WhatsApp charged $0.99 annually after the first free year before the service became free.
The subscription model was introduced as WhatsApp grew rapidly and needed to offset costs such as sending verification text messages. Users typically received the first year at no charge, then paid a small yearly renewal fee. Sources often describe the price as $1 because $0.99 was the standard app-store price.
This fee was not a monthly charge, and it was not the cost of sending each individual message. WhatsApp used the subscription approach instead of displaying traditional third-party advertising, reflecting the founders’ preference for a simple messaging experience.
On January 18, 2016, co-founder Jan Koum announced that WhatsApp would stop charging the annual subscription fee. The company said payment requirements created barriers for users who lacked credit or debit cards. WhatsApp subsequently became free to use, while continuing to explore business-focused services as a way to generate revenue.