Afraid to view Instagram stories? Meta to test paid feature that lets you watch anonymously

• AI-generated photo

Ever hesitated to tap on an Instagram Story because the poster might notice you viewed it? 

Meta is experimenting with a premium subscription feature that may allow users to view Instagram Stories anonymously, according to a report. The feature is part of a broader plan by Meta to test paid subscription options across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. 

While the core apps will remain free, the company is exploring premium tiers that unlock exclusive tools focused on creativity, productivity, and advanced controls over how users interact on the platform.

Although details remain limited, reports said that early discoveries tied to Instagram’s potential subscription include the ability to view Stories without notifying the account owner, alongside other power-user features such as unlimited audience lists and deeper follower insights. 

These features have not been officially launched, but Meta confirmed it is testing app-specific premium experiences rather than a single bundled subscription across all its platforms.

Meta said the tests will roll out gradually in the coming months, with user feedback playing a key role in shaping which features eventually make it to a wider release. 

Meta is also looking to expand the use of Manus, an AI agent it recently acquired, both through direct integration into its apps and through separate business subscriptions. 

The company is also experimenting with monetizing Vibes, its AI-powered video creation tool, by offering premium access on top of free features.

Facebook users in PH

According to DataReportal Facebook remains widely used in the Philippines, with data from Meta’s advertising tools showing an estimated 95.8 million users in the country as of late 2025.

Meanwhile, data from Meta’s advertising tools show that Instagram had an estimated 26.9 million users in the Philippines as of late 2025.

Meta’s updated figures further indicate that Instagram’s advertising reach in the country was equivalent to 22.9 percent of the total population by the end of 2025.

SOURCE: TechCruch