Instagram Plus is a paid subscription tier, adding monetisation features beyond its current free experience. The discovery was shared by Matt Navarra, who highlighted details found within the app’s code, pointing to early-stage testing of premium tools. First started as a new leak, it is now confirmed that the company is officially testing the Plus out.
Story Spotlight Could Boost Visibility
One of the most notable features uncovered is “Story Spotlight,” which appears to give paying users priority placement. The feature is said to pin a user’s story to the top position in their followers’ feeds, significantly increasing visibility and engagement. This suggests Instagram may be exploring ways to monetise reach, similar to boosted posts but integrated directly into Stories.
A Snapchat Plus-Style Model
The details indicate that Instagram Plus could follow a similar approach to Snapchat’s subscription offering, which provides exclusive features to paying users. Rather than removing ads, the focus appears to be on added functionality and discoverability tools, potentially targeting creators and power users who want greater control over their audience reach.
Early Test Signals Broader Monetisation Push
While still not fully released, the appearance of these features in development code suggests Instagram is actively exploring new revenue streams. Subscription-based models have become increasingly common across social platforms, as companies look to diversify income beyond advertising. Instagram Plus could represent the platform’s next step in that direction.
What This Means for Users and Creators
Whenever it launches, Instagram Plus could change how visibility works on the platform. For creators, paid tools like Story Spotlight may offer a new way to stand out in crowded feeds. For everyday users, it could signal a shift toward a more tiered experience, where certain features are locked behind a subscription.
For now, the feature remains in testing, with no official confirmation on the launch timeline. But pricing for select regions has been revealed, particularly Mexico, the Philippines and now Japan. The following prices: 39MX, 65PH and 329Y per month, respectively. The currency conversion to Malaysian Ringgit is roughly from ~RM4 to ~RM8.
We will have to wait to see Instagram Plus' official pricing in Malaysia. Until then, stay tuned for the official news only at TechNave.com.
COMMENTS