Earlier this year, we got to know that WhatsApp is testing a new WhatsApp Plus subscription plan on iOS. Now, the parent company Meta has confirmed the global rollout of its new paid plans for not only WhatsApp but also Facebook and Instagram.
WhatsApp Plus, Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus Rolling Out Globally
In a video posted on Instagram, Meta's head of product Naomi Gleit announced the launch of WhatsApp Plus, Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus. She confirmed that the new paid tiers will be available for all Android and iOS users across the globe and will see a complete rollout in the coming weeks.
At the time of writing, we were only able to spot the WhatsApp Plus subscription live in India. It is situated within the Settings page, as a new standalone "Subscriptions" option right below the profile details. It starts from Rs 79 per month and Meta is giving a one-month free trial.
It is positioned as a way to "upgrade your messaging experience" and outlines some of the key benefits of the paid tier - exclusive stickers, custom app icons, ability to change app theme, exclusive ringtones, extra chat pins and chat list upgrades.
From the list of perks, it is clear that Meta is positioning WhatsApp Plus as a personalisation and exclusive messaging way to stand out from the regular user. As for Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus, we were unable to spot the paid tiers, but publication TechCrunch has reported that both of them will cost $3.99 (approximately Rs 400).
Both plans are said to focus on social expression with added perks like better analytics, story rewatch statistics, wider audience reach and profile customisation options.
Apart from these three subscription tiers, Meta will also test creator, business and Meta AI-specific paid plans, which Gleit confirmed will go live in the coming weeks. All of them will be bundled under a unified Meta One subscription plan.
It is important to note that these plans are separate from the existing Meta Verified plan, which focuses on profile authentication and credibility. That said, it remains to be seen when all the plans go live in India and for how much. While the adoption rate for paid Meta plans could be higher in regions like Europe and the USA, it is hard to tell how many users in India will opt in for a paid messaging app subscription.
