Meta Platforms has launched WhatsApp Plus in South Africa, giving users access to a range of premium customisation features for R28.99 ($1.78) per month, with the first month offered free of charge.
The subscription forms part of Meta’s wider strategy to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising by introducing paid services across its social media and messaging platforms.
The global expansion of consumer subscriptions for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram was announced on 27 May by Meta’s Head of Product, Naomi Gleit.
Meta has emphasised that WhatsApp’s core messaging functions will remain free, with the new subscription focused solely on optional enhancements rather than changes to the messaging experience itself.
Subscribers to WhatsApp Plus receive access to six additional features, including exclusive sticker packs, a custom application icon, personalised themes that alter message colours, icons and backgrounds, exclusive ringtones, enhanced chat organisation tools, and the ability to pin more chats than the three permitted under the free version.
The South African subscription fee is notably lower than the US price of $2.99 per month, which is equivalent to approximately R49.27. WhatsApp notes within the application that the local fee may include applicable taxes. Users must provide a payment method to activate the complimentary first month, after which the subscription will renew automatically unless cancelled.
To subscribe, iPhone users can access the service through the Subscriptions section in Settings, while Android users can find it via the three-dot menu on the WhatsApp home screen and then navigate to Settings.
WhatsApp Plus joins a growing portfolio of Meta subscription products. Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus are available internationally for $3.99 per month, offering features centred on profile customisation and enhanced story insights.
Meanwhile, Meta is also trialling artificial intelligence subscription services known as Meta One Plus and Meta One Premium, although these offerings have not yet been introduced in South Africa.
