Meta launches ad-free Facebook & Instagram subscriptions in the UK
Meta is rolling out a paid, ad-free option for Facebook and Instagram users in the UK. The company says the change responds to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidance that gives users the choice to either consent to personalised ads or pay to avoid them.
Key details
- Who: UK users aged 18 and over.
- Pricing:
- £3 per month on the web (or $4).
- £4 per month on iOS/Android (or $5) — higher due to Apple/Google app store fees, according to Meta.
- Additional accounts added to your Meta Accounts Center will be charged extra: +£2/month on the web or +£3/month on mobile.
- How it works: The no-ads subscription applies to Facebook and Instagram accounts added to a user’s Meta Accounts Center. Additional accounts listed there will be billed separately at the add-on rate.
Context
Meta says this move follows the ICO’s “consent or pay” guidance. The company previously offered an ad-free plan in the EU and faced regulatory scrutiny and fines under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, then revised its offering. Meta has argued personalised ads deliver the best experience for users and businesses; digital advertising accounted for around 97% of Meta’s revenue in 2024.
What this means for users
If you decline to pay, you’ll continue to see ads on Facebook and Instagram as before and can use Ad Preferences to influence which ads you see more or less of. The new subscription is optional and aimed at users who prefer not to have personalised advertising.
Source: Engadget
Would you pay to remove ads or keep the free, personalised experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.