Would you pay for WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook? Meta to test premium subscriptions
More changes may be on the horizon. Meta Platforms (Meta), the company behind Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, is reportedly exploring new subscription options for premium experiences across its apps, according to a TechCrunch report later confirmed by a Meta spokesperson to Investopedia.Most of us are part of the billions on social media, but would you be willing to pay for extra features?The proposed subscriptions would unlock additional features, including expanded artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Meta is also planning to introduce paid features such as Vibes, its AI-powered video generation app that allows users to create visuals using artificial intelligence.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Despite the introduction of paid subscriptions, Meta’s core services will remain free to use, according to a report by BBC.Subscriptions for businessesMeta also intends to integrate Manus, an AI firm founded in China and acquired in December for a reported $2 billion (£1.46 billion), into its subscription services, TechCrunch noted. The company will continue to offer standalone Manus subscriptions to businesses. Meta has said the acquisition will enhance its AI capabilities by providing “agents” — tools that can handle complex tasks with minimal input from users, such as planning trips or creating presentations.“Manus’s exceptional talent will join Meta's team to deliver general-purpose agents across our consumer and business products, including Meta AI,” the company said in a blog post. Based in Singapore after relocating from China, Manus differentiates itself from other AI developers with what it calls a “truly autonomous” agent. Unlike most chatbots that require repeated instructions, Manus’s system can independently plan, execute, and complete tasks based on initial directions.Earlier this year, Beijing announced it would review Meta’s Manus acquisition to determine if it violated Chinese technology export or national security regulations.Meta's paid featuresMeta has experimented with paid features before. In 2023, Facebook tested limiting how many links users could share in posts unless they subscribed, describing it as “a limited test to understand whether the ability to publish an increased volume of posts with links adds additional value” for subscribers.Recently, UK users began receiving notifications about a £2.99 monthly subscription for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram, according to BBC. After a September announcement, users are prompted to either pay for ad-free access or continue using the apps for free with personalised ads. EU users face a similar option at €5.99 (£5) per month.WhatsApp to face stricter content rules under EU scrutinyMeta partners with news outlets to expand AI contentMeta earns fortune on fraudulent ads, internal documents show
More changes may be on the horizon. Meta Platforms (Meta), the company behind Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, is reportedly exploring new subscription options for premium experiences across its apps, according to a TechCrunch report later confirmed by a Meta spokesperson to Investopedia.
Most of us are part of the billions on social media, but would you be willing to pay for extra features?
The proposed subscriptions would unlock additional features, including expanded artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Meta is also planning to introduce paid features such as Vibes, its AI-powered video generation app that allows users to create visuals using artificial intelligence.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Despite the introduction of paid subscriptions, Meta’s core services will remain free to use, according to a report by BBC.
Subscriptions for businesses
Meta also intends to integrate Manus, an AI firm founded in China and acquired in December for a reported $2 billion (£1.46 billion), into its subscription services, TechCrunch noted.
The company will continue to offer standalone Manus subscriptions to businesses. Meta has said the acquisition will enhance its AI capabilities by providing “agents” — tools that can handle complex tasks with minimal input from users, such as planning trips or creating presentations.
“Manus’s exceptional talent will join Meta's team to deliver general-purpose agents across our consumer and business products, including Meta AI,” the company said in a blog post. Based in Singapore after relocating from China, Manus differentiates itself from other AI developers with what it calls a “truly autonomous” agent. Unlike most chatbots that require repeated instructions, Manus’s system can independently plan, execute, and complete tasks based on initial directions.
Earlier this year, Beijing announced it would review Meta’s Manus acquisition to determine if it violated Chinese technology export or national security regulations.
Meta's paid features
Meta has experimented with paid features before. In 2023, Facebook tested limiting how many links users could share in posts unless they subscribed, describing it as “a limited test to understand whether the ability to publish an increased volume of posts with links adds additional value” for subscribers.
Recently, UK users began receiving notifications about a £2.99 monthly subscription for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram, according to BBC. After a September announcement, users are prompted to either pay for ad-free access or continue using the apps for free with personalised ads. EU users face a similar option at €5.99 (£5) per month.
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