Meta has unveiled plans to launch paid subscription models on its three main platforms, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, signalling a major shift in its revenue stream from advertising.
Meta’s Head of Product, Naomi Gleit, announced that Facebook Plus, Instagram Plus, and WhatsApp Plus will be available around the world.
The new subscription tiers are intended to offer users more features, more tools, more capabilities, in the Meta apps and Meta AI-powered products.
While Facebook and Instagram Plus are not officially announced, early indications are that they will cost about $3.99 a month and WhatsApp Plus will cost $2.99 per month.
The company hasn’t yet announced specific pricing or launch dates, across the region.
The subscriptions will provide users with more means of self-expression, communication and sophisticated features, Gleit says.
Facebook and Instagram users should also get new features such as analytics, enhanced reach, profile customisation, and creator and business-oriented features.
The ability to customise themes and ringtones is expected to be a key part of WhatsApp Plus’ personalisation features.
Meta is also going to eventually combine its different subscription services into a master brand “MetaOne.”
The platform will offer enhanced AI functionality, capacity for more difficult jobs, and superior tools for enterprises and content creators, such as content enhancement and brand protection and automation features, the company said.
The shift is part of Meta’s ongoing investment in AI, as the company is planning to spend $125 billion to $145 billion on capital expenditures this year, with a big portion of that allocated toward AI data centres.
Meta has about 3.9 billion active users across the world at present.
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