Meta Launched WhatsApp Plus Monthly Subscription
The global subscription service offers enhanced customization and increased chat pinning for $2.99 per month.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Advertising
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Meta officially launched the WhatsApp Plus monthly subscription service on May 27, 2026, targeting users seeking more organization and personalization tools. The $2.99 monthly plan introduces features like custom themes, icons, stickers, and the ability to pin up to 20 chats.
Why it matters
This subscription model offers a way for Meta to monetize its vast user base through cosmetic and functional upgrades, catering to users who want a more tailored experience. It marks a significant shift as the company continues to refine its revenue strategies for personal accounts.
WhatsApp Plus costs $2.99 per month, allowing paid users to pin up to 20 chats compared to the three-chat limit for free accounts. This service competes with Telegram Premium, which costs approximately $4.99 per month.
The players
Meta
Meta is a multinational technology conglomerate that owns several prominent social media and messaging platforms including WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is a widely used messaging application serving 3 billion users globally.
The details
The new tier includes expanded personalization options like unique ringtones and icons that revert to default if a user cancels their subscription. Notably, the paid subscription does not remove advertisements from the Status feed, as Meta maintains its existing ad-based monetization layer.
Timeline
WhatsApp ended its previous paid subscription model in 2016.
Meta began testing the subscription service in April 2026.
WhatsApp Plus launched globally on May 27, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move follows the transition of free messaging apps to tiered premium subscription models across the technology sector. By introducing a paid tier, Meta positions itself to capture additional revenue from its 3 billion users while competing directly with services like Telegram.
Subscribers will see immediate changes to their app interface and chat organization capabilities, though their monthly household budget will see a new $2.99 charge. Users should be aware that paying for this service does not eliminate the advertisements currently displayed in the Status feed.
The takeaway
Users interested in the new features should note that personalization elements are tied strictly to an active subscription status. If you decide to prioritize organizational tools, weigh the cost against the fact that ad-free browsing is not included in this tier.
Further reading
For more on evolving digital business models, visit the Advertising section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GCN.
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