Meta Platforms (META) is preparing to begin testing premium subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The company confirmed that these paid tiers will roll out in select regions over the coming months, offering exclusive features and advanced AI tools while keeping the core apps free for everyone.
Claim 50% Off TipRanks Premium
- Unlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions
- Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis and maximize your portfolio's potential
The company plans to experiment with multiple bundles and feature sets rather than a single unified plan. While core app experiences will remain free, the premium tiers focus on three key areas: AI capabilities, creative tools, and enhanced social controls.
Early reports suggest premium features for Instagram might include anonymous story viewing, unlimited audience lists, tools to see who does not follow you back, and advanced AI‑powered creative tools. Meanwhile, premium features for Facebook and WhatsApp are still under wraps.
Meta plans to gather user feedback before finalizing any long‑term plans. Importantly, these new tiers will remain separate from Meta Verified, which focuses on verification and creator tools.
AI Will Be at the Heart of the Paid Experience
A major part of Meta’s subscription strategy centers on AI. The company aims to integrate Manus, the AI agent it acquired for nearly $2 billion, directly into its apps.
Users may also get paid access to Vibes, Meta’s short-form AI video generation tool. While Vibes has been free, Meta is shifting it to a “freemium” model, which means limited free use with advanced capabilities for subscribers.
Here’s Why Meta Is Making This Move
Meta’s business has long relied on advertising. Now, the company is exploring a hybrid model by adding optional paid features, similar to what X (formerly Twitter), Google’s (GOOGL) YouTube, and Snapchat (SNAP) already offer.
Meta’s goal is to diversify revenue, fund its growing AI investments, and offer more powerful tools to users who want them.
Is Meta a Good Stock to Buy Now?
Turning to Wall Street, META stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 38 Buy, six Hold, and one Sell recommendations. The average Meta Platforms stock price target of $821.11 implies an upside potential of 22.12%.
