How to subscribe to Facebook ad-free tier in Europe?

Today, Facebook users in Europe were greeted with an intriguing pop-up notification when they opened their app. The message informed them that they could now subscribe to an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram. The subscription starts at 95 Danish krona per month, which roughly translates to around $12-$15 inclusive of taxes.

For years, Facebook vehemently resisted the idea of offering an ad-free experience. However, due to new regulations in the European Union, the social media giant had no choice but to comply. European users can now enjoy a browsing experience without pesky ads by subscribing for a monthly fee. In fact, this ad-free feature was introduced in some European countries earlier this year for 10 euros per month. However, the price may vary depending on the country and the user's app store location.

Facebook's initial reluctance to offer this subscription option is evident in their official statement. They stated, "We believe in an ad-supported internet which gives people access to personalized products and services regardless of their economic status. However, we respect the spirit and purpose of this evolving European regulation and are committed to complying with them."

Interestingly, Facebook is not making it easy for users to find the option to subscribe to the ad-free tier. When the pop-up appears, users have only one opportunity to choose either the ad-supported version or the ad-free experience. If a user initially declines the offer, finding the subscription option later becomes quite complicated. It is almost as if Facebook is intentionally hiding it away in the settings menu, making it difficult for users to upgrade to the ad-free version.

To access the option to subscribe, users must navigate to the hidden menu buried deep within the settings. This design choice is bound to frustrate some users who may later change their minds and want to upgrade. It may be a deliberate move by Facebook to discourage users from switching to the ad-free tier.

For those who decide to subscribe, there are two options to make the purchase. Users can either do it through the web versions of Facebook or they can choose to subscribe through the iOS app. However, it's worth noting that the subscription is slightly cheaper through the web version and more expensive on iOS.

Starting from March 1, an additional 6 euro fee will be applied to the web version for each additional account listed in the user's account center. This means that users with multiple accounts may have to pay more if they want to enjoy an ad-free experience on all their accounts.

If you are curious to learn more about this new subscription feature, you can find additional information on Facebook's website. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to the ad-free tier is up to you, but it's clear that the European Union's growing influence and regulations, such as GDPR, have played a significant role in shaping Facebook's new approach.