The image platform Instagram wants to give influencers the opportunity to offer their fans paid subscriptions. Content producers need “predictable income,” said Adam Mosseri, head of the platform, which belongs to Facebook parent company Meta, in a video on Wednesday. Subscriptions are “one of the best options” for this, since the income otherwise varies from contribution to contribution.
First, Instagram will test this new approach with a handful of influencers in the US. Your paying subscribers will have access to exclusive “Stories” (short-lived posts) and “Lives” (live videos). Paid subscribers will be distinguished from regular fans by having a purple icon next to their name so influencers can recognize them in comments or private messages.
Different models
In recent years, many Internet platforms that were originally free for users have developed various models of how professional influencers can generate income there in addition to the sale of promotional items, advertising contracts and sponsored contributions. On the video platforms Tiktok and Twitch, for example, viewers can donate. The short message service Twitter has followed suit with paid subscriptions and donation options.
The platforms compete for the most popular content creators as they attract numerous fans to the platform. The operators themselves earn the most when normal users spend a lot of time on their platforms, as this is how they can display the most advertising.
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