WhatsApp is currently testing a new paid subscription service called ‘WhatsApp Plus’ for its users, similar to Instagram Plus and Snapchat Plus. This additional service primarily focuses on app customization and personalization. Subscribers will be able to pay to access customized icons, themes, ringtones, and other features. A Meta spokesperson confirmed that premium features include the ability to pin up to 20 chats, access special chat themes, and use new notification tones.
However, this plan does not mention the removal of advertisements that began appearing in WhatsApp’s ‘Status’ feature last year. Although the company has not officially announced pricing, various reports estimate the subscription could cost around €2.49 per month in Europe and approximately €0.82 in Pakistan. WhatsApp is initially offering a one-month free trial for a limited number of users. Nearly a decade ago, WhatsApp charged an annual fee of $1 before Facebook acquired the company and made the service entirely free starting in 2016. In recent years, WhatsApp has become a significant revenue source for Meta, with annual earnings exceeding $2 billion. Since the feature is currently being tested with a small group, it is expected to have a limited immediate impact.
