Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp Users to Pay Under New Plan

January 27, 2026

Meta says it will begin testing premium subscription services across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, as the company looks to expand paid offerings alongside its free social media platforms.

The technology firm said the subscriptions would unlock additional features, including advanced artificial intelligence tools, while core messaging and social networking services would remain free for users.

The trials, expected to roll out in selected markets in the coming months, are part of Meta’s broader effort to diversify revenue streams beyond advertising.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

Among the features under consideration are enhanced AI capabilities and access to experimental products such as Meta’s Vibes video generation app, which allows users to create visual content using artificial intelligence.

Meta is also expected to integrate technology from Manus, an artificial intelligence company it agreed to acquire in December for a reported $2bn (£1.46bn). Manus develops AI “agents” designed to perform complex tasks with minimal user input, such as planning trips or producing presentations.

The company has said the acquisition will strengthen its AI ecosystem across both consumer and business products, although Manus subscriptions are expected to continue separately for enterprise customers.

Chinese authorities have said they are reviewing the acquisition to assess potential breaches of technology export rules and national security regulations.

The move follows a series of monetisation experiments by Meta. In recent years, the company has introduced paid verification services on Facebook and Instagram and tested limits on certain user activities, such as link sharing, unless a subscription fee is paid.

Meta Faces Lawsuit for Accessing Private WhatsApp Messages

Meta Simplifies Monetisation Programmes For Facebook Creators

Meta Agrees To $25m Settlement Over Trump’s Lawsuit

Meta has increasingly invested in artificial intelligence as it seeks new ways to generate revenue while maintaining free access to its core platforms for billions of users worldwide.

+ posts

Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa

Prosper Okoye

Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

DHQ Names 16 Officers to Face Court Martial Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

Next Story

PayPal Returns to Nigeria Through Paga, Unlocks Inbound Payments After Two Decades

Featured Stories

Latest from Business

Bulls Charge Ahead As NGX Shatters Records As Market Cap Surpasses N50trn

RT Briscoe Tops NGX Losers’ List, Guinness Among Gainers

The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) was N127.36 trillion on Friday, March 13, while the all-share index (ASI) closed at 198,407.3 ASI. Equity investors traded 591.04 million shares in 53,066 deals, valued at N35 billion on Friday.Join our WhatsApp Channel
Over N107bn Wiped Off NGX As UACN, Presco Shares Plunge

Over N107bn Wiped Off NGX As UACN, Presco Shares Plunge

The value of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), also known as the stock market, dropped to N125.75 trillion on Wednesday, March 11, below the N125.85 trillion reported on Tuesday, March 10. The N107.58 billion decrease was driven by a 0.08 percent decline in
Previous Story

DHQ Names 16 Officers to Face Court Martial Over Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu

Next Story

PayPal Returns to Nigeria Through Paga, Unlocks Inbound Payments After Two Decades

Don't Miss

Nigerian Minister Advocates Support For Indigenous Tech Firms

Nigerian Youths Not Expected To Fish Like Their Forefathers – Minister

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun
Just In: TikTok Lays Off Staff Over Purported US Pressure

Just In: TikTok Lays Off Staff Over Purported US Pressure

  As TikTok faces new political pressure in the US,