WhatsApp Paid Features Coming Soon: What Users Should Know

WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, could soon offer paid features and subscriptions alongside its free messaging service. According to reports, these new options will be part of an optional premium plan that WhatsApp is testing on some devices and beta versions of the app. Users may soon be able to sign up for a waitlist and choose to subscribe if they want extra features on top of the standard app.

The core WhatsApp messaging experience including text messages, voice calls, video calls and end-to-end encryption will remain free for everyone, and the subscription will not replace that basic service.

What the Paid Subscription Could Offer

Reports suggest that the WhatsApp premium plan will focus on customisation and convenience, giving users a richer and more personalised experience. Some of the features being trialled include:

• Exclusive sticker packs that premium users can access.
  
  
• New themes for a customised look and feel of the app.

Custom app icons so users can choose how WhatsApp appears on their home screen.

The ability to pin more than three chats at the top of the chat list.

Unique chat ringtones for personalised notifications.

These features are designed to appeal to “power users” who spend a lot of time on WhatsApp and want more control and flexibility.

Waitlist and Rollout Plans

The premium plan is still under development and has not been officially launched yet. Early signs of the subscription option have appeared in beta versions of WhatsApp for Android, and some users may see a waitlist option where they can sign up to be notified when the paid features go live.

Pricing details and a global release schedule have not been shared by WhatsApp or Meta, and the company is likely still testing features and gathering feedback before a wider launch.

WhatsApp Premium Won’t Affect Free Messaging

Importantly, WhatsApp has indicated that the optional paid subscription will not change the free core messaging features that billions of users rely on. Anyone who chooses not to subscribe can continue using all standard messaging, calling, and privacy features without interruption.

This means that even after premium tools roll out, the basic WhatsApp experience — including private chats that are protected with end-to-end encryption — will still be available at no cost.

How This Fits Into Meta’s Broader Strategy

WhatsApp’s move toward optional paid features is part of a larger plan by Meta to test premium subscriptions across multiple apps, including Instagram and Facebook. Meta plans to offer ways for users to enjoy enhanced functionality and deeper customisation across its platforms while keeping core services free for the majority of users.

By offering premium features on popular apps like WhatsApp, Meta hopes to provide added value to users who want more control over their experience without forcing all users to pay.