WhatsApp Plus: Meta Tests Paid Subscription for Enhanced Features

Jakarta – Meta is currently testing a paid subscription service for WhatsApp, dubbed WhatsApp Plus, offering users access to a range of enhanced features. This move represents a shift in Meta’s monetization strategy, aiming to introduce optional paid features without disrupting the core, free functionality of the widely used messaging platform.

Evolution of WhatsApp and Meta’s Strategy

Since its launch in 2009, WhatsApp has operated as a free service, providing instant messaging, voice and video calls, and media sharing to billions globally. However, with increasing user numbers and the need for sustainable revenue streams, Meta has been exploring premium service models for its platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook .

WhatsApp Plus: Features and Functionality

WhatsApp Plus is designed as an optional subscription, allowing users to continue using the standard WhatsApp features for free. The paid tier focuses on providing additional convenience and customization options for power users. Key features currently in testing include:

• Increased Pinning Capacity: Subscribers will be able to pin up to 20 chats to the top of their conversation list, a significant increase from the current limit of three .
• Customization Options: Users will have access to 14 different app icons and 19 color options to personalize the app’s interface, affecting elements like tabs, filters, and action buttons .
• Exclusive Ringtones: A new set of ringtones will be available for WhatsApp calls, offering distinctive styles .

Additional features under consideration include exclusive stickers, custom ringtones, and more interactive message reactions .

Meta Verified for Business and Subscription Prioritization

Meta also offers Meta Verified for Business, a subscription service tailored for businesses. Businesses with active Meta Verified subscriptions receive premium support. Requests from businesses subscribing to Plus, Premium, or Max plans will be prioritized for faster issue resolution .

Availability and Pricing

WhatsApp Plus is currently in the development and testing phase, available to a limited number of beta testers on Android and iOS. A waiting list system has been implemented, allowing interested users to register for notifications when the service officially launches . As of March 9, 2026, the subscription price for WhatsApp Plus has not been announced.

Maintaining Core Functionality

Meta emphasizes that the core WhatsApp experience – including texting, voice and video calls, media sharing, and privacy features – will remain free for all users. This approach aims to monetize the platform without compromising the accessibility and simplicity that have been central to WhatsApp’s success .