WhatsApp is just one of so many apps and services switching to a multi-level subscription model. While there is currently no suggestion that a free version of WhatsApp will not continue to exist, Meta is introducing a variety of subscription-exclusive features and extras to entice users into parting with money.
The question is, will it work? Are the extras that we know about going to be enough to encourage you to start to pay for a service you have been using for free until now?
Meta has been working on plans for ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram for a while, but it is the promise of extras that it hopes will serve as a lure for WhatsApp users. In recent times, WABetaInfo has unearthed various unannounced premium features hidden away in beta versions of the chat client.
Among the features which are expected to be part of the Plus subscription package is the ability to pin more messages. WABetaInfo explains:
WhatsApp is developing a new feature that brings extra pinned conversations to the Chats tab, scheduled for release in a future update. Users can currently pin up to 3 conversations at the top of the chat list. Pinning up to 3 chats keeps the interface clean and organized. When users try to pin more than 3 conversations, the app displays an alert to inform them that the maximum number of pinned chats has been reached.
By subscribing to the upcoming premium plan, users will be able to pin up to 20 chats. This means that users will be able to add 17 more pinned chats beyond the current limit of 3. This expansion will give users more flexibility to keep their most important conversations easily accessible. In addition, users can save time by pinning a higher number of chats instead of searching them through the chat list. With this change, the chat interface can support a larger set of pinned chats.
But this is far from being the end of things. Other perks that are expected to be attached to a Plus subscription include access to a larger number of reaction options, as well as exclusive ringtones and stickers. If these feel like unappealing extras, there is also the promise of greater app customization options – but is this enough to get you on board?
Maybe your willingness to pay for WhatsApp is dependent on cost; in which case how much would you be happy to pay each month? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Image credit: Mino Surkala / Dreamstime.com
