MEXICO, JAPAN, AND THE PHILIPPINES — Instagram is testing a subscription that lets paid users watch stories anonymously. The subscription is being piloted in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines.

The subscription costs about $1 to $2 a month and gives paying users the ability to view another user's Story in stealth mode. The service also lets users create audience lists beyond Close Friends and allows them to extend a Story by an additional 24 hours.

Instagram Stories are photos and videos that expire after 24 hours. Currently, the creator of a Story can see who views it.

Meta has been experimenting with various paid products in recent years to diversify its revenue beyond advertising. In 2023, Meta launched Meta Verified, a subscription service for creators and business accounts that helps protect brands from impersonation and build credibility.

Meta Verified has four tiers, and the most expensive tier costs $500 a month. Meta's other subscription products include an ad-free subscription for European Union users and a monthly subscription that lets fans get exclusive content from their favorite creators. Snapchat, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn have introduced premium tiers that unlock features for paid users to supplement advertising revenue.