Meta is looking to charge users for WhatsApp, and it is currently exploring this option.
WhatsApp has been free for more than ten years, but Meta is beginning to change that. The company is testing a paid subscription version named WhatsApp Plus, and if you haven't heard of it yet, you likely will soon. The initial rollout was first noted by WABetaInfo, and some details have been confirmed by Meta's own Help Center.
What’s included in the service?
Currently, WhatsApp Plus primarily focuses on personalization. Subscribers receive access to premium stickers with unique effects, the ability to change the app’s themes and icons, and a custom ringtone option for particular contacts. Additionally, users can pin up to 20 chats instead of the standard limit and gain more detailed control over chat list alerts and notification sounds.
WABetaInfo
While the features are mainly aesthetic at this stage, WABetaInfo indicates that Meta is actively considering additional functionalities for the premium tier, suggesting that this is just the beginning.
The basic service remains free
It's important to note that none of WhatsApp's fundamental features are being removed — messaging, voice and video calls, and end-to-end encryption will continue to be free. WhatsApp Plus is purely an enhancement, at least for now. As for pricing, it hasn't been officially revealed yet, but initial regional prices reported by WABetaInfo range from 229 Pakistani Rupees (less than $1) to €2.49, or about $3. The pricing disparity across regions is considerable, so expect localized tiers when this is rolled out more widely. Furthermore, Meta is reportedly considering offering one-month free trials to attract users.
Meta is also conducting a similar test with Instagram Plus, which is previewing features such as extended Stories and "super hearts." Neither service has official pricing at this time, but it is becoming evident that Meta is developing a premium layer across its entire app ecosystem. Whether users will be willing to pay for sticker effects and custom themes remains uncertain, but given WhatsApp's large user base, even a small conversion rate could result in significant revenue.
Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, with over five years of experience in the technology sector.
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Meta is looking to charge users for WhatsApp, and it's currently exploring this possibility.
Meta might start charging for WhatsApp Plus in the near future, although interest in premium features remains uncertain.
Meta is looking to charge users for WhatsApp, and it is currently exploring this option.
Meta might soon impose a fee for WhatsApp Plus, although the demand for premium features remains uncertain.