Meta Platforms is considering new subscription offerings that would give users access to premium experiences across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, signaling another step in the company’s effort to build revenue beyond advertising. The plans were first reported by TechCrunch and later confirmed by a Meta spokesperson to Investopedia.
The proposed subscriptions would unlock additional features across Meta’s apps, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. Users who opt to pay could gain access to more advanced AI tools, including creative and productivity features designed to enhance how people communicate and produce content online. One of the paid offerings under consideration is Vibes, an AI-powered video generation app that allows users to create visuals using artificial intelligence.
Despite the push toward paid services, Meta has said its core platforms will remain free. A BBC report noted that the company does not plan to place basic access to Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp behind a paywall, instead positioning subscriptions as optional upgrades for users who want added functionality.
Meta is also looking to extend subscriptions to business customers through its growing AI portfolio. The company plans to integrate Manus, an artificial intelligence firm founded in China and acquired in December for a reported $2 billion (£1.46 billion), into its subscription offerings. Meta will continue to sell standalone Manus subscriptions to businesses, according to TechCrunch.
In a blog post, Meta said the acquisition would strengthen its AI capabilities by introducing “agents” that can perform complex tasks with limited user input, such as planning trips, preparing presentations, or managing workflows. Manus, which is now based in Singapore after relocating from China, describes its technology as a “truly autonomous” agent. Unlike most chatbots that rely on continuous prompts, Manus’s system can plan, execute, and complete tasks independently after receiving initial instructions.
The acquisition has drawn regulatory attention. Earlier this year, Chinese authorities said they would review the deal to assess whether it breached technology export rules or raised national security concerns.
Meta has previously tested paid features on its platforms. In 2023, Facebook ran a trial that limited the number of links users could share in posts unless they subscribed, describing the experiment as a way to assess whether higher posting limits offered additional value.
More recently, users in the UK began receiving notifications offering a £2.99 monthly subscription for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram. Under the system announced in September, users can either pay for ad-free access or continue using the apps for free with personalised advertising. A similar option is available in the European Union at €5.99 (£5) per month.
The potential expansion of subscriptions reflects Meta’s broader strategy to monetise its rapidly growing AI investments while giving users and businesses more choice over how they engage with its platforms.
