Observed Signal · Jul 2, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: t3n · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
WhatsApp Plus: Meta launches paid subscription features
Meta has launched a paid add-on for WhatsApp called WhatsApp Plus, priced at €2.49 per month with a 30‑day free trial. The subscription bundles cosmetic and limited functional upgrades — including 75 exclusive animated stickers, alternative app icons, 20 in‑app color themes, 12 new ringtones, personalized chat-list backgrounds (including images generated via Meta AI), and the ability to pin more than three chats. The t3n review finds most items cosmetic and notes several comparable features are free on competitors such as Signal. The article recommends users try the free trial to assess value before subscribing.
Major platform (Meta) rolling out a paid subscription for WhatsApp signals a product‑monetization push from a large social platform and may influence platform revenue strategies and app subscription dynamics.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Meta is offering a paid WhatsApp add-on called WhatsApp Plus.
- WhatsApp Plus costs €2.49 per month and includes a 30‑day free trial.
- The subscription includes 75 exclusive animated stickers, alternative app icons, 20 color themes, and 12 additional ringtones.
- WhatsApp Plus allows personalized chat-list backgrounds (including user-generated images via Meta AI) and lets users pin more than three chats.
- t3n (publisher) compared the paid features to free equivalents on competitors such as Signal.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mapped“Bei Whatsapp Plus heißt der kostenpflichtige Zusatzdienst für den Messenger, bei dem Meta „exklusive Funktionen“ verspricht....”
“Zumal Konkurrenten wie Signal den Logo-Wechsel völlig gratis anbieten....”
“Hier findest du externe Inhalte von TargetVideo GmbH, die unser redaktionelles Angebot auf t3n.de ergänzen....”
“Muss man mögen: Die exklusiven Sticker von Whatsapp Plus. (Screenshot: t3n)...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Meta launches WhatsApp Plus paid subscription
Meta is testing a paid WhatsApp subscription called "WhatsApp Plus" in a limited rollout. Reportedly available to selected users (currently on Android) in Europe for €2.49 per month, the optional subscription adds premium personalization and usability features—such as up to 20 pinned chats, premium/animated stickers, ten exclusive ringtones, alternate app icons, 18 new chat color options, and customizable chat-list views. The service is available on the standard WhatsApp app (not WhatsApp Business), appears under Settings → Subscriptions, and auto‑renews monthly. Reports of the test come from WABetaInfo and social media expert Matt Navarra. Meta has previously tested similar paid tiers for Instagram and is exploring subscriptions across its apps to generate additional revenue.
WhatsApp launches Plus paid tier at €2.49/month
WhatsApp (owned by Meta) has begun testing a paid "Plus" subscription for a small group of Android users in Europe. Priced at €2.49 per month in the current test, the Plus tier adds personalization and convenience features — 18 UI accent colors applied app-wide, 14 alternate app icons, up to 20 pinned chats, ten exclusive ringtones for Android, and exclusive sticker packs including animated full‑screen stickers visible even to non-subscribers. The subscription auto-renews via Google Play and may gain more features or a trial before wider rollout. Core WhatsApp functionality remains free for all users; an iOS version is planned for a later date. The rollout was reported by WABetainfo and summarized by publisher t3n.
WhatsApp Plus: Paid personalization subscription launched
WhatsApp is testing a paid "Plus" subscription that offers extended personalization options for users. The Android-only test (reported by WABetaInfo) includes 18 new UI color accents applied app-wide, 14 new app icons, the ability to pin up to 20 chats, ten exclusive ringtones, and exclusive sticker packs including animated full-screen premium stickers visible to recipients without a subscription. In Europe the current monthly price is €2.49; billing is monthly and auto-renews via Google Play. The rollout is limited to a small Android test group with iOS planned later. Core WhatsApp features remain free; Meta acquired WhatsApp in 2014 and the company may expand the Plus tier and offer trial periods before wider release.
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