The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now.
Save up to $680 on your Disrupt 2026 pass. Ends 11:59 p.m. PT tonight. REGISTER NOW.
WhatsApp is testing a new subscription tier, similar to Instagram Plus and Snapchat+, that lets users pay for customized icons, themes, ringtones, and more. The paid plan’s features are largely cosmetic; users don’t get many additional functional features.
WhatsApp Plus has been spotted by many users, including social media consultant Matt Navarra. The company confirmed the test to TechCrunch in a statement.
“WhatsApp is testing a new, optional subscription called WhatsApp Plus, designed for users who want more ways to organize and personalize their experience,” a Meta spokesperson said. “Premium features include expanded pinned chats, custom lists, new chat themes, and more. We’re starting with a small test to gather feedback and ensure we’re building something people find genuinely valuable.”
While the company didn’t specify pricing, WABetaInfo noted that the plan might be priced at €2.49 per month in Europe and 229 PKR ($0.82) in Pakistan. The blog noted that the company is also offering a one-month free trial to users.
In addition to features like custom themes and ringtones, the company will allow users to pin up to 20 chats instead of the current free-tier limit of three. Subscriptions will also allow users to apply certain themes, ringtones, and notification tones to chat lists. Notably, there is no mention of ad removal from the Status feature, which the company began running ads on last year.
More than a decade ago, WhatsApp charged a $1 subscription fee in some regions, but after being bought by Facebook, the company ditched the fee in 2016. Since then, it has built its business around allowing companies to reach users on WhatsApp and letting them create click-to-WhatsApp ads.
This has turned into a significant business for Meta. The company said during its Q4 2025 earnings call that its family of apps’ revenue jumped 54% year-on-year to $801 million, a surge significantly driven by paid messaging on WhatsApp. The company also said that WhatsApp revenue crossed a $2 billion annualized run-rate in Q4.
As WhatsApp Plus is an early test in limited markets, only a few of WhatsApp’s 3 billion-plus user base will get to buy the paid plan. That means it won’t likely move the needle much on the company’s balance sheets in the near term.
Ivan covers global consumer tech developments at TechCrunch. He is based out of India and has previously worked at publications including Huffington Post and The Next Web.
You can contact or verify outreach from Ivan by emailing im@ivanmehta.com or via encrypted message at ivan.42 on Signal.
StrictlyVC kicks off the year in SF. Get in the room for unfiltered fireside chats with industry leaders, insider VC insights, and high-value connections that actually move the needle. Tickets are limited.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn put a customer satellite in the wrong orbit during its third launch
Sean O'Kane
Palantir posts mini-manifesto denouncing inclusivity and ‘regressive’ cultures
Anthony Ha
‘Tokenmaxxing’ is making developers less productive than they think
Tim Fernholz
Anthropic launches Claude Design, a new product for creating quick visuals
Aisha Malik
Anthropic CPO leaves Figma’s board after reports he will offer a competing product
Tim Fernholz