For several months now, Instagram and Facebook users in Europe have started receiving messages from Meta notifying them about the new subscription option to remove ads on both platforms. Although this notice has stopped appearing, the option to subscribe is still available. In this extensive review, we explain in detail. How the paid subscription works to use Instagram and Facebook without ads., its implications, updated prices, free alternatives, and everything you need to know to make the best decision based on your user profile.
Why is there a paid subscription to remove ads on Meta?
Meta, parent company of Instagram and Facebook, introduced this paid subscription modality in response to European regulations related to data protection and personalized advertising. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Digital Markets Law (DMA) They have demanded that large platforms give users more control over the use of their personal data, especially when this data is used to display targeted ads.
With this European regulation, Users have the option to continue using Facebook and Instagram for free, with personalized ads. (which involves the use of your data), or they can choose to pay a subscription to remove ads and prevent your data from being used for advertising purposes. This subscription is completely optional and, for the time being, is valid only in the countries of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
What does the subscription actually consist of? Subscribing doesn't affect basic social media functionality: you can continue to access posts, likes, comments, and direct messages as usual. The main difference is:
- By subscribingYou won't see any ads on your wall, stories, or feed, and Meta will stop using your data to show them to you. Posts from businesses or creators that aren't ads will continue to display normally.
- If you continue for free: You will continue to see ads tailored to your interests, and you allow Meta to use your browsing and activity data to personalize them.
Important: This subscription is different from the "account verification" or blue badge services, and you'll need to specifically choose whether you want to pay to remove ads or keep the free experience.
Advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of ad-free subscriptions
Meta's subscription to remove ads on Instagram and Facebook has several pros and cons that are important to know before deciding to sign up.
- Complete removal of ads: Ads will not appear in the feed, stories, reels, marketplace, or other sections of Facebook and Instagram.
- Your data is not used for advertising: Meta stops collecting information about your behavior to create advertising profiles or show you personalized ads, strengthening your privacy.
- Less intrusive user experience: The content will be free from the usual interruptions and distractions caused by advertising.
But there are also limitations and disadvantages important:
- Subscribing only removes ads, but posts or collaborations from companies/creators will still be visible..
- The cost can be high, especially if you have multiple accounts linked in the Meta account center..
- Users who manage pages or advertise will see restricted or even disabled features for creating/promoting ads and monetizing content. as long as they have an active subscription or prefer a less personalized ad experience.
- Only available in Europe and associated countries.
The subscription system introduces a clear distinction: Users can choose between privacy and payment, or free enjoyment with the sacrifice of privacy.
How much does Meta's monthly subscription cost and what models are available?
Meta's ad-free subscription rates have undergone relevant changes y may vary depending on the payment method (web or app) and the number of linked accounts to your Meta account center. This detail is key to avoiding surprises in the monthly amount.
Current prices according to platform and accounts
- Web version (Instagram.com or Facebook.com in browser): 5,99 euros per month for the first account.
- Mobile devices (iOS and Android, pay via app): 7,99 euros per month for the first account.
- Additional account on the web: 4 euros/month for each additional linked account.
- Additional account in mobile app: 5 euros/month for each additional account.
These figures reflect a price reduction compared to the initial rate, which was €9,99/month on the web and €12,99/month on the app, as well as €6 and €8 respectively for each additional account (source: Europa Press). Paying is now more affordable, but it's still a significant expense if you manage multiple Facebook and Instagram accounts from the same account center.
For example, if you have only one Instagram account and one Facebook account associated in the account center, and you make the payment from the website, the rate will be 5,99 + 4 = 9,99 euros / monthIf you do it from the mobile app, it rises to 7,99 + 5 = 12,99 euros / month.
Why is it more expensive in the app? The price difference is due to the fees charged by Apple and Google when processing payments for apps downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, which are passed on to the end user.
How do I pay for my subscription?
The subscription can be managed from the Meta Account Center (available in both Facebook and Instagram settings). From there, you can select the "ad-free" option, add or remove accounts, and check the monthly cost before confirming payment. Keep in mind that canceling your subscription is managed from the account center, and if you cancel, you can return to the free plan at any time, although you will see ads again.
How subscription affects advertising, monetization, and creator roles
Meta's subscription not only removes advertising for the user, but It implies significant restrictions for those who use networks as a tool for promotion, business or income generation.You should be well aware of these effects before opting for it.
- If you are an advertiser: You won't be able to post ads or boost posts from a subscribed account or if you choose to see fewer personalized ads.
- As a creator or page: You also won't be able to monetize with in-stream ads, Reel ads, or ads within profile content.
- Linked pages and accounts: If your Facebook Page is linked to an Instagram account with an ad-free subscription, you will also be blocked from advertising or monetizing on that Page.
- Age limitations: Those under 18 have additional restrictions, even in the free version.
If you cancel your subscription, you'll regain the ability to create campaigns and monetize, as long as you meet the Meta requirements.
Ad experience options: personalized ads, less personalized ads, or no ads
Meta currently offers Three user experiences related to advertising and data use:
- Free with personalized ads: This is the default option, showing ads tailored to your interests using your behavior, interests, and activity on both platforms and external websites associated with Meta.
- Free with less personalized ads: Allows you to see selected ads with minimal customization. The use of your data is drastically reduced: only information such as age, general location, and basic interaction type is used. However, metadata is introduced. commercial breaks (non-skippable ads for a few seconds) to sustain the free model, although they may be less relevant to your interests.
- Ad-free payment: Completely remove all ads, stop using your data for advertising purposes, and eliminate ad breaks or interruptions in commercial content.
La “less personalized ads” alternative It has been implemented to meet additional regulatory requirements and provide greater privacy control, although the experience may be less relevant and potentially more intrusive due to the inclusion of non-skippable ads.
How to change the mode: free, less personalized, or paid without ads
If at any time you want to modify your advertising experience, you can do so by accessing the Meta Account Center:
- Access the your profile settings on Instagram or Facebook.
- Sign in Account center.
- Choose Ads Preferences and choose the experience you want (free with ads, free with less personalized ads, or paid without ads).
- Confirm your choice and, if payment is required, enter the corresponding payment method.
The process is reversible: You can cancel your subscription without penalty and return to the free experience at any time.If you cancel within the first 14 days, you can request a refund through the platform where you activated your subscription (Meta Pay, Apple, Google, etc.).
How to unsubscribe from Meta for Instagram and Facebook?
If you decide to stop paying for Meta's ad-free subscription, the cancellation procedure is simple:
- Go to Account center from your app (Instagram or Facebook) or from the web.
- Go to the section Subscriptions o Privacy and Ads.
- Choose Cancel subscription and confirms the decision.
After cancellation, ad removal will remain in effect until the end of the current billing period, and then You will automatically return to the free ad-supported modelIf you cancel and request a refund within 14 days of activation, you can get your money back under the terms of the platform you used to pay.
Who should consider subscribing and who shouldn't?
This option is intended primarily for those who value an ad-free experience and want to maximize their privacy providing as little data as possible to Meta and third-party advertisers. This is especially beneficial for:
- Users who spend a lot of time browsing Instagram and Facebook and find advertising too disruptive to their experience.
- Those who have special concerns about privacy and do not want their data to be used for commercial purposes.
- People who use the platforms only on a personal level and do not depend on content creation, promotion, or monetization.
By contrast, It is not recommended for advertisers, community managers, professional creators, or those who monetize with ads., since subscriptions limit promotion and revenue generation options. If you need to publish or promote paid content, it's best to stay on the free plan or, at least, only activate subscriptions on personal accounts not associated with your professional activity.
Frequently asked questions and key aspects of Meta subscription
- Is subscription mandatory? No, it's completely optional. You'll still be able to use Facebook and Instagram for free if you prefer, although you'll see ads and your data may be used for advertising.
- Does it affect blue account verification? No, opting in to remove ads is separate from the process of obtaining the verification seal.
- If I cancel my subscription, will I lose data or publications? No, your content will remain intact. You will only see ads again, and your data may be used for ad personalization.
- Is it available worldwide? For now only in the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
- Can I switch between modes? Yes, you can change your ad experience at any time from your account center.
Comparison: Meta subscription vs. other digital subscription models
Meta's ad-free subscription model is similar to that of other digital platforms such as YouTube Premium, Spotify, or other streaming and music services. The difference is:
- Meta maintains free access to the platform, only monetizing the privacy and advertising experience..
- The subscription only affects the advertising component, it does not add extra premium features..
- The pricing policy penalizes the management of multiple accounts, unlike Netflix, Disney+ or Spotify Family, which seek to encourage grouping users into joint plans..
This reflects Meta's philosophy of connecting people in exchange for access to their data, but with the legal obligation to offer a more private alternative in Europe.
Whether you choose to pay or keep the free option depends on how much you value an ad-free experience, your level of privacy concerns, and your professional or personal use of Meta tools.