Meta Tests Instagram Plus: A New Premium Subscription with Stealth Mode and More
Meta has quietly begun testing a premium subscription tier for Instagram, tentatively called Instagram Plus. This paid plan is designed to offer regular users a set of exclusive features not available on the free version of the platform. Early reports suggest the company is rolling out the test in select markets to gauge user interest and refine the offering before a potential global launch.
Key Features of Instagram Plus
The subscription package introduces several notable capabilities, many of which focus on enhancing how users interact with Stories. Here is a breakdown of what subscribers can expect:
- Stealth Mode for Stories: Perhaps the most intriguing feature, this allows you to view anyone’s Story without leaving a trace. The person whose Story you watched will have no idea you saw it, offering a new level of privacy and discretion.
- Re-Watch Count: You will be able to see exactly how many people have replayed your Story. This provides deeper insight into audience engagement and which moments are capturing attention.
- Unlimited Close Friends Lists: Currently, Instagram users are limited to a single Close Friends list. With Instagram Plus, you can create multiple custom lists, giving you granular control over which Stories are shared with which groups of people.
- Extended Story Duration: Normally, Stories disappear after 24 hours. Subscribers can extend the lifespan of any Story by an additional 24 hours, keeping content visible for twice as long.
- Story Spotlight: Once a week, you can spotlight a specific Story. This feature ensures that particular Story appears at the very top of your followers’ feed, increasing its visibility and reach.
- Animated Super Likes: A new way to react to Stories, this allows you to send a special animated super like to express appreciation or excitement in a more visually engaging manner.
- Searchable Viewer List: For accounts with high Story views, scrolling through a long list of viewers can be tedious. This feature adds a search bar to the viewer list, letting you quickly check if a specific person has seen your Story.
Where Is Testing Happening and What Will It Cost?
Meta has not officially confirmed which countries are part of the initial test phase. However, information from social media channels indicates that testing is currently underway in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. Pricing appears to vary by region. Leaked screenshots suggest the monthly fee could range from roughly $1 to $2.20, which translates to approximately 80 to 180 Indian rupees. The final price for other markets, including India, will only be confirmed upon the official launch.
How Instagram Plus Differs from Meta Verified
It is important to distinguish Instagram Plus from Meta Verified, the existing blue-check subscription service. Meta Verified is primarily aimed at content creators and businesses, offering account protection against impersonation and direct support access. Instagram Plus, by contrast, is built for everyday users who want more control, privacy, and fun features for their Stories and interactions. It is not about verification but about enhancing the core user experience.
Will Users Pay for It?
Subscription fatigue is a real concern, as more apps and services introduce paid tiers. However, the success of similar offerings suggests there is a market for these premium features. Snapchat Plus, for example, recently surpassed 25 million subscribers. This signals that a segment of users is willing to pay for enhanced functionality and exclusive tools. Meta is proceeding cautiously with Instagram Plus, testing the waters in a few countries first. A broader rollout will likely depend on the feedback and subscription numbers gathered during this initial phase.
