This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
Published on July 2, 2021, Instagram is reportedly developing a feature that will enable content creators to monetize their exclusive content.
According to developer Alessandro Paluzzi, the feature, dubbed 'Exclusive Stories,' will allow creators to post exclusive content on Instagram Stories, which will be available to followers who've subscribed to view them.
As spotted by Paluzzi, the feature includes a purple tag indicating exclusive stories, and a pop-up reminder for non-subscribers that they need to subscribe to view the content.
Creators will be able to save exclusive stories as 'Highlights for your fans,' ensuring that subscribers always have something to watch.
Instagram's move towards exclusive content is part of its broader strategy to shift from a 'photo-sharing app' to a platform focused on entertainment, as outlined by CEO Adam Mosseri.
Mosseri has emphasized the need for Instagram to compete with other social media giants, such as TikTok and YouTube, and has identified four key areas of app development: creator, video, purchase, and messaging.
Instagram is also exploring the use of NFTs (fungible tokens) and digital collectibles, which have been launched in various fields, including music, art, and sports.
