Did you know that WhatsApp, one of the most popular texting services, which has been around since 2009, once operated on a paid model? While the paywall was later removed in 2016 to get more growth, WhatsApp hasn’t been completely dismissive of the idea. They already offer a paid subscription for some features in their business version, but it looks like they’re looking to bring the same to the regular version. As recent reports have suggested that WhatsApp could soon offer a premium version, let’s have a look at what we know so far.
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As per WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp is looking to add a premium tier to the current app. The premium features that the app could include are a ton of customisation features like exclusive stickers, app themes, app icon customisation and even a set of chat ringtones.
Along with that, it is being said that the premium version of WhatsApp could also include features, such as being able to pin more chats. Currently, it’s only possible to pin 3 chats at once. While we don’t yet have any exact knowledge about the release date for this feature, it is currently available to users on the WhatsApp beta update, and that too, only through a waitlist.
As per the insider, these are some of the current offerings from WhatsApp, and in the future, they could be looking to add even more features based on the reception it gets. It is important to note that all these premium features will remain optional for all users, meaning that they won’t be forced to subscribe. All the current functionalities will work just like before.
In case you didn’t know, WhatsApp currently offers a premium tier for its app; however, it is limited to the business application. WhatsApp Business is a separate app from the regular WhatsApp, and it is most commonly used by small and large businesses to connect with their customers.
While the free version only allows linking to 5 devices, by subscribing to the premium tier, users can link up to 10 devices at once. Not only that, but features like custom web pages, which allow for showcasing products, and chat assignments are also locked behind a paywall.
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