Instagram Introduces Paid Option for Anonymous Browsing
Meta has begun testing a paid Instagram subscription called Instagram Plus. The company confirmed the trials to Filmogaz.com on Monday.
Tests are active in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. Local pricing ranges roughly between $1.07 and $2.20.
Scope of the test
Meta is exploring premium features aimed at regular users. The focus is on Instagram Stories rather than grid posts.
Key story features under trial
- Anonymous viewing of Stories, so posters do not see the viewer.
- Searchable viewer lists that let subscribers check if a specific person viewed a Story.
- Counts showing how many people rewatched a Story.
- Ability to extend Story lifespan from 24 to 48 hours.
- Superlikes for Stories to signal stronger support.
- A Spotlight boost to push one Story to the front each week.
- Creation of multiple custom audience lists, beyond Close Friends.
One headline-grabbing element is captured by the phrase Instagram Introduces Paid Option for Anonymous Browsing. The anonymous viewing feature is central to the current tests.
Context and related developments
Meta confirmed earlier testing of premium subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The company has already offered Meta Verified since 2023.
Meta Verified is a paid verification badge aimed at business and creator needs. The new trials target everyday users instead.
AI and feature sleuthing
Industry observers have linked upcoming subscriptions to AI work. Meta acquired Manus, a Singapore-based AI agent company, for $2 billion last December.
Researcher Alessandro Paluzzi reported early findings. He suggested features could enable users to “research, create, and build with Manus.”
Paluzzi also flagged possible tools to identify non-followers and to automatically download Reels for offline viewing. Some of his tips match features now in tests.
What comes next
Meta describes the current offerings as exploratory. Features in Instagram Plus remain under evaluation and may change.
Neither pricing nor final feature sets are confirmed. The company can expand or abandon items based on test results.
