Instagram is testing paid subscriptions — which cost up to $100 a month

The times when using Instagram was only paid for by watching advertisements are slowly coming to an end. This social network is now also starting to charge for certain content. A test with a handful of influencers has started in the USA. They offer paid subscriptions to their followers. The price range is huge. Creators can choose from eight different pricing models, as an Instagram spokesman told The Hollywood Reporter. It all starts at $0.99 per month, which is about 87 cents. If you want, you can also ask for 99.99 dollars (88.11 euros). (Also read: Instagram Dont’s – 7 Things You Should Never Do)

Subscribe to Instagram

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, explained the innovation in a video. He sold the launch of paid subscriptions as an important move for influencers. They have to earn their living with Instagram and subscriptions are one of the best ways to generate a reliable income, the manager argued.

So far, the Instagram subscription offers three features. Influencers can only host lives for paying followers. They also get access to exclusive stories marked with a purple ring. The badge next to subscriber usernames is also purple, making it easier for account holders to see. Instagram selected a small group of creatives for the US test run. Also in attendance are @alanchikinchow, @sedona._, @alizakelly, @kelseylynncook, @elliottnorris, @jordanchiles, @jackjerry, @bunnymichael, @donalleniii, and @lonnieiiv. The subscription testers are comparatively small accounts. They have between 63,000 and 572,000 followers. (Also interesting: WhatsApp is working on a new function – finally more freedom with voice messages)

Instagram earns from subscriptions

According to the report, the subscription fees should fully benefit the creators until at least 2023. After that, Instagram and the parent company Meta (formerly Facebook) will of course also earn money. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that this stake should be less than 30 percent. According to his boss, Instagram is planning further paid features that should ultimately permeate the entire user experience in the app. Instagram also wants to make it possible for influencers to take their subscriber list to other apps and companies. That might simplify the networking in Zuckerberg’s “Metaverse”.