Instagram Tests Paid Tier with ‘Stealth Story Viewing’ Feature

NEW YORK (Web Desk): Instagram is testing a new paid subscription tier that introduces exclusive features, including the ability for users to discreetly view Story posts that typically disappear after 24 hours.

Parent company Meta confirmed the development, stating that the feature is currently being trialed in a limited number of countries worldwide. While official details remain scarce, reports suggest that the testing includes markets such as Japan, Mexico, and the Philippines, with subscription pricing expected to be around $2 per month.

In addition to “stealth viewing,” the paid tier is expected to give users greater control over privacy by allowing them to decide which accounts can view their Stories. This aims to enhance personalization and user control over shared content.

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The move comes as Meta continues to explore new revenue streams. The company previously introduced ad-free paid versions of Facebook and Instagram in the United Kingdom to comply with regulatory requirements.

The shift toward subscription-based features aligns with a broader industry trend, as platforms like Snapchat and X have already launched premium tiers. Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, recently reported over 25 million paying subscribers and is approaching $1 billion in annual revenue from its premium services.

Instagram has also been expanding monetization tools for creators, who can already charge followers for access to exclusive content, signaling a growing focus on paid digital experiences across social media platforms.