Meta has launched a premium subscription, Instagram Plus, in select countries, offering exclusive features like viewing Stories anonymously and extending Story visibility. Subscriptions range from $2.20 to $3.07 per month.

The test comes amid growing competition from Snapchat and X, both of which have seen success with their own paid offerings. However, subscription fatigue remains a concern for many users.

Instagram Plus is aimed at everyday users rather than content creators or businesses, distinguishing itself from Meta Verified, which provides verified badges and protection against impersonation.

The launch marks another step towards monetizing social media experiences, potentially transforming how we use apps. Whether this trend catches on remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a clear indication that users may need to part with more of their hard-earned cash in the future.