WhatsApp is introducing advertisements on its Status feature, along with other changes aimed at boosting the platform’s revenue.
In addition to ads, the platform is also launching channel subscriptions, allowing users to receive exclusive updates, and promoted channels, which enable admins to increase visibility. According to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, these new features are designed to help admins, organizations, and businesses grow on the platform.
The ads will appear only in the Updates tab, separate from personal chats, to minimize disruptions. WhatsApp has addressed privacy concerns by stating that it will use limited information, including country or city, language, channels followed, and user interactions with ads, to deliver targeted advertisements. This move is part of Meta’s ongoing effort to diversify its revenue streams and increase advertising revenue.
The introduction of ads on WhatsApp is a significant development, given the platform’s massive user base of 1.5 billion daily users. Meta acquired WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion and has since generated revenue primarily through the WhatsApp Business platform and click-to-WhatsApp ads. The company has also introduced WhatsApp Pay, a payment platform, in select markets like India and Brazil.
This move is part of a larger trend of Silicon Valley giants, including Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon, dominating the advertising sector. In early June, Meta announced plans to roll out artificial intelligence tools for advertisers by the end of 2026, which will enable them to create ads on the platform. This development is expected to further disrupt the traditional advertising industry.
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