Instagram Plus: Meta begins testing premium features in selected countries

Meta has begun testing a premium subscription on Instagram, called "Instagram Plus". This feature is currently undergoing experimental use in several countries. It offers subscribers access to exclusive features.

Meta says it was planning to test new subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

According to a recent TechCrunch report, one of the key features allows users to watch Stories without being seen. On the other hand, subscribers can also see how many times their own Stories have been rewatched.

Subscribers will also be able to create unlimited audience lists for Stories, going beyond just the 'Close Friends' list. This means users can categorise their followers into different groups and customise exactly who sees each Story. As a result, they are no longer restricted to either sharing a Story with everyone or limiting it to just one specific group. 

In addition, subscribers can extend their Story for an extra 24 hours. They can also 'spotlight' one Story per week, ensuring maximum exposure by moving it to the very beginning of their followers' Stories feed.

Additionally, subscribers can also react to others' Stories with an animated "Superlike." And also search their Story viewer list to quickly see if a specific person looked at their Story, instead of having to scroll through the entire list.

Although Meta has not officially confirmed the locations of its premium subscription testing, reports on social media indicate that trials are underway in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines.

Pricing differs by country, but according to screenshots shared by users, it costs MX$39 (approximately $2.20) per month in Mexico, ¥319 per month (approximately $2) in Japan, and Philippine Peso (PHP) 65 per month (approximately $1.07) in the Philippines.