Facebook and Instagram users in the UK will soon have the option to browse without adverts, as parent company Meta prepares to roll out new paid subscription plans “over the coming weeks”.
The social media giant confirmed that UK users over the age of 18 will be offered an ad-free experience on both platforms, following recent regulatory guidance and consultations with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
How much will it cost?
The ad-free subscription will cost £2.99 per month if purchased via the web. Users who subscribe through Apple’s App Store or Google Play will pay £3.99 a month to account for platform fees.
The charge applies to the first account connected to a user’s Meta Account Center. Additional accounts can be covered at a reduced rate of £2 on the web or £3 on mobile.
What changes for users?
Those who sign up will no longer see adverts across Facebook and Instagram on any accounts included in their subscription. For those who choose not to pay, the platforms will continue operating as they do now, with personalised advertising based on user activity and preferences.
Why now?
Meta said the move was designed to give users “greater choice and control” in line with new regulatory guidance in the UK. It follows wider scrutiny of how tech companies use personal data for targeted advertising.
The announcement mirrors steps taken in the European Union last year, where Meta introduced similar paid, ad-free plans to comply with data privacy regulations.
While the company has not disclosed how many users it expects to adopt the service, industry analysts say the initiative could reshape how people think about paying for social media in the UK.
