WhatsApp to soon introduce a premium subscription plan with exclusive features: Report

Meta-owned WhatsApp, one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the world, is testing new ways to earn revenue while keeping its main messaging service free.

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on an optional paid subscription feature that has appeared in an upcoming Android beta version. This does not mean WhatsApp will stop being free for normal messaging. Instead, the company is testing extra features that users can choose to pay for if they want.

The report said that access to these paid features may be limited at first. Some users could be placed on a waiting list before they are allowed to use them. This suggests a slow and controlled rollout rather than a full global launch.

The report said that the features being tested are related to personalisation and convenience, including exclusive sticker packs, new app themes, and a special set of new chat ringtones. These features are optional and likely won't change how basic messaging, calling, or group chats work.

WhatsApp has charged users in the past. In its early years, some users paid a small yearly fee, but this was removed in 2016. Since then, WhatsApp has mostly remained free to use and has shown very few advertisements. This testing fits into Meta’s wider effort to earn money from its apps in different ways.

Meta already runs ads and paid tools across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. WhatsApp itself has recently introduced ads and subscriptions in its Updates and Channels section. There have also been media reports that Meta is testing paid or premium features for Instagram.

These reports mention possible tools like checking who does not follow you back or viewing Stories anonymously. These features have not been officially announced. At present, WhatsApp has not shared any details about pricing or launch dates for the subscription features.