🤖 Meta prepares paid AI subscriptions across its apps

Meta plans to test premium subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp in the coming months, according to TechCrunch and confirmed by the company.

The subscriptions would unlock additional features and expanded AI capabilities. A key part is scaling Meta’s newly acquired AI agent suite from Manus, which Meta bought for about $2B in December. Some AI products, like the Vibes short-form video tool, may move to a freemium model with basic access staying free and advanced features behind a paywall.

This would be separate from Meta Verified and marks a shift from Meta’s usual approach of keeping AI tools open and free under the Llama brand.

Meta is clearly looking for direct returns on its AI spending. The free era is getting thinner.

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