Social media giant Meta’s AI initiatives are already in the spotlight, including Meta AI and Meta Superintelligence Labs. Building on this momentum, Meta has recently stepped into testing new premium subscription options across its social media platforms with an AI agent— AI Manus, indicating a move to monetize artificial intelligence across its three major social media platforms.
Doesn’t Meta already have AI services?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, Meta has an in-built AI service called Meta AI: that’s one AI feature you see on Meta-owned WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook — “Ask Meta AI or Search”. This feature is free for all users.
However, Meta-owned social media will see exclusive AI services from AI Manus, which is essentially meant for premium subscribers. Apart from AI integration, Meta’s paid subscribers have exclusive features like ad-free or ad-reduced experiences, exclusive stockers, reactions, and emojis, advanced filters or editing features, high storage space, enhanced security tools, and more.
To avoid confusion, Meta already has premium subscription features, including ad-free subscriptions and Meta Verified (blue verification badge). However, the latest addition for the users is to enjoy the perks of AI Manus.
Meta acquires AI Manus, but China sounds the alarm
Launched in 2025, AI Manus is a Singapore-based AI agent developed by Chinese startup Monica. Meta announced the acquisition of the platform for $2 billion in December 2025. Since then, the social media giant has been diving into integrating the AI features into its premium subscription options.
According to JB, co-owner of Lucky Group entertainment group, and stock enthusiast, “Meta is dressing up “exclusive features” on those platforms as a way to sell Manus subscriptions to its existing audience.”
In his viewpoint, Meta has played a smart move, in which the tech firm bundled AI Manus into its social media platform that billions are already actively using.
However, for China, Meta’s acquisition of AI Manus raises concerns over a threat to national security. China’s Ministry of Commerce is probing into the acquisition as questions arise about whether it complied with the country’s regulations related to data transfer, technology export, and cross-border mergers.
