Meta Testing WhatsApp Plus Subscription with Enhanced Personalization Features
Optional paid tier offers up to 20 pinned chats, custom themes, and personalized ringtones starting at €2.49/month
Quick Look
- Meta is testing WhatsApp Plus, an optional subscription service for users seeking enhanced customization beyond the standard WhatsApp interface.
- The paid tier will allow users to pin up to 20 chats (compared to 3 for free users), access custom chat themes, personalized app icons, and unique notification ringtones.
- Pricing is expected to be approximately €2.49 per month in Europe and 229 PKR in Pakistan, with a potential one-month free trial.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Meta is following the trend set by Snapchat+ and Instagram Plus by offering a paid subscription tier that focuses on personalization and organization rather than basic messaging functionality. WhatsApp Plus is described as largely a cosmetic upgrade.
WhatsApp parent company Meta has confirmed that it is testing a new optional subscription service called WhatsApp Plus, which is aimed at users who want to customise their messaging app beyond the standard green-and-white interface. According to the company and early testers like social media consultant Matt Navarra, WhatsApp Plus is largely a "cosmetic" upgrade, and will include some other tools. "WhatsApp is testing a new, optional subscription called WhatsApp Plus, designed for users who want more ways to organize and personalize their experience. Premium features include expanded pinned chats, custom lists, new chat themes, and more. We're starting with a small test to gather feedback and ensure we're building something people find genuinely valuable," TechCrunch quoted a Meta spokesperson as saying. While Meta has not confirmed what features will be available under the subscription model, a report by WABetaInfo has listed the features that may be rolled out to users. Notably, the subscription version is under beta testing which means all or none of the features may be available. Some of them include: While free users can only pin three conversations to the top of their list, subscribers will be able to pin up to 20 chats. Users can change the app's look with new chat themes and personalised app icons. Users will also get the ability to set unique notification and ringtones for specific custom lists or individual chats. Enhanced ways to categorise contacts and group chats. While WhatsApp hasn't officially released a global price list, WABetaInfo suggest the subscription will be relatively low-cost. It says that in Europe, the subscription may cost approximately €2.49 per month and in Pakistan it may be roughly 229 PKR. WhatsApp may also offer a one-month free trial to eligible testers. Meta has not yet announced a specific date for a worldwide rollout. The move follows in the footsteps of "Snapchat+" and "Instagram Plus," offering a paid tier that focuses heavily on personalisation and organisation rather than basic functionality.
Open Questions
- What will be the exact global price?
- When will worldwide rollout occur?
- Will all beta features be available at launch?
- How will this affect WhatsApp's free tier experience?
