Meta Tests Instagram Plus Subscription In Select International Markets

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 31, 2026

Meta is testing a premium Instagram subscription called Instagram Plus in selected international markets. The test expands Meta’s efforts to introduce paid features beyond creator-focused products.

Introduction

Trials of Instagram Plus are underway in several countries as Meta evaluates demand for paid features among regular users. The product targets everyday users rather than creators or businesses.

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Exclusive Features Driving User Engagement

Instagram Plus includes features that modify how users interact with Stories and audience settings. Subscribers can view Stories anonymously and access additional metrics, including data on repeat views. The service also allows creation of multiple audience lists for Stories, expanding beyond the existing Close Friends option.

Enhanced Story Capabilities

Users can extend the visibility of Stories by an additional 24 hours. A weekly feature allows one Story to be prioritized in the Stories feed. Additional tools include an animated “Superlike” for Stories and a search function to identify viewers more easily.

Global Rollout And Pricing Structure

Testing is taking place in markets including Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. Pricing varies by country, with reported monthly fees of about MX$39 ($2.20) in Mexico, ¥319 (around $2) in Japan, and PHP 65 ($1.07) in the Philippines.

Market Positioning And Strategic Implications

Instagram Plus differs from Meta Verified, which focuses on creators and businesses and includes verification and account protection features. The new subscription targets general users as Meta expands monetization options. Adoption may depend on users’ willingness to pay amid increasing subscription-based services. Competing products such as Snapchat+ have reported more than 25 million subscribers, indicating demand for premium social media features.

Looking Ahead

Meta continues testing Instagram Plus before deciding on a wider rollout. Results from these trials will determine whether the company expands paid features for general users on Instagram.

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Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

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Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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