WhatsApp Will Have Paid Channels: Here's How They Will Work

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new system to monetize the large number of users who use the messaging service every day. In fact, new paid channels are currently being tested. This feature will allow creators and businesses to offer exclusive content through a channel reserved for paying users.

This news emerged from the latest beta of the app for Android. The paid channels are not yet public but are expected to become a central element of the app's user experience, which has just seen the arrival of a version for CarPlay.

How Will the Paid Channels Work

The channel managers will be able to activate paid subscriptions, choosing independently the price and which content to include for paying subscribers. Thanks to a filter system, channels will be able to publish both free and paid content, with the latter being viewable exclusively by users who have activated a subscription.

As is often the case, the subscription will not be binding and it will be possible to deactivate renewal at any time. WhatsApp is expected to make the number of subscribers visible, ensuring maximum transparency for channels, which, among the statistics, will indicate both the total number of subscribers and the number of subscribers (if a subscription system is in place).

Naturally, it will be up to creators and businesses to choose how to utilize WhatsApp's paid channels. It should be noted that the app's guidelines will not change, so exclusive content must comply with the same rules as free content. WhatsApp is expected to take a commission on the subscription cost. It is still unclear what amount will be required by the app.