Meta has officially introduced its WhatsApp Plus subscription service in Indonesia. The subscription-based service provides a range of additional features and personalisation options not available on standard WhatsApp accounts.
Indonesian users can access WhatsApp Plus for a monthly fee starting from IDR 13,900, excluding taxes.
According to reports by Tekno, Meta is also offering a one-month free trial for eligible users.
The launch reflects a broader trend among technology companies seeking to monetise highly engaged user bases through premium services while maintaining free versions of their core platforms.
Premium Features Designed for Power Users
WhatsApp Plus is aimed at users who require greater flexibility in managing conversations and customising their messaging experience.
One of the key additions is the ability to pin up to 20 chats at the top of the application. Standard WhatsApp accounts currently allow users to pin only three conversations.
Subscribers also gain access to a wider selection of exclusive themes and visual customisation tools. These features allow users to personalise the appearance of their messaging interface and replace the application’s icon according to individual preferences.
In addition, WhatsApp Plus includes premium sticker packs featuring special effects, as well as exclusive ringtone options that can be assigned to selected contacts. The service also allows users to customise themes and notification sounds for specific chat groups, providing a more tailored communication experience.
Meta’s Head of Product, Naomi Gleit, indicated that the premium offering will continue to evolve over time.
“This list of features will continue to grow with future updates,” Gleit said.
The company hopes that ongoing feature development will increase the value proposition for subscribers and encourage long-term adoption of the service.
Pricing Strategy Varies Across Markets
WhatsApp Plus pricing differs from one market to another, reflecting regional economic conditions and local pricing strategies.
In Europe, the service is available for EUR 2.49 per month, while users in Pakistan pay PKR 229. In Mexico, subscription rates are reported to be around USD 29 per month. Meta adjusts pricing based on factors such as purchasing power, market competition and local consumer behaviour.
The subscription operates on an automatic monthly renewal model. Users who wish to discontinue the service must cancel their subscription through the App Store or relevant platform settings at least 24 hours before the renewal date to avoid being charged for the following billing cycle.
In selected markets, Meta also offers free trial periods ranging from one week to one month, allowing users to evaluate the premium features before committing to a paid subscription.
How to Subscribe to WhatsApp Plus
Users can activate WhatsApp Plus directly through the application by opening the settings menu and selecting the Subscriptions option. From there, they can choose WhatsApp Plus and complete payment using the available payment methods on their device.
Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time through the same menu by selecting the Cancel Subscription option.
The service is currently available on WhatsApp for Android version 2.26.22.77 and iOS version 2.26.22.76. Users who do not yet see the subscription menu are advised to update their application through the official app store and wait for the feature to be rolled out to their account.
The Indonesian launch highlights Meta’s growing focus on subscription-based products as the company seeks new sources of recurring revenue while enhancing the user experience through premium features and advanced personalisation tools.
