For years, WhatsApp stood out as one of the few major social platforms with no adverts, no pop-ups, and no distractions just messaging. But now, that’s changing.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has announced that it is introducing ads into the app for the very first time. But before users panic, here’s what’s actually happening.
Where the Ads Will Appear
The adverts will not be popping up in your personal or group chats. Instead, they will show up in the “Updates” tab — the section that includes Status updates and Channels.
This move is Meta’s way of allowing businesses to promote their content without disturbing user conversations. The company has been testing this behind the scenes and has now begun a gradual global rollout.
What Else Is Changing?
Along with ads, WhatsApp is also rolling out new ways for creators and businesses to earn money through the app:
• Promoted Channels: Channel owners can now pay to appear higher in the discovery feed.
• Exclusive Subscriptions: Some Channels may offer bonus content to followers who subscribe.
• Status Adverts: Short video or image ads may appear between updates.
Meta says it will eventually take a 10% commission from these paid subscriptions after the first year.
What About Your Privacy?
Meta insists that your chats and phone number remain private. Ads will not be based on your messages. Instead, they’ll be shown based on general details like the country you live in, the Channels you follow, and the ads you interact with.
Why This Matters
This shift marks a big moment for WhatsApp. The platform’s founders were famously against advertising, and their original promise was: “No ads. No games. No gimmicks.”
But times have changed. WhatsApp now has over 2 billion users, and Meta sees an opportunity to monetise attention without touching the chat experience.
What Should Users Expect?
If you mostly use WhatsApp for chatting, you won’t notice any changes for now. But if you use the Updates tab often, expect to start seeing sponsored content soon.
This is just the beginning. As the digital world evolves, WhatsApp is stepping into a new era one that blends private messaging with a touch of business.
Pls log me in