Meta is testing a paid subscription for WhatsApp, called WhatsApp Plus, with a limited number of users on both Android and iOS. The test focuses on customization options, with pricing reported at approximately €2.49 per month in Europe and $29 in Mexico. No official release date for a broader rollout has been announced.
Features
The WhatsApp Plus subscription includes several customization and utility features not available in the free version of the messaging app:
- Stickers: Premium sticker packs, including some with fullscreen overlay animations.
- Appearance: Customizable themes, 18 accent colors, and a selection of 14 alternate app icons.
- Ringtones: Access to 10 new notification ringtones.
- Pinned Chats: The ability to pin up to 20 chats, an increase from the default limit of three.
- Chat Management: Options to apply custom settings in bulk to lists of chats.
Pricing and Availability
- The test price is approximately $2.99 to $3.00 per month, with reports of €2.49 per month in Europe.
- The feature is currently limited to a select group of beta testers.
- Initial reports indicated the test was focused on Android devices, with support for iOS planned for a later stage. More recent reports confirm the service is now being tested with iOS users as well.
- The service is currently supported in WhatsApp Messenger but has not been tested in WhatsApp Business.
Context and Background
This test follows Meta’s stated plans to introduce paid subscription tiers across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Last month, Meta began testing a similar monthly subscription for Instagram that focuses on exclusive Story-related features. The pricing is comparable to Snapchat Plus, which costs $3.99 per month.
Status
Meta has not made an official announcement regarding a release date or pricing for a broader launch.
The current test is expected to continue, with potential future expansion to other platforms.