Thekabarnews.com—Facebook owner Meta says WhatsApp has rolled out a new opt-in subscription service. It offers users of the world’s most popular messaging app more customization options and premium features.

The launch comes after months of testing and is the latest push by Meta to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising.

With the global technology business becoming more competitive, the company has been focusing more on subscription-based services. This shift is happening across all of its platforms.

WhatsApp Plus is reportedly expected to cost around Rp52,000 or $2.90 per month. It will be made available to customers across the globe.

Meta said the subscription will be entirely optional and won’t affect the core chatting experience on WhatsApp. If you decide not to subscribe, you’ll still receive the same messaging, calling, and security features. These features make the platform what it is today.

The company says WhatsApp Plus is for users who use the app a lot and want more features. In particular, it is for those who want more personalization.

The new subscription bundle adds several special features to the app. These include premium sticker packs, custom app themes, and custom app icons. Additionally, you get additional options to pin chats, premium notification sounds, and improved chat list customization.

These things are more about personalization than communication functionality.

The move is part of a broader trend in the internet sector of companies looking to monetize their most active customers with an optional premium tier. However, this happens without hurting core services for the rest of the user base.

Recently, Meta has used similar tactics on some of its other apps, offering premium features and membership plans. Importantly, they keep the basic services free.

The launch of WhatsApp Plus is a big milestone, as WhatsApp has been one of the least monetized products at Meta for a long time. This is true despite its huge global user base.

The site has well over two billion users around the world but has historically made very little money directly. This approach contrasts with Facebook and Instagram.

The company is trying to make money and keep its customers satisfied. They do this by offering premium services as an option instead of forcing them to buy.

That means those who don’t pay for the premium service will likely see little change in their day-to-day experience.

The introduction of WhatsApp Plus also suggests a growing desire among users to customize their experience. This is especially true among younger users. These younger users are beginning to see messaging apps as more than just tools. For them, messaging apps are extensions of their digital identities.

Many social and communication platforms are increasingly moving towards custom themes, unique looks, and more interface controls.

The next few months will be key to see if WhatsApp users are willing to pay for non-essential add-ons. Adoption rates will be closely monitored.

If it works, Meta may roll out more subscriptions and premium services in the future.

At least for now, Meta appears to be taking a measured approach, providing benefits that emphasize customization. Meanwhile, they are keeping WhatsApp’s simplicity and ease of use. This simplicity helped make it one of the world’s most popular messaging programs.

As the global rollout begins, WhatsApp Plus should start appearing in people’s apps slowly. This will provide an alternative for those who want a more customized messaging experience.

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