WhatsApp is testing a premium tier called WhatsApp Plus in select regions, offering features such as pinning up to 20 chats, decorative themes, unique stickers, icons, and ringtones. The rollout is limited and aims to gauge user interest while Meta expands monetization across its apps, following a broader push to add paid features to its messaging family. Pricing surfaced in beta as about 2.49 euros per month in Europe or $29 per month in Mexico, though official availability and terms remain unclear. The move aligns with a wider industry trend of optional upgrades that donāt alter core functionality, with competitors like Signal and Telegram already pursuing paid services. The next steps involve collecting user feedback from the limited launch to determine value and potential expansion.
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WhatsApp Plus is described as an optional subscription designed for users seeking more organization and personalization, with āpremium featuresā including expanded pinned chats, custom lists, and new themes.
Early testing began in limited regions, and the company has not disclosed pricing or exact territories beyond beta indications; a Meta spokesperson framed the rollout as a small test to gather feedback on value.
The service reportedly offers decorative themes, unique stickers, icons, and ringtones, expanding how users can customize their chat experience and interface.
Beta observations hinted at a price of 2.49 euros per month in Europe and $29 per month in Mexico, signaling a tiered regional approach to monetization while awaiting broader confirmation.
Metaās broader strategy includes introducing premium features to Facebook and Instagram as part of a larger monetization push across its family of apps, with earlier testing noted for Instagram in March.
Industry context notes that other messaging apps are also pursuing paid enhancements, with Signal launching a secure backup service for $2 monthly and Telegram launching its subscription in 2022, illustrating a trend toward optional upgrades rather than core-service changes.