• by Colin Kirkland , Yesterday

In several regions across the globe, Instagram has begun testing a premium offering separate from “Meta Verified” that provides paying subscribers with various Story-centric options designed to boost reach, specify audience targeting and maintain a heightened level of anonymity on the social media platform.

Now testing in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines for up to $2.20 per month, “Instagram Plus” is focused on everyday users, separating itself from Meta’s “Verified” premium subscription service, which offers tools designed for creators and businesses.

The majority of Instagram Plus offerings being tested focus on the platform’s Story feature.

Users interested in paying a monthly fee will be able to create unlimited audience lists for their Stories, allowing for specified targeting beyond a “Close Friends” list. Paying subscribers can also see how many people have rewatched their Story, and can preview another user's Story without showing up as a viewer.

Subscribers can also improve reach by spotlighting their Story once a week or extend their Story for an additional 24 hours. And to stand out to other users, subscribers can “Superlike” a Story.

Similar to its Stories feature, which launched ten years ago to compete with Snapchat's popular Story tab, Instagram Plus reflects a strategy similar to Snap's successful revenue-building subscription offering Snapchat+, which is also designed for everyday users.

Although Meta has built a powerful advertising business that makes up the majority of the company’s revenue, subscription services can provide a helpful alternative revenue stream.

As of now, over 35 million users are paying for Meta Verified, which costs between $11.99 and $14.99 per month for creators and up to $349 per month for businesses.

Meta has yet to announce plans for an official rollout of Instagram Plus.