Meta-owned WhatsApp is testing an optional paid tier called WhatsApp Plus for a limited number of users, according to TechCrunch and beta tracking reports. The feature, first reported by WABetaInfo in April and later acknowledged by Meta as a limited test, is currently being implemented to a small group of Android and iPhone users rolling out to a limited number of users in select markets. It is likely to be rolled out globally in the next few weeks. Here is what the WhatsApp subscription offers, what it costs, and whether it is worth considering.
WhatsApp paid subscription: What Meta says
Formal Statement: Not a replacement, but an upgrade that is optional.
Meta has acknowledged a limited optional subscription test, describing it as an experimental feature focused on personalisation and chat organisation. “WhatsApp is running a small test to test a new optional subscription called WhatsApp Plus, which is designed to provide users with additional options to organise and personalise their experience, such as expanded pinned chats, custom lists, new chat themes, and more. Importantly, Meta made it clear that the fundamental WhatsApp functions such as messaging, voice and video calls, status updates, and end-to-end encryption will be free and will not be paywalled. WhatsApp Plus is not a gatekeeper, it is an addition.
WhatsApp subscription features
18 Colour Themes, 14 Icons, Animated Stickers and 20 Pinned Chats.
The most apparent aspect of the package is the visual upgrades of the subscription. WhatsApp Plus also offers 18 new accent colours – choices such as Vibrant Blue, Royal Purple, Deep Navy, Coral Orange, Forest Green, and Fuchsia Pink – replacing WhatsApp’s standard green-heavy interface. It also includes 14 other alternate app icons, including minimalist outlines and pastel circles, glitter finishes and a cosmic nebula theme, which allow users to customize the appearance of WhatsApp on their home screen.
Other upgrades that are more useful practically are the pinned chat limit. WhatsApp now enables all users to pin only three conversations. WhatsApp Plus increases that to 20 -a meaningful upgrade for users balancing work, family and social chats. The subscription also adds bulk chat list management: subscribers can assign a single theme, notification tone, or call ringtone to a list of chats, instead of each conversation. The offer is completed with exclusive animated sticker packs, and full-screen overlay effects, which can be seen even by non-subscribers.
India Subscription pricing unknown
Early reports suggest pricing varies by region, with select test markets showing local monthly pricing structures. India pricing has not been announced. India pricing is yet to be announced. Some users are also reportedly seeing free trial options. The subscriptions are automatically renewed every month and have to be cancelled at least 24 hours before the next payment date to prevent charges.
When is WhatsApp paid subscription in India expected to rollout?
If the reported pricing holds, it could position WhatsApp competitively against other premium messaging subscriptions like Telegram Premium. 9to5Mac described the upgrade as “primarily cosmetic. The only features that alter the actual usage of the app are the pinned chat expansion and bulk list management, the rest is personalisation. The price can be easily justified by heavy users who prefer a unique appearance and enhanced organisation of chats. To all other users, WhatsApp is completely free. The biggest market of WhatsApp, India, is yet to be included in the rollout. If testing expands successfully, a wider rollout could follow in the coming weeks.
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