iWorld
Five BBC Player edutainment shows for your watchlist
Mumbai: As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, it’s the time to celebrate the wonders of learning with an exceptional lineup of shows that blend excitement with education, only on BBC Player on Prime Video Channel. Check out these five standout shows this Teacher’s Day.
Horrible Histories
If you think history is boring, think again! Horrible Histories takes you on a wild ride through the most outrageous and hilarious moments of history. Based on the bestselling book series of the same name by Terry Deary, this children’s live-action historical and musical sketch comedy series brings history’s most gruesome, unpleasant, yet hilarious moments to life. From the savage stone age to the groovy Greeks and vile Vikings, it explores the naughty and irreverent sides of history. Through energetic sketches and humour, Horrible Histories provides children a glimpse into the different historical events in an engaging and educational format.
JoJo & Gran Gran
JoJo & Gran Gran isn’t just a delightful, animated show; it’s a heartwarming glance into family life and cultural heritage. Follow JoJo and her lively grandmother as they explore their London neighbourhood and explore Saint Lucian traditions. The series provides valuable lessons about community, diversity, and the joy of spending time with loved ones. Catch the new season on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels starting 27 September.
Andy’s Global Adventures
Get ready to travel the world with Andy’s Global Adventures. Join Andy, Jen, and their AI buddy Scout as they explore every corner of the globe, meeting amazing animals and solving natural history mysteries. From chameleons in Sri Lanka to penguins in Antarctica, this exploration series makes learning about wildlife and conservation an exciting journey. The next set of episodes arrive on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels from 25 October onwards.
Planet Earth III
The legendary Sir David Attenborough’s planet journey continues with Planet Earth III showcasing breathtaking visuals and deep dives into the natural world. The much-loved documentary series takes you through diverse habitats and showcases the incredible adaptations of animals. It also addresses current environmental challenges, offering insights into how climate change and human activities impact wildlife. The series helps viewers understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of preserving our planet. Available on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels from 13 September.
Steve and Aneeshwar Go Wild
Join Steve Backshall and young conservationist Aneeshwar Kunchala on Steve and Aneeshwar Go Wild as they visit zoos and safari parks to meet some of the most fascinating animals. From the world’s biggest land animal to unique underwater creatures, this show highlights how all creatures, big and small, are connected. The show highlights how even the most unusual animals are connected, offering an engaging look at wildlife and the importance of conservation.
Celebrate Teachers’ Day with these fantastic shows that blend fun and learning seamlessly. BBC Player on Prime Video Channels has the perfect mix of educational content and entertainment to inspire and engage viewers of all ages.
iWorld
Meta tests Instagram Plus with stealth features and extended story tools
New paid tier targets everyday users with more control and privacy perks
MUMBAI: Meta appears to be doubling down on subscriptions, quietly testing a new premium tier called Instagram Plus that brings a mix of privacy, control and visibility tools to everyday users of Instagram.
Unlike Meta Verified, which is geared towards creators and businesses, the new offering is aimed squarely at regular users who want a little more control over how they show up and what they see on the platform.
At the heart of Instagram Plus is a rethink of Stories, the app’s most widely used feature. The test introduces the ability to view Stories anonymously, meaning users can watch or preview content without appearing in the viewer list. It also adds “rewatch insights”, allowing users to see how many times their own Stories have been viewed, a metric that has long been a source of curiosity.
There is more. Stories can stay live for up to 48 hours instead of the usual 24, giving posts a longer shelf life. Users can also create multiple audience lists beyond “Close Friends”, making it easier to tailor content for different circles such as work, family or social groups.
For those chasing visibility, a weekly “Story Spotlight” feature lets users push a post to the front of their followers’ feed. Meanwhile, searchable viewer lists make it simpler to track who has seen a Story, and a new “superlike” reaction adds a more animated way to stand out in direct messages.
The feature set may feel familiar to some. Several of these tools have previously existed through third-party workarounds or have been widely requested by users, particularly the ability to browse Stories discreetly.
Pricing for the test is deliberately modest, suggesting a strategy focused on scale. Early trials show subscription costs at roughly $1 to $2 per month in markets such as the Philippines, Mexico and Japan. The feature has not yet rolled out in India, the United States or Europe, though a broader launch later in 2026 is widely expected if the pilot gains traction.
The move reflects a broader shift in Meta’s business model. With digital advertising facing increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny, subscription products offer a more predictable revenue stream. Rivals such as Snapchat Plus have already found success, building a sizeable paying user base with similar premium add-ons.
For Meta, the bet is simple: give users more control, a touch of stealth and a dash of exclusivity, and they may be willing to pay. If the early signs hold, Instagram Plus could turn everyday scrolling into a slightly more curated, and monetised, experience.
