Instagram is Launching Subscription Fees Up to $99: The Looming Monetization Race

When Mark Zuckerberg recently commented about testing a new feature of Instagram that allowed a handful of creators to charge subscription fees, many headlines were written saying Instagram may now cost people money. While there is not much official information that went out, all we know is Zuckerberg posted information and Instagram has changed for some accounts. Now, some select few content creators can charge from $0.99 to $99 dollars monthly for their users to access exclusive content and benefits.

What will the new Instagram subscription be like?

Well, for most users, it does not seem to change anything. This feature will be tried on only a small number of accounts and you will probably not even see it in your daily life for now. However, the subscription system reminds many of the YouTube membership systems that support creators in terms of monetizing their online presence. The creators can now charge from $0.99 to $99 dollars monthly for their users to access exclusive content and benefits. Like YouTube’s revenue system, they can take their cut at the end of the year. If you want to learn from Zuckerberg’s own words, here is the original post:

How will the Instagram change affect creators?

If it really becomes a passing feature like YouTube membership, it can be a very good move to support content creators on Instagram. However, the fine line between a paywall and supporting donation is very thin. We hope that the new subscription feature does not block existing content and just provides a new way for creators to monetize the exclusive content that they have created.

In the following months, we can even see a lot of big creators pushing quality content for membership as well. Though, if it will mean a drop in content quality for non-exclusive posts, it sure might be a dangerous feature.

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The details…

The original Instagram announcement explains most of the details in and on itself. There will be lives, stories, and badges specific to subscribers. And the initial test will be on accounts listed as @alanchikinchow, @sedona., @alizakelly, @kelseylynncook, @elliottnorris, @jordanchiles, @jackjerry, @bunnymichael, @donalleniii, and @lonnieiiv. There will also be bonus programs and creator support.

Well, it all aims to create a predictable revenue stream for creators in the end. If it turns out to be good, we can see the word “influencer” as a much valid career choice in the future. If you want to give a little break to the influencer news with some gaming, you can also try the new Google Play Games on PC I previously wrote about (Only if you are in Hong Kong, South Korea, or Taiwan).