The US social media giant Meta Platforms (formerly known as Facebook, Inc.) has launched its WhatsApp Plus subscription in South Africa, giving users of the popular chat app several additional features for a monthly fee of only R28.99.

This multinational technology conglomerate began testing the subscription in April 2026, explaining that it was designed for users seeking more ways to organise and personalise their experience.

WhatsApp Plus is part of Meta Platforms’ strategy to generate revenue beyond advertising.

The company has confirmed it will not charge for private messaging or other core WhatsApp features.

Users can try the membership free for one month, although a payment method must be added upfront. The subscription includes six additional features at launch.

Personalisation options allow subscribers to select custom app icons and new themes with expanded colour choices for messages, icons, and backgrounds.

Subscribers gain access to enhanced chat lists with customisable alerts, ringtones, and themes for each list.

The service allows users to pin up to 20 chats to their home screen, compared to three for free users.

Additional features include exclusive sticker packs and multiple notification ringtone options.

Android users can subscribe by tapping the three-dot menu button, then navigating to Settings and Subscriptions.

iPhone users access the subscription option through their profile icon in the bottom-right corner, then Settings.

The subscription costs R28.99, significantly lower than the US price of $2.99 (R49.33).