WhatsApp Introduces Ads in Status and Promoted Channels: What You Need to Know
Meta has officially announced that ads are coming to WhatsApp, marking a significant shift in how the messaging platform is monetized. These changes will be implemented within the Updates tab, a section that includes both Channels and Status, and currently sees daily usage from over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
Where Will Ads Appear?
Ads will be confined to the Updates tab, which serves as a content hub distinct from your personal chats.
Image credit: WhatsApp
1. Ads in Status
Users will begin to see ads while viewing Status updates. These are designed to help users discover new businesses and initiate conversations directly within WhatsApp. Meta describes them as a way to "easily start a conversation with [a business] about a product or service they’re promoting in Status."
2. Promoted Channels
Promoted Channels will show up in the Channel directory as suggestions. These are essentially advertisements that help users find channels aligned with their interests.
Meta claims this system is intended to promote discovery without interfering with the private messaging experience.
New Feature: Channel Subscriptions
While not directly tied to ads, Meta also announced Channel Subscriptions, allowing channel owners to offer exclusive content for a monthly fee. This adds a new layer of monetization for creators and businesses using WhatsApp Channels.
Will This Impact Private Messaging?
According to Meta, no changes will affect your personal chats, calls, or groups. These remain end-to-end encrypted and will not be used for ad targeting.
Ads will be contextually targeted using the following information:
Your country or city
Your language
Channels you follow
Your interactions with ads
If your WhatsApp is linked to the Meta Accounts Center, ad preferences from Facebook and Instagram may also influence the ads shown on WhatsApp.
What Meta Promises
Meta has made several privacy assurances regarding this rollout:
Your phone number will not be shared with advertisers
Your private messages, calls, and groups won’t be used for ad targeting
Ad rollouts will be gradual, taking place over the next several months
Final Thoughts
While some users may be skeptical of WhatsApp adopting an ad model, Meta is making efforts to confine monetization features to areas away from the core messaging experience. Whether this approach maintains user trust remains to be seen.
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