Khaberni - Meta, the owner of the famous social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced its plans to test a paid premium subscription model.
This would provide users with additional features for a fee, in a new step towards diversifying income sources away from traditional reliance on advertising.
The most significant feature of this plan is that the basic services of all three apps will remain free for users, while the subscriptions are optional for those who wish to access advanced functions and a premium experience.
Premium subscriptions
According to reports, Meta plans to offer various exclusive features for each platform within the trial program.
For example, Instagram subscribers may get the ability to create unlimited audience lists, see who doesn't follow them back, and view Stories without notifying the owner.
It is also expected that the subscription will include enhanced artificial intelligence features that contribute to creativity and content improvement.
As for Facebook and WhatsApp, specific details have not been disclosed yet, but reports suggest that each platform will present a set of new features.
Artificial Intelligence
Part of Meta's strategy involves integrating advanced artificial intelligence tools into these subscriptions.
The plan includes incorporating the Manus artificial intelligence system, which the company acquired for billions of dollars, as part of the paid features in the applications.
It is also expected that some AI-driven video services, such as the Vibes tool for creating and mixing video clips, will shift to a Freemium model, remaining free within certain limits, but subscription opens more opportunities for creativity and editing.
Diversifying Revenue Sources
This experiment is part of Meta's attempt to diversify revenue sources in the face of challenges facing traditional advertising models in social networks, in addition to its desire to exploit recent developments in artificial intelligence by offering value-added services.
The applications will remain free, meaning users who do not wish to pay will not lose the ability to use the basic platform services.
According to reports, the new feature is still in the testing phase and Meta will begin to roll it out gradually in the coming months in selected areas to monitor user interaction and collect data before launching any global updates.
So far, Meta has not officially announced the subscription prices or the precise financial details, but they are expected to be announced later as the testing program progresses.
