Reed NewsReed News

Instagram Launches Subscription Service Following X and Snapchat

Economy & businessEconomy
Key Points
  • Instagram is launching a subscription service following similar moves by X and Snapchat.
  • The service will cost about $2 per month and offer features like discreet viewing of stories.
  • Testing will begin in multiple countries worldwide, according to a company spokesperson.

Instagram is introducing a subscription service with new features, following similar moves by X and Snapchat, according to parent company Meta. The announcement was made on March 31, 2026.

The new service will reportedly allow users to discreetly view 'stories' - content that normally disappears after 24 hours. Subscribers will also gain increased control over which accounts can see their uploaded images and videos in these temporary posts.

the service will initially be tested in 'a number of countries worldwide.'

company spokesperson

According to reports citing TechCrunch, the subscription will cost approximately $2 per month, equivalent to about 20 Swedish kronor. A company spokesperson stated that the service will initially be tested in 'a number of countries worldwide.'

The move represents Instagram's entry into the subscription-based model that has become increasingly common among social media platforms seeking additional revenue streams beyond advertising.

Transparency

How we verified this article

MediumBased on 7 sources
7 sources4 Involved