Subscriptions coming for Facebook, Instagram

Since it launched, Facebook has always been free. Initially, there was no catch. As the site grew in popularity, Facebook started to use advertising revenue. People did not have to pay to use the social media service, but they did have to view relevant ads while using it. Facebook has since rebranded as Meta, which is now the parent company for smaller properties that include both the original Facebook and Instagram.

However, things are going to be changing for some users in the near future. Meta is rolling out a subscription service where users will have to pay a monthly fee. This is going to be offered in the European Union, the EEA and in Switzerland. Those who opt into this monthly payment won’t have any ads when they use the websites or the apps.

Will free still be an option?

According to Meta, they do not plan to eliminate the free options for Facebook or Instagram. They claim that those will always be available for people who agree to the ad support. It is just that the subscription is another option for those who would prefer to pay a monthly fee.

Will it expand?

At this point, it’s unclear how far Meta will take this process. There are different regulations in parts of Europe than there are in the United States, where Facebook is based. At this point, it simply appears that Meta is trying to adhere to the regulations so that the social media giant can continue to be used all over the world.

But what if it’s successful? If Meta finds that a lot of users would prefer to pay a monthly subscription and not see ads, will they make that change? What is that going to do to advertising opportunities on the site? How is it going to change the potential audience? Facebook does have billions of users, but will ads actually be presented to that entire user base? What does this mean for the amount of money that businesses invest in advertising on social media in general?

These are all very important questions to ask, which is why it’s crucial to keep an eye on these changes at Facebook. Here at Content Customs, we can help provide answers, insights and solutions for an ever-evolving internet.