Meta began testing the paid tier in April 2026, positioning it as a way for users to customise their chat environment.
South Africans now have access to WhatsApp Plus, a premium subscription service. Picture: iStock
South Africans now have access to WhatsApp Plus, a premium subscription service priced at R28.99 per month that offers enhanced personalisation and organisation features while keeping standard messaging free.
Meta began testing the paid tier in April 2026, positioning it as a way for users to customise their chat environment without losing the core functionality that has made WhatsApp indispensable.
WhatsApp Plus
The service introduces custom chat themes, exclusive sticker packs, personalised app icons, and the ability to pin up to 20 chats – a significant upgrade from the three allowed on the free version.
Subscribers can also enjoy advanced notification options and custom ringtones, designed to make the app more flexible and user‑friendly. Importantly, everyday users who stick to the free version will not lose any core features such as messaging, calls, or video chats.
The rollout is part of Meta’s broader push into paid services, joining subscription models already available on Facebook and Instagram.
Features
A free one‑month trial is available, though users must provide payment details upfront.
WhatsApp Plus includes six premium features:
- Custom app icons
- New chat themes and colour options
- Enhanced chat lists with custom alerts and ringtones
- Pin up to 20 chats (instead of the standard three)
- Exclusive sticker packs
- Additional notification and ringtone options
How to subscribe
Android
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the three-dot menu
- Select Settings
- Tap Subscriptions
iPhone
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner
- Select Subscriptions
Revenue streams
The launch comes as Meta explores new revenue streams amid growing demand for app personalisation.
South Africa, one of WhatsApp’s largest markets, is a natural testing ground for the service.
The company has also warned users to be cautious of scams, stressing that WhatsApp Plus is only available directly through the app’s official settings.
For South Africans, the arrival of WhatsApp Plus marks a new chapter in the evolution of one of the country’s most widely used communication platforms – offering style and convenience for those willing to pay, while leaving the core messaging experience untouched.
