Meta has started testing WhatsApp Plus, an optional subscription that offers new ways to customize and organize the popular messaging app. According to a Meta spokesperson who spoke to TechCrunch, this plan is for users who want more personalization options. It includes premium features such as custom themes, exclusive stickers, and the ability to pin more chats. The main messaging features will still be free.
Meta introduced WhatsApp Plus after recently launching Instagram Plus. With this change in strategy, Meta now offers paid features such as enhanced privacy options, additional customization, and advanced controls to its main platforms to earn money beyond advertising. TheNextWeb reports that Meta is currently testing the subscription with Android beta users and will add iOS support later, signaling a potential shift in how users engage with these services.
Key Features and Pricing of WhatsApp Plus
The WhatsApp Plus subscription is largely focused on visual flair and convenience, offering a suite of premium add-ons for a monthly fee.
- Expanded Chat Pinning: Subscribers can pin up to 20 chats, a significant increase from the free tier’s limit of just three.
- Visual Customization: The plan unlocks 18 new chat themes (including Vibrant Blue, Royal Purple, and Forest Green) and 14 custom home-screen app icons.
- Premium Audio & Stickers: Users get access to 10 exclusive ringtones and special animated sticker packs, some of which can trigger full-screen effects for both the sender and recipient.
- Bulk Chat Settings: A major organizational perk is the ability to apply themes, notification tones, and ringtones across entire chat lists at once, streamlining the management of multiple conversations.
WhatsApp Plus costs different amounts depending on where you live. In Europe, it’s about €2.49 per month. In Pakistan, it’s PKR 229 (about $0.82), and in Mexico, it’s MX$29 (about $1.60). These prices are lower than those charged by Telegram Premium and Snapchat+. Meta says this plan adds extra features. End-to-end encryption is still available to everyone, and main features like messaging, calling, and file sharing remain free. Early testers can also try it free for one month to help make the service better for future users.
In conclusion, WhatsApp Plus is an optional subscription that adds new ways to customize and organize the app. It lets users personalize their experience more while keeping free, private messaging that billions of people use every day.
