Video chat app Marco Polo says its costs are getting too expensive, and it wants people to pay to use the app

Marco Polo, an app that became popular for staying in touch with friends while social distancing, is looking to make some cash. The free app is launching an expanded premium product today called Marco Polo Plus that costs $5 per month with an annual commitment or $10 if paid monthly. The subscription gives people access to HD video, voice notes, custom emoji, creation tools like speed control, and passes to share with friends to gift them free memberships. The company is giving people a seven-day trial to show them what the Plus experience is like and to convince them to sign up.

Until now, Marco Polo has been sustained by venture capital. The pandemic increased its user base, however, and its server costs in tandem.

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