Instagram Plus news: Meta-owned social media platform Instagram is testing a new paid subscription service, Instagram Plus, signalling a strategic shift towards premium user features centred around Stories. The experimental offering is likely to roll out a suite of advanced tools designed to enhance user control, content visibility and engagement. According to early indications, the subscription will primarily focus on upgrading the Stories experience. Users are expected to gain the ability to customize audience groups, and will be able to monitor how often their stories are rewatched. Moreover, they will be able to extend the visibility of their stories beyond the current 24-hour limit. 

Testing underway in select markets: Social Media Consultant Navarra

Social media consultant Matt Navarra posted an update in this regard on Threads app, mentioning that the feature is currently being trialled in the Philippines at a monthly cost of PHP 65 (INR 100). He added that the test version reportedly includes a one-month free trial, after which the subscription renews automatically. He further indicated that the company has confirmed limited testing across a few global markets, although an official rollout timeline is not clear yet. 

Instagram Plus news: Exclusive tools aimed at boosting engagement, control

Several screenshots circulating online suggest that Instagram Plus may also introduce several exclusive capabilities, including multiple custom audience lists beyond the ‘Close friends’ option, previewing stories before posting them and searching through viewer lists. Moreover, subscribers may also be able to view rewatch metrics, highlight one story per week for increased reach and react using a new Superlike or enhanced Super Hearts feature. Notably, the users will be able to preview stories anonymously without appearing in viewer lists; an addition likely to appeal to privacy-conscious audiences. 

According to tech experts, the extended story duration feature, potentially doubling visibility beyond 24 hours, could reshape how content is consumed on the platform. 

Broader platform changes on the cards 

While Instagram is yet to confirm the rollout of Instagram plus, the development aligns with its broader push towards monetisation. Separately, the platform has announced it will discontinue the end-to-end encryption feature for chats from May 8 this year, urging users to download existing conversations and media before access is revoked. 

As testing for Instagram Plus progresses, its rollout could mark a notable evolution in how users interact with stories.

Also read: Social media giant Instagram to discontinue encryption from chats starting May 2026