For a few days, in Mexico, Japan and the Philippines, some Instagram users have found a new option in the settings, a new paid subscription. Is called Instagram Plusand Meta confirmed its existence directly to TechCrunch on March 30, 2026.
It’s not a test aimed at creators or businesses — Meta Verified already exists for those. Instagram Plus targets everyday userswith a package of functions all concentrated around Stories.
What Instagram Plus offers
Among the main functions there is the possibility of watch other people’s Stories without the sender knowing they have been seen — one of the longest-standing user requests — and to consult how many times your Story has been revised.
Subscribers can create unlimited audience lists for Storiesgoing beyond the single “close friends” list: in practice, each Story can be shared with a different group of followers, selected by the user.
Other features include: the ability to extend the duration of a Story to 48 hours compared to the canonical 24highlight a Story once a week to move it to the top of your followers’ feed, and send animated reactions — so-called Superlikes — to other people’s Stories.
The subscription does not eliminate advertising, the adverts remain even for those who pay.
Prices in the test countries
In Mexico the plan costs 39 pesos per month (about 1.88 euros), in Japan 319 yen (about 1.74 euros) and in the Philippines 65 pesos (about 0.93 euros). Low prices, calibrated on local markets, which suggest a cost range between one and two euros for European markets – but Meta has not yet provided official indications on any expansion.
The difference with Meta Verified
Instagram Plus is distinguished by Meta Verifiedwhich is designed for creators and businesses and includes the blue check mark, direct technical support, and impersonation protection. In Italy Meta Verified costs between 13.99 and 16.99 euros per month. Instagram Plus, on the other hand, is aimed at the average user, with everyday functions and a significantly lower price.
Meta’s subscription strategy
In January 2026, Meta had already announced its intention to test premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, with the aim of offering exclusive functions while keeping the basic core of the platforms free. The point of reference in the sector is Snapchat+which starts at $3.99 a month and has already surpassed 25 million subscribers. X and Telegram have followed the same path, Meta arrives later, but with a user base that is unparalleled.
Source: techcrunch.com
