Meta is looking to charge users for WhatsApp, and it's currently exploring this possibility.
WhatsApp has been free for more than ten years, but Meta is beginning to change that. The company is testing a paid subscription option called WhatsApp Plus, and if you haven’t come across it yet, you likely will soon. The initial rollout was noted by WABetaInfo, and Meta's own Help Center page has since verified some of the information.
So, what can you expect to get?
Currently, WhatsApp Plus primarily focuses on customization. Subscribers will have access to premium stickers featuring special effects, the option to change the app’s themes and icons, and a custom ringtone feature for specific contacts. Additionally, users can pin up to 20 chats instead of the standard limit, and have more detailed control over chat list alerts and notification sounds.
WABetaInfo
At this stage, it’s largely centered around cosmetic changes, but WABetaInfo points out that Meta is actively considering adding more features for the premium tier, indicating this is likely just the beginning.
The essentials remain free
It’s important to note that none of WhatsApp’s fundamental features are being removed — messaging, voice, and video calls, along with end-to-end encryption, will still be free. WhatsApp Plus is intended to be an addition, at least for now. As for the cost, it hasn’t been officially revealed, but early regional pricing noted by WABetaInfo ranges from 229 Pakistani Rupees (less than $1) to €2.49, which is approximately $3. The price differences across regions are significant, so expect localized tiers when this launches more broadly. Meta is also reportedly considering offering one-month free trials to attract users.
Meta is conducting a similar test with Instagram Plus, which has been showcasing features such as extended Stories and “super hearts.” Neither service has official pricing yet, but it's becoming evident that Meta is expanding a premium layer across its entire app ecosystem. Whether users will actually pay for sticker effects and custom themes remains uncertain, but considering WhatsApp’s large user base, even a modest conversion rate could quickly add up.
Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, boasting over five years of experience in the technology sector.
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