With the launch of Instagram Subscriptions, Instagram is providing creators with more options to earn money. The feature, which was first seen on the App Store in November, is now officially in early testing with a select number of US creators who will be able to offer their followers exclusive Instagram Live videos and Stories. Subscribers will also receive a unique badge that will help them stand out in the comment section and in the inboxes of the creators.
Source: Instagram
Only ten U.S. creators have access to the new feature at the moment since Instagram considers it an “alpha” test designed to gather input from followers and creators. This ten creators list includes astrologer @alizakelly; digital creator @elliottnorris; Olympic silver medalist @jordanchiles; dancer/actress/model @kelseylynncook; actor and influencer @alanchikinchow; gymnast and creator @jackjerry; basketball player @sedona._; spiritual coach and artist @bunnymichael; XR creator @donalleniii; and digital creator @lonnieiiv.
Creators can set their own pricing for access to their exclusive content with the Subscriptions product. Depending on how much a creator feels their material is worth, there are eight pricing points to select from, starting at $0.99 per month and going up to $99.99 per month.
Despite reports that Instagram was working on a technology that would block screenshots of creators’ unique material, Instagram assured that no such technology is accessible during this initial test period. Resharing the content, on the other hand, is against the conditions, and creators are encouraged to report anybody who screenshots or records their material.
On his Facebook page, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also welcomed the launch, saying Subscriptions would “help creators earn more by offering benefits to their most engaged followers like access to exclusive Lives and Stories.”
Fans may subscribe to their favorite creators’ content with in-app purchases on iOS and Android. Instagram will not take a cut of the creators’ earnings for the time being.
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