Meta-owned WhatsApp, one of the vital extensively used messaging platforms on this planet, is testing new methods to earn income whereas retaining its principal messaging service free.

In accordance with WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is engaged on an non-compulsory paid subscription function that has appeared in an upcoming Android beta model. This doesn’t imply WhatsApp will cease being free for regular messaging. As an alternative, the corporate is testing additional options that customers can select to pay for if they need.

The report mentioned that entry to those paid options could also be restricted at first. Some customers may very well be positioned on a ready record earlier than they’re allowed to make use of them. This means a gradual and managed rollout relatively than a full international launch.

The report mentioned that the options being examined are associated to personalisation and comfort, together with unique sticker packs, new app themes, and a particular set of latest chat ringtones. These options are non-compulsory and certain will not change how fundamental messaging, calling, or group chats work.

WhatsApp has charged customers prior to now. In its early years, some customers paid a small yearly charge, however this was eliminated in 2016. Since then, WhatsApp has largely remained free to make use of and has proven only a few ads. This testing suits into Meta’s wider effort to earn cash from its apps in numerous methods.

Meta already runs adverts and paid instruments throughout its platforms, together with Fb and Instagram. WhatsApp itself has lately launched adverts and subscriptions in its Updates and Channels part. There have additionally been media studies that Meta is testing paid or premium options for Instagram.

These studies point out doable instruments like checking who doesn’t observe you again or viewing Tales anonymously. These options haven’t been formally introduced. At current, WhatsApp has not shared any particulars about pricing or launch dates for the subscription options.