Will you now have to pay to use Instagram? Here’s what the subscription offers

Instagram Plus: Social media giant Meta has launched a new paid subscription plan for Instagram users. Introduced as ‘Instagram Plus,’ this service is designed for those who desire greater control over their accounts, better insights, and specific exclusive features. In India, it is priced at ₹299 per month. While the free version of Instagram will remain available as before, subscribers will gain access to additional benefits.

Extended duration and better visibility for Stories

One of the standout features of Instagram Plus is the ‘Story Extension.’ Typically, an Instagram Story disappears after 24 hours, but subscribers will be able to keep their stories active for up to 48 hours.

Additionally, users can specially highlight one story each week, helping it reach a wider audience. This feature could prove particularly useful for content creators and influencers.

Easily see who is viewing your Story

Instagram Plus will also provide a search function within the story viewer list. This allows users to search for a specific person’s name to check whether or not they have viewed the story.

Users will also be able to add posts directly to their profiles and highlights without displaying them in the main feed of their followers. This helps in keeping the profile organized and showcasing specific content separately.

Exclusive design and customization options

Meta has included several visual and customization features in this subscription. Instagram Plus members will be able to use animated ‘Super Heart’ reactions, which appear on the screen with engaging animations during interactions.

Furthermore, users will have the option to choose special app icons designed by Instagram and select creators. Various fonts will also be made available for profile bios, allowing users to give their accounts a more personalized look.

Pin More Content to Your Profile

With Instagram Plus, users will be able to prioritize more content on their profiles. Subscribers will have the ability to pin up to six posts, allowing them to showcase their most important or popular posts at the top of their profile.

Why Did Meta Introduce Instagram Plus?

Meta has been expanding subscription-based services across its platforms for some time now, and Instagram Plus is part of this strategy. The company aims to offer additional features to those who wish to enhance their social media experience, without affecting the experience of free users.

The company states that more new features will be added to Instagram Plus in the coming months. Consequently, the service could become even more useful and feature-rich in the future.

Is Spending ₹299 Worth It?

Instagram Plus may be particularly appealing to users who create content regularly, wish to better understand their audience, or want to manage their profiles more professionally. Currently, this plan can be purchased via the Instagram app, and users can decide—based on their specific needs—how beneficial the features offered for ₹299 per month are for them.