Meta is testing premium subscription plans that add advanced AI tools to Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, giving users access to unlimited video generation, AI agents for complex tasks, and other creator features while keeping basic functionality free. The trials aim to create a new revenue stream beyond advertising.
What the Premium Subscriptions Offer
Subscribers will receive a bundle of AI‑driven features designed to enhance content creation and personal productivity across Meta’s flagship apps.
- Unlimited access to Vibes video‑generation – an AI tool that transforms ideas into short videos without the limits imposed on free users.
- Manus AI agents – intelligent assistants that can plan trips, draft presentations, and execute multi‑step tasks with minimal prompting.
- Enhanced content‑creation filters and templates powered by Meta’s latest large‑language‑model technologies.
AI‑Powered Video Generation with Vibes
Vibes lets users describe a concept and receive a fully rendered video in seconds. The premium tier removes watermarks, unlocks higher resolution output, and provides priority processing for faster results.
AI Agents from Manus Integration
Manus agents act as personal assistants that can handle scheduling, research, and creative drafting. Integrated directly into Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, they enable users to complete complex workflows without leaving the app.
How the Subscriptions Fit Meta’s Monetisation Strategy
Meta’s shift toward paid tiers builds on earlier experiments such as verified‑badge subscriptions and limited link‑sharing plans. By offering optional upgrades, the company seeks to diversify revenue while preserving free access to core social features.
Why AI Is Central to the New Plans
Recent investments in Meta AI have produced a suite of tools that combine chat, image generation, and autonomous agents. Packaging these capabilities as a subscription differentiates Meta’s offering from standard chatbots and positions the company at the forefront of “AI‑as‑a‑service” for consumers.
Potential Impact on Users and the Market
If successful, the premium subscriptions could generate a steady, recurring revenue stream and reduce reliance on ad sales. Users would benefit from powerful creation tools and time‑saving assistants, while the paywall may create a divide between paying and non‑paying members.
Competitors are also exploring creator‑focused monetisation, but Meta’s massive user base and deep integration of AI agents give it a unique advantage in capturing market share.
Next Steps and Availability
Meta has not disclosed final pricing or geographic rollout details. The company will continue testing the subscriptions, gathering feedback, and notifying eligible users within the apps. The outcome of these trials will determine whether AI‑enhanced premium tiers become a permanent part of Meta’s ecosystem.
