Meta has officially launched new paid tiers across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, which are set to change the way users interact on each app.

The subscription models are now rolling out globally, titled Instagram Plus, Facebook Plus, and WhatsApp Plus.

While Meta has experimented with paid features before, this marks the company’s biggest move yet toward building subscription services beyond advertising. Here's everything you need to know.

What do paid subscribers actually get?

According to Meta, the new “Plus” tiers are focused on added social features and personalisation tools to each app.

We've already outlined Instagram's plans to change its Stories, with subscribers now able to extend Stories beyond the usual 24-hour limit, see who has rewatched their Stories, create audience lists beyond Close Friends and preview Stories anonymously.

Other Instagram features include “Super Heart” reactions — a new way to react more prominently to Stories and posts — alongside Story spotlighting, which boosts Stories so they are easier for followers and friends to find. Subscribers will also be able to customise parts of the app experience through alternate app icons and font options, while profile pins allow users to keep selected posts or updates fixed to the top of their profile.

Facebook Plus is expected to offer many of the same social and customisation tools as Instagram Plus, including enhanced Story features and profile personalisation options. Meanwhile, WhatsApp Plus focuses more heavily on customisation and chat organisation, with features including custom themes, premium stickers, additional pinned chats, personalised ringtone options and greater control over chat lists.

Meta says more features will continue to roll out over time.

How much does it cost?

Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus are priced at USD$3.99 per month, while WhatsApp Plus starts at USD$2.99 per month.

Is this replacing Meta Verified?

No. The new subscriptions are separate from Meta Verified, the company’s existing paid verification service that gives users a blue tick and identity protection tools.

Instead, these new plans are being positioned as optional add-ons for people who want extra features within the apps they already use.

Meta is also expanding into paid AI subscriptions

The new social media subscriptions are one part of Meta’s larger plan. The company is also preparing to launch paid AI subscriptions under a broader platform called “Meta One.”

While the current Plus tiers focus on extra features for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, future Meta One plans are expected to centre around Meta AI — the company’s artificial intelligence assistant, which is already built into its apps.

Users who pay for the premium tiers may be able to create more AI-generated content and use more powerful AI features than those on the free version.

According to Meta, the company eventually plans to bring all of its paid subscriptions together under the Meta One umbrella.