Meta is testing a new subscription feature for Instagram that would allow users to pay to view other users' stories without the story poster being notified, according to a report from TechCrunch. The feature, discovered in the app's code, is part of a broader test of paid add-ons for the platform.
The test, which appears to be in an early development phase, would introduce a new tier of privacy for viewers. Currently, Instagram notifies users when someone has viewed their story, but this paid option would bypass that notification system. It is not yet clear how much the subscription would cost or when it might be widely available.
This move aligns with Meta's ongoing exploration of new revenue streams beyond advertising. The company has previously introduced various subscription models, such as Instagram's "Close Friends" subscription feature, which allows creators to offer exclusive content to paying followers.
Industry analysts suggest the feature could be controversial, potentially creating a two-tier system for privacy and altering the dynamics of social interaction on the platform. Meta has not officially announced the feature, and it may be altered or scrapped before any public release.
