Instagram is the latest platform to monetize: Parent company Meta this week announced Instagram Subscriptions, a new feature that allows creators to charge for exclusive content and benefits.
A handful of creators can now set a monthly price, add the “subscribe” button to their profile, and offer supporter benefits like private Live and Stories broadcasts, interactive stickers, and an easily identifiable backer badge.
The feature is currently available only to a limited number of US creators, including influencers Alan Chikin Chow, Aliza Kelly, and Bunny Michael; athletes Sedona Prince and Jordan Chiles; entertainers Kelsey Cook and Jack Jerry; and digital creators Elliott Norris, Don Allen Stevenson III, and Lonnie IIV. Instagram plans to expand access to more folks “over the next few months.”
“Having subscriptions on Instagram makes building a more intimate relationship with my followers and fans possible,” podcast host, spiritual coach, and self-described “multi-disciplinary artist” Bunny Michael said in a statement. “I am so excited to nurture those connections and make a lasting impact that will help keep my work sustainable.”
Sister platform Facebook launched a similar system in 2020, helping creators “build sustainable businesses powered by the support of their communities,” a company blog post said. Meta promised to not collect any fees from Facebook or Instagram subscriptions purchases until 2023 at the earliest.
Social media rival TikTok, meanwhile, recently began experimenting with a new feature that would allow users to tip their favorite creators (with a follower count of at least 100,000 and good standing on the service).
