A new revenue model may soon arrive on WhatsApp as the messaging platform begins testing a paid subscription plan with added tools and customisation options.
According to a tracking platform, “WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a new subscription plan to offer exclusive features, scheduled for release in a future update”. The report says the plan will be introduced through a waitlist system. Users who sign up will be informed once the subscription becomes available. After joining, they will gain access to features designed to extend the app’s current functions. Meta has earlier confirmed to a technology publication that it is working on a WhatsApp subscription model.
The report gives an early view of what the paid plan may include. Expected features are premium sticker packs, new app themes, and the option to pin more than 3 chats. WhatsApp is also testing exclusive chat ringtones to help users personalise alerts and notifications.
Another feature under testing is app icon customisation. Subscribers may be able to choose from several new icon designs created by WhatsApp. This will allow users to change how the app looks on their device home screen.
The subscription is still in development, and the final feature list may change before launch. Some tools could be adjusted or removed after testing and user feedback. WhatsApp is also expected to add more paid features over time.
Pricing of the subscription is likely to differ by country, according to the report. The new plan will be separate from WhatsApp’s earlier ad-free option for the Updates tab in parts of Europe and the UK. Like that service, the new subscription will be optional.
Users who do not subscribe will continue to get free access to private messaging and core WhatsApp features. The company has also stated that privacy protections will not change. Users will not be charged for privacy, and end-to-end encryption for personal chats will remain in place for all users, whether they subscribe or not.
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