In an effort to comply with European Union regulations, Meta Platforms has unveiled ad-free subscription plans for Facebook and Instagram in Europe. The paid subscription, set to launch next month, will allow users in the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland to access the platforms without advertisements. Despite the subscription option, Facebook and Instagram will still remain free but with ads displaying in users’ feeds. This move by Meta Platforms aims to cater to users’ preferences while adhering to evolving regulations in the region.
The paid ad-free subscription plan is exclusively available to individuals aged 18 years and above in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Meta Platforms announced the introduction of the subscription plan through a blog post on Monday. For users who opt for the ad-free experience, the service will cost EUR 9.99 per month on the Web and EUR 12.99 per month on iOS and Android devices. These prices include fees imposed by Apple and Google, in line with the policies of the respective platforms. It is important to note that the ad-free subscription plan will encompass all linked Facebook and Instagram accounts until March 1, 2024.
While the ad-free subscription plan covers multiple accounts initially, Meta Platforms will implement additional charges for each extra account listed in a user’s Account Center starting from March 1, 2024. Users will be required to pay an extra EUR 6 per month on the Web and EUR 8 per month on iOS and Android for every additional account. This price adjustment reflects the evolving regulations set by the European Union and ensures compliance with the Digital Markets Act and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
Meta Platforms has expressed its commitment to abiding by the evolving European regulations, including the Digital Markets Act and GDPR. The company respects the spirit and purpose of these regulations and aims to comply with them appropriately. It is worth noting that Meta Platforms will continue to offer free access to its products for users who choose not to subscribe to the ad-free plan. Furthermore, advertisers will still be able to run personalized advertising campaigns in Europe, providing a free, ad-supported online service for those who prefer it.
Affordability Compared to Competitors
With the introduction of Meta Platforms’ ad-free subscription plan, Facebook and Instagram subscriptions in Europe become more economical compared to other platforms. For instance, X’s Premium+ subscription, formerly known as Twitter Blue, costs $16 per month and removes ads from X while offering a blue checkmark. In contrast, Meta’s monthly subscription offers users an ad-free experience at a lower cost. The basic tier of X is priced at $3 per month but does not include ad-free browsing.
Meta Platforms’ ad-free subscription plans for Facebook and Instagram in Europe provide users with the option to enjoy the platforms without advertisements while complying with evolving European regulations. This subscription model seeks to accommodate users’ preferences and offer an alternative to the ad-supported free access. With a focus on affordability and compliance, Meta Platforms aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable user experience for European users of Facebook and Instagram.
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