What you need to know
- Naomi Gleit, head of product at Meta, announced the company’s “Plus” subscription plans for Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook.
- These plans will give users more ways to “express and connect” for $3.99 per month (Facebook, Insta) and $2.99 per month for WhatsApp.
- The company then sold “Meta One,” a subscription trial that included four plans for Meta AI users to try out.
Meta is definitely making some moves this month, announcing a number of new subscription plans for its apps.
Naomi Gleit, Head of Product at Meta, announced On Instagram, the company offers subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp (via TechCrunch). Gleit “What if subscriptions could give you more than just your apps?” Globally rolling out are the Instagram Plus, WhatsApp Plus and Facebook Plus plans.
The publication notes that these plans cost $3.99 per month (Facebook, Instagram) and $2.99 per month for WhatsApp. Gleit adds that these plans give users “richer ways” to “express and connect” with others on those platforms. Early previews on Instagram showed vivid, expressive animations for liking Stories, which TechCrunch calls “Super Heart.” What’s more, their report says, Instagram Plus subscribers can “spotlight a story once a week for extra views, extend a story beyond 24 hours, view a story without appearing as a viewer,” and more.
Meta’s announcement followed with a teaser for what’s to come: a trial for the “Meta One” subscription plan. It said that this plan and plans for Meta apps will not be affected”Meta Verified,” which is to help creators maintain their identity in their services. Meta One will reportedly include “creators, businesses, and Meta AI power users.”
Are we going here?
Moreover, it seems that the company has all the plans under the Meta One. TechCrunch reports that Meta AI users will be able to try Meta One Plus ($7.99 per month) and Meta One Premium ($19.99 per month). The latter would offer video/image generation for Meta AI, as well as a “thinking mode” that you can view. Gemini Deep Thinking for a close comparison. Reports add that Meta AI will not disappear from casual users.
There are two more Meta One trials planned, but these will reportedly go to foreign markets. The publication reports that the company is preparing to introduce Meta One Essential for $14.99 per month and Meta One Advanced for $49.99 per month. This Advanced plan will feature Essential’s offerings (similar to Meta Verified), but also include more engagement in Facebook/Instagram search, a persistent “Follow” button on your profile, and more.
This is an interesting move from the Meta considering just axed 8,000 workers last week. There were already murmurs about it the workers were dissatisfied In the Meta after some AI based decisions. With 8,000 members gone, it looks like Meta will continue to have a strong focus on AI and its advancements. The company’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, said he “doesn’t expect more layoffs this year,” but people aren’t holding their breath. There is meta brutal history massive layoffs affecting thousands upon thousands.
Android Central’s Take
I took a look at the comments on Instagram (I know, I know) and the reactions seem to be divided. Some people, like content creators, like what Meta has to say. Others do not feel the same way. It sounds a little weird to think about subscribing to certain features or any other features, but it’s not completely out of left field. I guess the low price for Plus is a highlight among Meta apps. As more surfaces and users get their hands on it, we’ll see if it’s really worth it. But it will still only attract people who use it.
