Instagram now has Rs 299 paid subscription in India, here is what paying users get

Meta has launched Instagram Plus in India at Rs 299 a month with extra Story controls and customisation features. The optional subscription gives paying users tools and insights not available on the free version.

In Short

• Instagram Plus launches in India at Rs 299 monthly
• Subscribers get exclusive Story tools, insights and controls
• Meta says more Instagram Plus features are coming soon

Days after announcing a new subscription tier for its popular apps, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, Meta has rolled out the paid subscription tier for Instagram, dubbed Instagram Plus. The new offering is positioned as an optional upgrade for users who want extra controls, enhanced insights and exclusive capabilities. In India, Instagram Plus is priced at Rs 299 per month and offers features across three areas: getting closer to who matters, seeing previews and insights, and making Instagram yours.

In simple terms, Meta is giving paying users access to tools and customisation options that regular users will not get.

More control over Stories

Many of Instagram Plus' biggest features are focused on Stories. Subscribers will be able to see how many people rewatched their Stories, create unlimited Story audience lists beyond the Close Friends feature, and even preview Stories secretly without appearing in the viewer list.

The plan also allows users to extend Stories beyond the usual 24-hour limit to 48 hours and spotlight one Story every week for additional visibility.

Another feature lets users search their Story viewer list to see who is watching their content. Instagram Plus users can also post directly to their profile and highlights without those posts appearing in their followers' feeds.

Features regular users won't get

Beyond Story-related tools, Meta is adding several cosmetic upgrades for paying subscribers. Instagram Plus users will get animated "Super Heart" reactions — vibrant animated hearts that burst across the screen during interactions.

Subscribers will also gain access to custom app icons selected by Instagram and creators, along with special fonts for bios. Another addition is profile pins, allowing users to pin up to six posts and highlight the content that matters most to them.

Why is Meta introducing Instagram Plus?

The launch reflects Meta's broader push into subscription-based services across its apps. Rather than replacing the free version of Instagram, Instagram Plus is being offered as an optional upgrade for users who want additional features, deeper insights and more ways to customise their experience.

Meta has also said that it plans to keep adding new features to Instagram Plus over the coming months, suggesting that the subscription could become more feature-rich over time.

For now, Instagram users in India can purchase the new plan directly through the Instagram app and decide whether the extra features are worth the Rs 299 monthly fee.

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