Instagram has always been known for its innovative and unique features in the social media world. But with the start of 2026, Instagram is going to do something that will completely change the platform experience. According to recent reports and leaks, Instagram is working on a new "Paid Subscription" feature. This feature will be slightly different from the current "Meta Verified" and will give users some "superpowers" that were not possible until now.

Whether you're a creator or a casual user who's a little more privacy-conscious, this update has a lot to offer. Let's explore what's special about this new subscription plan.

Unlimited Audience List: Now not everyone will see your story

Until now, we only had one list of "Close Friends." But with this new update, you'll be able to create as many different audience lists as you like. For example, you could create a separate list for your family, another for your office colleagues, and a third for your college friends. This will be great for those who like to share their personal lives in compartmentalized ways.

Sneak peek stories: Anonymity

The most talked-about feature of this new subscription may be "Anonymous Story Viewing." Often, we want to view someone's story without letting them know we've seen it. Until now, people have resorted to third-party apps to do this, which aren't secure. But now, Instagram itself can offer this feature, allowing you to view anyone's story without being in the "Seen" list.

Who doesn't follow you back? Now you'll know everything.

Many of us are curious to know who hasn't followed us back among those we follow. Currently, there's no direct way to do this, but with the new subscription tools, you can see a list of people who don't follow you with just one click. This will be very useful for those who want to keep their 'Following' list clean.

'Super Like' and other features

Instagram is also testing a "Super Like" button for Story lovers. Just like you normally like a photo, you can now "Super Like" a specific Story to show your support. Furthermore, you'll now be able to search for names in the Story viewer list, which will be a boon for major creators.

Will this be for everyone?

It's worth noting that all these features are "paid," meaning they can be availed in exchange for money. Instagram already sells blue ticks through MetaVerified, but this new plan will be for those who want more features and control within the app. Instagram hasn't yet officially announced or revealed the price, but leaks suggest testing is underway.

Instagram is gradually moving from a free app to a "premium service." While these features seem promising for privacy and control, paying for every feature may be a bit of a hassle for ordinary users. However, for creators and business accounts, these tools could prove to be a game-changer.