WhatsApp may soon get a paid subscription tier: Here's what we know so far

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a paid subscription plan called "WhatsApp Plus" that may offer additional customisation and features while keeping the main app free. Meta has not officially announced the plan, but code findings from WABetaInfo suggest the social media giant is exploring an optional premium tier for consumers.Meta has primarily relied on advertising to generate revenue from WhatsApp. However, the platform's private messaging model limits where and how ads can be placed. This is a constraint that has made WhatsApp comparatively harder to monetise than Facebook or Instagram. A subscription model could offer Meta a more direct revenue stream from its huge WhatsApp user base, particularly among frequent users who may value added functionality.

WhatsApp Plus paid subscription tier: What we know so far

The reported subscription could provide users with 14 new app icons, multiple accent colours, and themes, allowing for greater app personalisation. It would also let users pin up to 20 chats in their inbox instead of just 3, making it easier to prioritise frequently accessed conversations. For those managing many simultaneous conversations, the higher chat pin limit could improve efficiency by keeping important threads easily accessible.

The plan may also include exclusive stickers, ringtones, and message reactions, adding fun and personal expression to chats. Pricing details remain unconfirmed but are expected to become clear with the official launch.Meta already offers a Meta Verified subscription across its platforms, including WhatsApp, priced at $15 per month, though that product is aimed at businesses seeking to protect their brand and connect with customers.

To compare, WhatsApp Plus appears oriented toward individual consumers rather than enterprises.The move carries a degree of historical irony. WhatsApp originally launched as a paid app, charging users a small annual fee, before switching to a free model after Facebook acquired it in 2014. A subscription tier would mark a partial return to that earlier approach, this time as an optional add-on rather than a requirement for access.If WhatsApp Plus launches, its appeal will depend largely on the features it offers and its price compared to free options currently available.