WhatsApp testing premium subscription -- TechCrunch

Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp is testing a paid subscription tier that sells cosmetic customizations — ringtones, themes, icons — plus utility items such as expanded pinned chats and custom lists, mirroring monetization moves by Instagram Plus and Snapchat+. The move signals Meta pushing to diversify and deepen recurring revenue streams beyond ads by monetizing its messaging user base. Near-term market impact is likely limited, but successful adoption could lift average revenue per user (ARPU) and support long-term monetization expectations for Meta. The story is presented as product news rather than a financial forecast; market reaction appears muted (side data shows Meta shares trading lower on the day).