Ready for a next-level feed? Everything to know about Instagram Plus

There is some interesting news for the millions of people who use Instagram to share photos, videos, and connect with family. Meta, the parent company behind the popular social media platform, has officially rolled out a new premium program called Instagram Plus.

This new offering is a paid subscription service available for ₹299 per month. While the standard version of Instagram that everyone uses remains completely free, this monthly plan is designed for individuals who want exclusive tools and deeper options to personalise how their profile looks and functions.

The biggest changes with this subscription revolve around "Stories"—the quick, casual photos or videos that people post to update their friends about their day. On the standard version of the app, these temporary posts automatically vanish after 24 hours. Subscribers to Instagram Plus, however, will see their stories stay visible to friends for a full 48 hours.

In addition to the extended time limit, subscribers can choose to highlight one special story every week as a "Spotlight," giving it extra prominence. The upgrade also provides clearer insights into who is viewing these posts and makes it easier to search through the viewer list. For those who value privacy, the service offers an option to post directly to a personal profile or a saved collection without having that post broadcast to their followers' main news feeds.

Subscribers will also gain access to a few fun visual features that regular users do not have. One of these additions is the "Animated Super Heart" reaction. When messaging friends, users can send lively, animated hearts that dance across the screen.

The service also allows users to change the appearance of the Instagram app icon on their phone's home screen, offering custom designs and unique text fonts. Organisation gets a boost as well with an expanded "Profile Pin" feature. While standard accounts are limited in how many favourite photos they can showcase at the top of their page, Instagram Plus users can pin up to six posts or story highlights right to the top of their profile for visitors to see immediately.

This update reflects a growing trend among technology companies to offer optional, paid upgrades for enthusiasts who want more control over their digital spaces. By introducing this tier, the company aims to cater to power users while keeping the core app free for the general public. Meta has already indicated that this is just the beginning, with plans to introduce even more features to Instagram Plus in the coming months, steadily transforming it into a highly customizable experience.