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[BIG TECH]

WHATSAPP LAUNCHES PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ
MON, APR 20, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

WhatsApp is now selling a premium subscription tier with custom features, joining Instagram in Meta's push to diversify revenue beyond advertising.

Meta Platforms is expanding its subscription offerings across messaging and social platforms. WhatsApp's premium tier provides additional customization options for users willing to pay, complementing the app's free ad-free model. The move reflects Meta's strategy to build alternative revenue streams as it faces regulatory scrutiny and advertising market pressures. Instagram already offers premium features through a paid subscription service. WhatsApp, with nearly 2 billion users globally, has historically remained free with no direct monetization. The premium subscription represents a shift toward tiered pricing while maintaining the app's core free access. Meta has not disclosed pricing or specific features included in WhatsApp's premium tier. The company continues testing subscription models across its portfolio as it seeks to reduce dependence on ad revenue.

■ SOURCES

► Bloomberg Tech

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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