We've all been there: watching an Instagram Story of a guy we've never actually met that was posted 0.01 seconds ago and instantly regretting it. But now, a new feature from the social media platform has arrived that will change that.

Instagram is testing a new paid subscription that could change Story viewing, one of the app’s most defining (and occasionally stressful) features. Called Instagram Plus, the update is being trialled by parent company Meta in a handful of countries, with a low monthly fee attached. Keep reading for all the important details.

Can you watch Instagram Stories anonymously now?

Potentially, yes. It does sound like the update will give paying users the ability to watch Stories without their name showing up on the viewer list.

This is a big change on the platform. As so many of us know, watching a Story has long been its own kind of communication — it doesn't necessarily involve words (unless you swipe up), but can be equally as loaded as actually sending a message. This feature takes that nuance away, giving users the option to observe without participating.

What other new Instagram Story features are included?

Alongside anonymous viewing, Instagram Plus leans into giving users more insight and control over their own Stories.

Subscribers may be able to:

• see how many times a Story has been rewatched
• keep Stories live for up to 48 hours instead of 24
• send “Superlikes” on Stories
• boost one Story per week with a 'Spotlight' feature
• create multiple audience lists, beyond just Close Friends.

When is Instagram Plus coming to Australia?

Right now, it’s still in testing, with no confirmation on a wider rollout to Australia.

As with most early-stage features, there’s every chance parts of Instagram Plus will change before it makes its way to us, or disappear altogether.

We do know, however, that this isn’t Meta’s first move into subscriptions. The company already offers Meta Verified, a paid badge system that leans more toward creators and public figures.