WhatsApp Introduces Ads and Paid Subscriptions in Status and Channels, Keeps Chats Private
WhatsApp Introduces Ads and Paid Subscriptions in Status and Channels, Keeps Chats Private
WhatsApp has officially begun rolling out advertisements and paid subscriptions within its Updates tab, marking a major move toward monetisation without compromising user privacy. The platform, used by over 1.5 billion people daily, will now serve ads and offer subscription-based content in Status updates and Channels.
The Updates tab which houses temporary Status posts and the newer Channels feature is being positioned as a revenue and discovery hub for businesses and content creators. According to WhatsApp, the goal is to help “admins, organisations, and businesses grow on the platform.”
Key Changes:
- Ads in Status: Businesses can now showcase their products or services via WhatsApp Status, allowing users to discover offerings and initiate chats directly.
- Paid Channel Subscriptions: Users will be able to subscribe to certain Channels for a monthly fee to access exclusive updates and content.
- Promoted Channels: WhatsApp will start recommending Channels tailored to users’ interests to help creators and organisations expand their reach.
Crucially, these changes will only affect the Updates tab. WhatsApp reiterated that private messages, group chats, and calls will remain end-to-end encrypted and untouched by ads.
To enhance relevance, the platform will use limited signals such as language, location, and in-app activity for ad targeting. Users connected through Meta’s Accounts Center may also see preferences reflected across platforms. However, WhatsApp assured users that it does not sell phone numbers or scan personal messages for advertising purposes.
