Advertisements on WhatsApp will be limited to the 'Updates' tab only, your chats and calls will remain private and ad-free as before.
WhatsApp: News about the introduction of advertisements on WhatsApp recently spread like wildfire across the internet. From social media to news platforms, everyone was discussing whether WhatsApp would now be filled with ads like other social media apps. But is it really as people fear? The answer is no.
In fact, the advertising model that WhatsApp has discussed is very limited, controlled, and user-driven. Let's explain in detail what this new change coming to WhatsApp is, whether it will benefit or harm you, and whether it affects your privacy in any way?
What is WhatsApp's advertising model?
WhatsApp is now preparing to expand its revenue stream. According to the company, it will now monetize some features through the "Updates" tab. The major change will be that when you go to the Channels or Status section, you may see some sponsored content or advertisements there.
But the important thing to note here is that these advertisements will not be in the chats or calls you have with friends or family. This means that your private conversations will remain completely secure and ad-free.
Where and how will advertisements appear?
This new advertising model of WhatsApp will be completely limited to the 'Updates' tab. In this tab, you get updates from your friends' statuses, and the channels you follow.
- Status Updates: Sometimes, sponsored statuses may appear in between the statuses of your friends or contacts.
- Channels Section: Here, you may see advertisements or promotional content related to the channels you follow.
- Follow-based ads: You will only get advertisements from brands or businesses that you have followed yourself.
Will your chatting and calling be affected?
Absolutely not. WhatsApp has made it clear that "your private chats, voice, and video calls will remain fully end-to-end encrypted."
This means that
- Your messages cannot be read by a third party
- Nor does WhatsApp itself scan your chats for ad targeting
- No advertisements will appear on your chat interface
Therefore, if you are thinking that ads will pop up every two minutes while messaging on WhatsApp, then nothing like that is going to happen.
Channel subscription model will also start
WhatsApp is now making the channel feature more professional.
- Channel admins will now be able to offer paid subscriptions.
- Some content will be free for everyone, while exclusive content will only be available to paid members.
- This will provide a new source of income for creators, food channels, news channels, education platforms, etc.
Channel admins can also promote their channels so that more people can reach their channels. However, information about how much it will cost has not yet been made public.
Is this change beneficial for users?
If you look at it, this change can make WhatsApp more interactive and user-centric like Instagram or Telegram.
- Users will be able to connect directly with their favorite brands or channels
- Offers, coupons, updates, etc. will be available directly on WhatsApp
- Quality creators will be promoted through paid content
- The biggest thing—you are not forced to watch any kind of content.
