Meta Tests $7.99 AI Plans in 3 Countries to Build Revenue Beyond Ads
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 27
Meta Tests $7.99 AI Plans in 3 Countries to Build Revenue Beyond Ads
4 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 27
Singapore, Guatemala and Bolivia will host Meta’s first test of paid Meta AI plans next month, with Meta One Plus priced at $7.99 a month and Premium at $19.99.
The subscriptions cover the Meta AI app and website, adding higher usage limits, bigger and more complex requests, and extra computing capacity while a free version remains available.
Meta is introducing paid AI features to create a revenue stream beyond advertising as it competes with OpenAI, Anthropic and Google Gemini.
The push follows Meta’s April 2025 standalone AI app launch and comes after its new Muse Spark model and the $14.3 billion Scale AI investment that brought in Alexandr Wang.
Advertising still generated more than 97% of Meta’s $164.5 billion 2024 revenue, underscoring why investors welcomed the move; shares rose nearly 4% on Wednesday.
As Meta rolls out paid features, are we witnessing the end of free social media as we know it?
Can Meta's new $50 subscription truly replace thousands spent on ad agencies for small businesses?
Meta Bets Big on Subscriptions: WhatsApp Plus, Instagram Plus, and $49.99 Creator Tier Aim to Diversify Revenue in 2026
Overview
Meta is expanding its revenue strategies by launching new subscription services like WhatsApp Plus, Instagram Plus, and advanced Meta One tiers. This move builds on the proven success of the subscription model, as seen with Snapchat+, and responds to strong market demand for premium social features. WhatsApp Plus, for example, is available in select regions and offers enhanced personalization and organizational tools for a monthly fee. These subscriptions aim to provide added value for both individual users and businesses, helping Meta diversify its income beyond advertising while adapting to changing user expectations and competitive pressures.