Meta to Test Paid Subscriptions and AI Features on Its Platforms

Meta has announced plans to test a paid subscription model across its primary platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, in the coming months. This move signifies a strategic shift in the company's business model and aims to diversify its revenue streams.

Exclusive Benefits for Selected Subscribers

According to the company, the initial phase will be accessible to a limited group of users, featuring paid packages that include exclusive AI-driven functionalities, as well as new tools designed to enhance productivity and creativity in content creation and account management.

Core Platforms Remain Free

Meta confirmed that basic access to its platforms will remain free for all users, while additional service tiers will be offered to those seeking enhanced features. The company has not yet disclosed subscription pricing or the final list of paid features.

Leaks Suggest Potential Benefits

Reports have indicated possible advantages for Instagram subscribers, such as the ability to create unlimited follow lists and view accounts that do not follow back, as well as the option to view Stories without notifying the owners.

Advanced AI Tools

The paid packages are expected to include AI tools like "Vibes," designed for creating short videos, and an intelligent assistant named "Manus," which can assist users with search tasks and automate content creation, saving time and effort.

Freemium Model and Service Independence

This initiative is part of a broader trend towards a freemium model, as the company has begun transitioning the free tool "Vibes," introduced last September, into a service that combines free usage with paid features. Meta confirmed that these subscriptions will be entirely separate from the "Meta Verified" identity verification service.

Diversifying Revenue and Market Valuation

The announcement comes months after Meta revealed its intention to offer an ad-free experience for a monthly fee, indicating the company's effort to reduce its reliance on advertising as its primary revenue source.

Expert and Analyst Opinions

Experts suggest that the success of this experiment will depend on how effectively it convinces users of the value of the offered features, especially in light of competition from established subscription models like YouTube Premium. Analysts also note that relying solely on artificial intelligence may not be sufficient to attract a broad user base without clear, tangible benefits.