Facebook and Instagram have rolled out a new subscription service in Europe, allowing users to bid farewell to those pesky ads interrupting their scrolling experience. This game-changing development comes from Meta, the parent company of these popular social platforms.
For those in the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland, this new subscription offering marks a significant shift. Imagine browsing through your favorite social feeds without constant ad interruptions. It’s an option that hasn’t been available before and promises a breath of fresh air for users who value an ad-free experience.
Facebook and Instagram’s paid ad-free subscription aims to give users more control and privacy in their online interactions, particularly in response to concerns raised by European Union regulators. Here’s a breakdown of the key details regarding these subscription plans:
Key aspects of the Facebook and Instagram Ad-Free Subscription
Eligibility
The ad-free service is exclusively available to users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. It’s an optional subscription that empowers users to opt out of seeing ads on Facebook and Instagram.
Cost
Users accessing the service via the web will pay €9.99 per month, while those on iOS and Android will be charged €12.99 monthly.
What is covered?
Upon subscription, all associated Facebook and Instagram accounts under a user’s “Accounts Center” will become ad-free, offering a seamless ad-free experience across linked accounts.
Additional account charges
Starting from March 1, 2024, users will incur additional fees for each extra account linked in their “Accounts Center.” These will amount to €6 per month per additional account on the web and €8 per month per additional account on iOS and Android.
User criteria
The subscription is accessible to users aged 18 and above within the specified European regions.
Privacy & user experience
One of the standout features of this ad-free subscription is the assurance that user data won’t be utilized for ad targeting while enjoying an ad-free experience. This ensures a more personalized, ad-free interaction without user activities being used for ad personalization.
Existing features & choices
For users opting to stick with the free, ad-supported versions of Facebook and Instagram, the existing tools and features for managing ad preferences will remain available. Users can still influence the ads they see and control the data used for ad targeting.
Meeting Regulations and User Preferences
This move by Meta reflects an effort to comply with evolving European regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). By introducing this ad-free subscription, Meta aims to meet regulatory demands while catering to user preferences and maintaining a beneficial business advertising landscape.
In summary, Facebook and Instagram’s paid ad-free subscription brings the choice to eliminate ads for a monthly fee to users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. The varying costs and additional fees for linked accounts starting in 2024 ensure enhanced privacy while catering to users who prefer the ad-supported experience. This step underlines Meta’s commitment to aligning user choice with evolving regulations while supporting a valuable business advertising ecosystem.
