For the first time ever, WhatsApp is set to display advertisements inside the app, marking a major shift in how the popular messaging platform generates revenue. In an official update, Meta confirmed that WhatsApp’s Status feature, found in the Updates tab, will now show sponsored content — similar to how ads currently appear on Instagram and Facebook Stories.
In total, three key changes are coming to the Updates tab:
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Channel Subscriptions
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Promoted Channels
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Ads in Status
The company shared these upcoming features in a post on its official WhatsApp blog this week. Currently, WhatsApp boasts a massive global user base of 1.5 billion daily active users, and this update marks the app’s biggest move yet toward a new monetization strategy.
Where Will Ads Be Displayed?
Importantly, Meta clarified that ads will not appear in private or group chats. Instead, users will see advertisements only when viewing Status updates on the Updates page.
The company emphasized that it has spent years exploring ways to generate revenue without disrupting personal messaging — and believes the Updates tab is the most appropriate place for these new features.
What Else Is Changing? Subscriptions and Promoted Channels
In addition to ads in Status, WhatsApp will soon introduce subscriptions to Channels. Users will be able to pay a recurring fee to receive exclusive content and early access from their favorite channels.
Furthermore, a new Promoted Channels feature will allow channel owners to boost the visibility of their content — giving them priority placement at the top of the Explore section.
The Bigger Picture
With these changes, WhatsApp — once known for its ad-free experience — is entering a new phase as it looks to diversify revenue streams and capitalize on its massive user base. These updates will roll out gradually and are expected to reshape how brands and creators engage with WhatsApp users worldwide.
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- My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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