Instagram has reportedly launched a test of subscriptions in the United States as a new means for creators to monetize their content.
Mark Zuckerberg, the Co-Founder of Facebook and the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of parent company Meta, announced the test on Wednesday. He stated that the program will help creators to earn more by providing benefits like access to exclusive Stories and Lives to followers who are deeply engaged with their content.
Presently, Instagram Subscriptions are being tried with a few U.S.-based creators, who can choose to set a monthly price and unlock a ‘subscribe’ button on their profile. The program will enable creators to choose from eight various price points, starting from 99 cents per month and ranging up to USD 99.99 per month.
Some of the U.S-based Instagram creators who are part of this test include @sedona._, @alanchikinchow, @alizakelly, @elliottnorris, @kelseylynncook, @jordanchiles, @bunnymichael, @jackjerry, @lonnieiiv, and @donalleniii.
The company stated that Instagram Subscriptions will enable creators in offering exclusive content to subscribers, which includes IG Stories, live streams, and subscriber badges which will be showcased next to messages and comments so creators can easily recognize their subscribers.
Two years ago, Facebook unveiled a subscriptions program. In 2021, Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would not charge any fees on subscription purchases from Facebook creators until 2023, and this also applies to Instagram Subscriptions.
As of December last year, creators of Facebook Subscriptions can download emails of new subscribers who agree to share their email addresses so that the creators can maintain an off-platform relationship with subscribers.
To promote their subscription, creators can also use a personalized link that enables them to keep all of the money they earn, excluding taxes.
Previously, the Facebook Co-Founder announced a plan to pay out nearly USD 1 billion to creators on Instagram and Facebook by the end of this year.
Source credit:
https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/instagram-subscriptions-launch-1235157616/