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Through Meta, Instagram Plus targets Stories, profile, and metrics, starting at R$ 5 and then R$ 10, and WhatsApp Plus focuses on conversation organization, for R$ 7. Basic use remains free, but beware, unofficial modified versions with the same name can take down the account.
Meta officially launched the paid subscriptions Instagram Plus and WhatsApp Plus, which offer extra features for customization, privacy, and organization, while the traditional versions of both apps remain free for all users. The new feature expands the company’s subscription strategy within two of the most used networks in the world. The conventional versions of Instagram and WhatsApp remain free.
According to the report by Forbes published on June 4, the company’s goal is to offer premium functions for those who want more control over their experience on the platforms. Instagram Plus focuses on Stories, profile customization, and more detailed metrics, while WhatsApp Plus focuses on customization and conversation organization. The plans start at R$ 5 and R$ 7, without making the subscription mandatory.
What changes with Instagram Plus from Meta
Instagram Plus is an optional subscription mainly aimed at Stories. According to NSC Total, Meta focuses in this version exclusive tools for profile customization and more detailed metrics, while the common Instagram remains free and unchanged. The idea is to give more control to those who publish frequently.
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The list of features is extensive. According to the report, the functions include prioritizing Stories from friends and followers, sending animated “Super Likes,” creating unlimited audience lists, extending Stories from 24 to up to 48 hours, viewing Stories without appearing in the view list, knowing how many times a Story was rewatched, and searching for specific people among viewers. There are also personalized icons, exclusive fonts for the biography, the option to pin up to six posts, and to post on the profile without appearing in followers’ feeds.
The focus of WhatsApp Plus on organizing conversations
WhatsApp Plus follows a different path from Instagram Plus, instead of targeting social content, the subscription focuses on personalization and organization of conversations. Meta positions the service for those who want to customize the app to their liking.
The functions revolve around organization and visuals. According to the report, the announced features include exclusive themes, personalized ringtones, more pinned conversations at the top, advanced list and category creation, exclusive stickers, and extra tools to organize chats. According to Meta, calls, messages, and all essential WhatsApp features remain free, and the subscription is aimed at those who want a more personalized experience.
How much the plans cost and the risk of modified apps
Prices vary between the two services. Instagram Plus costs from R$ 5 in the first six months and then rises to R$ 10, while WhatsApp Plus has a fixed plan of R$ 7. In all cases, Meta maintains the free versions as standard.
One point requires extra attention. According to the report, the arrival of WhatsApp Plus may cause confusion with modified versions of the same name, distributed outside official stores. These versions are not authorized by Meta, can lead to account suspension, and also pose security risks, so the recommendation is to avoid installers from outside official stores.
Meta’s strategy to earn beyond advertising
Meta’s bet is not isolated. The move follows a trend already seen on other platforms, such as the premium services of Snapchat and Telegram. The company seeks new revenue sources beyond advertising, offering advantages for those who want extra features without forcing anyone to subscribe.
In practice, little changes for those who use it for free. According to the report, those who use Instagram and WhatsApp casually continue with the same free features, while subscribers gain personalization, advanced metrics, and exclusive features. Whether these extras are worth the subscription is a decision for each user, and the novelty marks Meta transforming conveniences of apps already supported by ads into a paid level.
With Instagram Plus and WhatsApp Plus, Meta starts charging for a package of customization, privacy, and organization, while keeping both apps free for most users. Extras include viewing Stories without leaving a trace, extending posts for 48 hours, pinning up to six posts, or customizing chat themes, with plans starting at R$ 5 and R$ 7. This move shows the company seeking revenue beyond advertising, but it requires caution, as fake versions with the name WhatsApp Plus can cost you your account.
And you, would you pay a monthly fee to Meta for these extra features on Instagram and WhatsApp, or do you prefer to stick with the free versions? Share your opinion and exchange ideas with other readers, respecting different views on social media subscriptions.
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