Prosper Okoye
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 ChannelAmong 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.
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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.
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
