- Ads now appear in WhatsApp’s Status section, not chats.
- New subscription feature allows paid access to exclusive channel content.
- Promoted channels appear in the Explore section for better discoverability.
- Meta assures end-to-end encryption and user privacy are still protected.
- Monetization is limited to the Updates tab.
Meta has confirmed the introduction of ads and subscriptions to WhatsApp, marking a major change in the app’s user experience. A boasting community of more than 1.5 billion daily users, WhatsApp is now entering the monetization realm more seriously by beginning with the Updates tab.
The update features status ads, subscriptions to channels, and promoted channels, designed to enable creators to make revenue and provide Meta with additional income.
Meta has rolled out three major monetization features:
1. Ads in the Status Section
- Ads appear between Status updates, similar to Instagram Stories.
- No ads in private or group chats.
- Ads are personalized using limited data like:
- Location
- Language
- Channels followed
- Interactions with other ads
If you have connected WhatsApp to Meta’s Accounts Center, Facebook, and Instagram, your preferences can be taken into account in ad targeting. Meta promises not to share or sell phone numbers.
2. Channel Subscriptions
- Channel creators can now charge a monthly fee for exclusive content.
- This feature enables monetization for influencers, brands, and media outlets.
- Users can opt in to support their favorite channels.
3. Promoted Channels in Explore
- Channels can now be promoted in the Explore section.
- Helps new or growing channels reach audiences.
Meta continues to emphasize that private messaging is completely encrypted. Here’s what remains untouched:
- One-on-one messages
- Group chats
- Phone calls
- Your phone number
According to WhatsApp’s blog:
“We’ve been talking about our plans to build a business that does not interrupt your personal chats for years, and we believe the Updates tab is the right place for these new features to work.”
Meta has been facing pressure to monetize WhatsApp, its most costly acquisition to date. After several years of deliberation and procrastination, this update finally brings WhatsApp into line with other Meta platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to help it generate its ad revenue of over $ 160 billion.
Meta intends to balance between income and confidence by restricting monetization solely to the Updates tab.
