their knowledge. This fundamentally alters the standard way of viewing Stories, where one's name typically appears in the list of viewers. Furthermore, this service grants users enhanced control over their own Stories. Instead of being limited to a single 'Close Friends' list, users can create multiple custom audience lists. This means you can precisely determine who gets to see your Story, allowing you to share content with specific groups without having to broadcast it to your entire follower base.

Several other additional features have also been incorporated into the service. Subscribers can extend the duration of their Stories beyond the standard 24-hour limit. Additionally, they can choose to "highlight" them, thereby ensuring greater visibility for their followers. The feature also includes a "Superlike" option for Stories, as well as a search tool to quickly locate specific viewers within the list. Another minor tweak allows users to see exactly how many times their Story has been viewed—a feature that is not available in the standard version.

Instagram Plus: Pricing and Availability

The pricing for this feature depends on the specific country where it is currently being tested. Based on screenshots shared online, the cost is set at 39 Mexican Pesos per month in Mexico, 319 Japanese Yen per month in Japan, and 65 Philippine Pesos per month in the Philippines. As the feature is still in its development phase, both the pricing and the specific features offered are subject to change in the future. Meta has not yet announced when it will be launched in other regions.