Malaysians can now pay to unlock extra features on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook after Meta officially introduced its new Plus subscription plans, with prices starting from RM3.50 per month.
The optional subscriptions are now available nationwide, offering users additional personalisation tools, exclusive features and enhanced insights, while the free versions of all three platforms remain unchanged.
The most affordable option is WhatsApp Plus, priced at RM3.50 a month. Subscribers can personalise the app with exclusive themes, icons, stickers and ringtones, while also increasing the number of pinned chats from the standard limit to 20.
For users of Instagram and Facebook, Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus are each available for RM4.50 per month. Both subscriptions introduce extra features aimed at frequent content creators and active users, including the ability to keep Stories visible for 48 hours, view how many times a Story has been rewatched, search through Story viewers and access exclusive profile customisation options such as animated reactions and unique app icons.
Those who want access to all three services can subscribe for RM12.50 per month, with Meta also offering limited-time introductory discounts on selected plans.
For most Malaysians, the launch will not affect how they use the platforms. Messaging on WhatsApp, browsing Facebook and posting on Instagram will continue to be free, with all existing core features remaining available to non-paying users.
However, the paid subscriptions are expected to appeal to content creators, influencers, social media managers and power users who want more detailed performance insights or greater control over how their apps look and function.
The introduction of the Plus plans also reflects a growing trend across the technology industry, where free social media platforms are increasingly offering premium features through monthly subscriptions. Rather than replacing the free experience, these paid plans provide additional convenience, customisation and analytics for users willing to pay.
Whether the new features justify the monthly fee will likely depend on how heavily Malaysians rely on Meta’s apps in their daily lives, particularly those using the platforms for content creation, business or personal branding.
