WHATSAPP TESTS PAID SUBSCRIPTION WITH CUSTOM THEMES

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

MON, APR 20, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

WhatsApp is testing WhatsApp Plus, a subscription tier offering cosmetic upgrades including custom chat themes, expanded pinned chats, and personalized icons. The move mirrors similar paid tiers from Instagram and Snapchat.

Meta is rolling out the premium subscription service to select users, focusing primarily on visual customization rather than core functionality upgrades. WhatsApp Plus subscribers will gain access to: - Premium stickers with special effects - Custom app themes and icons - Expanded pinned chat capacity - Custom chat lists - Personalized ringtones The subscription represents Meta's strategy to monetize WhatsApp beyond its ad-free model. Unlike some premium messaging services, WhatsApp Plus does not restrict core messaging features to paid users—all functionality remains available to free subscribers. The feature set is currently in testing through WhatsApp's beta program, with no official launch date announced. Pricing and availability remain undetermined.

■ SOURCES

► Techmeme ► Engadget

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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WHATSAPP TESTS PAID SUBSCRIPTION WITH CUSTOM THEMES

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