[mrki444]

The company Meta has announced that it is globally introducing subscription plans for its most popular applications: Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. New plans for users of the Meta AI service, as well as content creators and business users, are expected soon.

The monthly subscription for Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus will be 3.99 dollars (about 3.4 euros), while WhatsApp Plus will be charged 2.99 dollars (about 2.5 euros) per month. Meta clarified that these "Plus" subscriptions will not replace the existing Meta Verified service, but will exist as a separate option.

Subscriptions bring new options, but most of the comments are negative, in the sense that the network is already making money from user data and advertisements. This news is in line with the earlier announcement that WhatsApp will get additional ads in the free version.

Are you planning to buy a subscription?

[eldavis]

I honestly don't see any good reasons as to why they want to do this though.

[kataomoi]

What are the benefits of these plans? WhatsApp used to be a charged service before Meta bought them. I paid for it then, but I don't know if I would pay for it now since there are a lot more free options now.

[mrki444]

Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus subscribers will gain access to a range of exclusive features. These include advanced insights into Stories statistics, such as the number of repeat views, as well as the ability to extend Stories beyond the standard 24-hour limit.
Users will also be able to create unlimited custom audience lists, in addition to the existing "Close Friends" option, and preview Stories before they are posted.
Users who opt for WhatsApp Plus for €2.49 will gain access to new features such as custom ringtones, additional sticker packs, and new themes for the app's appearance.

[eldavis]

A lot of persons have already started complaining about it right now.

[kataomoi]

Ya, those features alone are not enough to justify the subscription. Custom ringtones? Everyone has their phones on silent these days. They'll need to offer more if they're going to start charging people.

[ptrikha21]

Not as of now.
I am not active on Facebook & Instagram.
And well, even if I watch a few more Ads on WhatsApp, I do not mind.
Instead, Meta should start paying at least a few cents everyday to its users!

[mrki444]

Ya, those features alone are not enough to justify the subscription. Custom ringtones? Everyone has their phones on silent these days. They'll need to offer more if they're going to start charging people.

Do you know anybody or hear anywhere somebody bought additional pack of stickers?

[kataomoi]

Sticks are super popular in Asian countries and make lots of money. Users can also post their art work on messaging apps to sell and earn money. They are sold per set so you pay $1 to buy a few stickers that you can use forever on your account.

But to my knowledge, that is not available on WhatsApp and offering "additional sticker packs" is not a good enough incentive, especially if the user still has to pay an extra purchase fee to use the stickers.

[Fergal]

Anytime I open Facebook, I spend too long scrolling without seeing content that is actually helping or benefiting me. It's addictive. I've deliberately stayed away from Facebook this past couple of days, because I think it does me more harm than good. At this time I would not be interested in paying for a subscription. Maybe that will change in the future.

[eldavis]

Anytime I open Facebook, I spend too long scrolling without seeing content that is actually helping or benefiting me. It's addictive. I've deliberately stayed away from Facebook this past couple of days, because I think it does me more harm than good. At this time I would not be interested in paying for a subscription. Maybe that will change in the future.

This is the simple truth a lot of people might not want to admit, especially our young ones, out of ten contents, only one or two will actually be educational or intellectual.