Meta has officially launched new paid subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, marking one of the company’s most significant shifts away from relying solely on advertising revenue.

Branded as Instagram Plus, Facebook Plus, and WhatsApp Plus, the subscriptions are being rolled out globally over the next few weeks, according to announcements made by Meta on Wednesday.

The company stressed that the core experience of all three apps will remain free, with the paid plans offered as optional upgrades for users who want additional control and enhanced features across the platforms.

Under the rollout, Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus will each cost $3.99 per month, roughly Sh515, while WhatsApp Plus will cost $2.99 per month, about Sh385.

Meta said the subscriptions will expand to most markets in phases, with local pricing adjusted to reflect currency differences and purchasing power. The free, ad-supported versions of the apps will continue to operate unchanged, giving users the choice to stay on the existing model or pay for an upgraded experience.

The paid plans are designed to offer additional personalization tools and social features for users who want more from the platforms.

Instagram Plus will include anonymous Story viewing, extended Story visibility beyond the standard 24-hour window, profile customization options, Story spotlight boosts, and advanced Story insights aimed at creators and heavy users who manage larger audiences.

Facebook Plus will focus on expanded social interaction features, enhanced profile tools, and broader content controls that allow users to manage what appears in their feeds and how they engage with groups and pages.

For WhatsApp, the Plus tier is centered on messaging personalization rather than altering the core service. Features being tested include custom themes, exclusive sticker packs, additional pinned chats, personalized app icons, and premium notification sounds.

Meta emphasized that core messaging, voice calls, and end-to-end encryption will remain free for all users, ensuring that the privacy and reliability of the base app are not affected by the introduction of paid features.

Alongside the Plus subscriptions, Meta is testing a broader premium ecosystem under the umbrella brand Meta One. This program will bundle AI-powered plans, creator tools, and business-focused subscriptions into a single package.

Meta One Plus will cost $7.99 per month, about Sh1,030, while Meta One Premium will cost $19.99 per month, roughly Sh2,575. These AI-focused subscriptions are expected to provide higher limits for image and video generation, advanced reasoning tools, and expanded Meta AI features.

Creator and business-focused Meta One plans will also bundle analytics, automation, and customer management tools designed for small businesses and content creators looking to grow and monetize their presence across Meta’s platforms.

The AI subscription plans will first be tested in Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia starting next month, while creator and business-focused Meta One plans are expected to begin trials in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Morocco, and Bangladesh.

Meta said the phased approach will allow the company to refine features based on user feedback before expanding the program more widely. The company is also projected to spend billions of dollars expanding AI data centers and computing systems over the coming years to support the infrastructure required for these services.

The move reflects a broader strategy to diversify revenue as digital advertising faces pressure from privacy changes, regulatory scrutiny, and shifting brand budgets. By introducing paid tiers, Meta is building a more predictable income stream while responding to user demand for fewer ads and more customization.

For users accustomed to free social media, the key question will be whether the added features and control justify a monthly fee. If adoption grows, the subscriptions could give Meta a more stable revenue base while deepening engagement among creators, businesses, and power users within its ecosystem.