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An overwhelming majority of online users will agree there's no love lost for ads that pop up. While different businesses and companies often rely upon ads to promote their products or services, many people don't want to see them while they're using the internet.

In fact, some folks go as far as to download ad blocker programs on their computers and mobile phones. Others immediately press the "skip ad" button that appears on YouTube videos. Across the board, most people don't want ads distracting from the online content that actually interests them.

Amid the nearly universal unpopularity of ads, some social media sites are taking the opportunity to capitalize. In real time, both Facebook and Instagram have begun rolling out optional payment plans that allow users to enjoy their platforms without ads.

What to know about the ad-free option on social media sites

Across the European Union (EU), Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland, Facebook and Instagram users over 18 will be able to browse the sites without seeing any ads. The only caveat is a 10 euro monthly fee for people using the social platforms on computers and a 13 euro monthly fee for those on mobile devices.

However, the fees will increase in March 2024. From that point forward, the 10 euro monthly fee will advance to 16 euros for folks who want ads blocked on their computers and phones. Likewise, the 13 euro monthly fee will jump to 24 euros with the same caveat in place.

A closer look at the change

Some people have questioned why this ad-free option only exists in the EU and four other countries. It ultimately has to do with the EU dictating that Meta must get the OK from internet users before exposing them to ads.

Of course, people across the EU and the four other countries included can keep using Facebook and Instagram with ads and no monthly fees. Minors in the aforementioned nations, however, will be able to access both social media sites without ads and free of charge.

So far, there is no indication that American users of Facebook and Instagram will be able to opt out of ads for a monthly payment.