Meta is experimenting paid subscriptions that provide AI features on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp while keeping core services free.
Meta is ready to test premium membership programs for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, its latest foray into paid digital services.
The new subscriptions, according to the technology giant, will enable extra benefits such as increased artificial intelligence tools, but core platform services will remain free for all users. The trials are planned to start in the following months.
Paid services under consideration include advanced AI capabilities and access to goods like Meta’s Vibes video production tool. Vibes, which debuted in September as part of the Meta AI app, enables users to create visual content with artificial intelligence.
Meta is also anticipated to incorporate technology from Manus, a Chinese-founded AI business that it planned to buy in December for an estimated $2 billion (£1.46 billion), according to TechCrunch, which first reported the intentions. The corporation will continue to provide Manus subscriptions separately to business customers.
Manus creates AI “agents” that can do complex activities autonomously, such as travel planning or presentation creation, with minimal user interaction. Meta has stated that the acquisition would strengthen its AI ecosystem for consumer and enterprise solutions.
Manus, which recently relocated from China to Singapore, claims that their technology can work autonomously, distinguishing it from standard chatbots that require frequent cues to perform tasks.
In January, Chinese authorities announced that they will investigate Meta’s acquisition of Manus for suspected violations of technology export restrictions or national security legislation.
The shift to subscriptions follows Meta’s recent monetisation trials. Last year, Facebook explored limits on how many links some users may share without paying, presenting the project as a method to see if higher posting volumes added value to subscribers.
In 2023, Meta also introduced paid verification services for Facebook and Instagram, allowing users to acquire a blue tick in exchange for a monthly subscription.
