WhatsApp testing new subscription service WhatsApp Plus
WhatsApp is testing a new subscription service, similar to Instagram Plus and Snapchat+, which allows users to buy custom icons, themes, bells, etc. on a fee basis. The function of the payment scheme is primarily decorative, and the user will not acquire too many additional functional features.
(The following pictures are from WabetaInfo)
“WhatsApp is testing a new optional subscription service called WhatsApp Plus, designed for users who wish to organize and personalize their experiences in more ways. Advanced functions include increasing the number of top chats, custom lists, new chat themes, etc. We start with small-scale testing to gather feedback to ensure that what we build is really valuable to users.” Although Meta did not publish a specific price, WabetaInfo states that the food package may have been priced in Europe at 2.49 euros per month and in Pakistan at 229 Pakistani rupees (approximately US$ 0.82). WABetaInfo also mentioned that Meta provided users with a free trial period of one month. In addition to functions such as custom themes and bells, Meta will allow users to top up to 20 chats, compared with the current free version limit of three. Subscriptions also allow users to apply chat lists to specific themes, bells and alerts. It is noteworthy that Meta did not mention the removal of the ad in the status bar, which was launched last year.
More than a decade ago, WhitsApp charged a subscription fee of US$ 1 in some areas, which the company cancelled in 2016 after being acquired on Facebook. Since then, its business model has revolved around advertising that allows businesses to reach out to users through the WhatsApp and to create click jumps to the WhatsApp. This has evolved into an important business for Meta. At a teleconference in the fourth quarter of 2025, Meta indicated that the income applied under the flag had increased by 54 per cent over the same period, to $801 million, of which the business growth of WhatsApp was particularly significant. Meta also stressed that the annualized revenues of the fourth quarter of the WhatsApp had surpassed the $2 billion mark.
Since the WhatsApp Plus only conducted early testing in a limited market, only a few of the more than 3 billion users of the WhatsApp were able to purchase the payment plan. This means that it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the financial position of the company in the short term.
