WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new feature that will allow users to subscribe to paid channels and gain access to exclusive content. The subscription-based system is currently under development and will be included in a future update of the platform. With this move, WhatsApp aims to create a new monetization pathway for content creators and businesses while offering a more personalized experience to subscribers.
The feature, known as channel subscriptions, allows channel owners to offer exclusive posts, media, and stories to users who choose to subscribe. Each subscription will last 30 days, and users will be able to access both future exclusive updates and content shared over the previous month. Channels offering paid subscriptions will be marked with a diamond icon in the app, signaling the availability of premium content.
To activate subscriptions, channel owners will need to authenticate their identity through a linked Facebook account. This step ensures a secure and verifiable process before enabling payment features. Creators without an existing Facebook account will have the option to create one solely for this purpose. Once approved, channels can begin offering subscriptions directly through the WhatsApp app.
Payments will be processed using the Google Play billing system, providing a secure and familiar platform for subscribers. Users will need to be logged into their Google Play account to complete transactions. After a successful payment, access to exclusive content will be granted immediately, enhancing the user experience by offering instant value.
Subscribers retain full control over their membership and can cancel at any time. If a user chooses to unfollow a channel, the associated subscription will also be terminated automatically, ensuring no further charges are incurred. This opt-in model empowers users to engage on their own terms, without any obligation to pay for content unless they choose to do so.
This new feature creates an opportunity for creators and businesses to build stronger connections with their most loyal followers while earning direct revenue from their digital communities. At the same time, it maintains flexibility, as creators can continue offering free content alongside their premium material. Channels will have full control over what they decide to share publicly or keep exclusive.
