WhatsApp is now set to display advertisements in Status and Channels as part of its largest monetization plan to date. This will include three new ad formats – Status Ads, Promoted Channels, and Subscription Promotions.
WhatsApp: WhatsApp, the world's largest instant messaging platform, will no longer be limited to just chats, calls, and videos. Meta (formerly Facebook) is now transforming it into an advertising platform. This is considered WhatsApp's most aggressive monetization strategy to date, incorporating new ad features such as Status Ads, Promoted Channels, and Subscription Promotions.
What is WhatsApp's New Advertising Plan?
Meta has confirmed that users will now see advertisements on WhatsApp, similar to Instagram Stories or Facebook Feed. Notably, these ads will only appear in the “Updates” tab, specifically within the Status and Channels sections.
Status Ads – Ads in Between Statuses!
Sponsored advertisements will now appear in between users' Status feeds on WhatsApp. For example, after viewing a friend's Status, the next Status loaded might be an advertisement from a brand, similar to how ads appear between Stories on Instagram.
- This will be accompanied by a Sponsored tag.
- Only business accounts will have the ability to run ads.
- Content can be in video, photo, or text format.
Promoted Channels – Promote Your Channel in the Directory for a Fee
WhatsApp will now promote certain public channels in its Channel Directory section for a fee. This means that if a creator or brand wants their channel to reach a larger audience, they can pay WhatsApp to feature their channel at the top of the directory.
- This feature is believed to be inspired by Telegram's promotion system.
- It will include a Sponsored label.
- Testing will initially occur in select countries.
Channel Subscription Promotions – Branding for Subscription Channels as Well
WhatsApp will also promote paid subscription channels. The aim is to help channels that charge users for content reach a wider audience. This feature could be particularly useful for creators and journalists who produce exclusive content.
- This feature is currently in the development phase.
- It will be rolled out gradually after testing.
- An attempt to directly link public channels to a revenue model.
Will User Privacy Be Affected?
This question will undoubtedly cross every user's mind – "Will I now see ads in my chats?" Meta has clarified that these ads will be limited to the 'Updates' tab only – i.e., the Status and Channel sections. No promotional content will be displayed in either private chats or group chats. Meta claims that user privacy remains its top priority. No chat data will be used to display advertisements. These ads will be targeted based on broad consumption bases (such as location, channel interests, etc.).
When Will the Ads Begin?
Meta has currently released these features for testing to select Android beta users. It is possible that this feature will be rolled out to all users in a phased manner by the end of 2025.
