In a landmark shift for the platform, Meta has officially begun displaying advertisements inside WhatsApp, starting with the Updates tab. This marks the first time that ads are appearing within the popular messaging app, long known for its ad-free interface.

Ads in Status: What’s New?

The new ads will be integrated into the Status section – WhatsApp’s version of Instagram or Facebook Stories – where users post images, videos, or messages that vanish after 24 hours. These sponsored statuses will appear alongside regular updates from friends and contacts. However, Meta has reassured users that personal messages, group chats, and calls will remain ad-free.

Three Major Features Added

According to WhatsApp’s official blog update, the following features are being rolled out in the Updates tab:

  • Ads in Status

  • Channel Subscriptions (monthly payment for exclusive content)

  • Promoted Channels in the Explore section to boost visibility

    • The app now boasts 1.5 billion daily users, and this move signals Meta’s intent to monetise this massive user base without disrupting core messaging functions.

    How Ad Targeting Works

    Ads will be tailored based on:

    • Your location (city/country)

  • Language settings

  • Channels you follow

  • Ad interaction history

    • If users link WhatsApp to Meta’s Accounts Center, their preferences from Facebook and Instagram may influence what ads they see. Crucially, phone numbers won’t be shared, and end-to-end encryption remains intact for personal content.

    A Long-Time Coming

    Meta had shelved its WhatsApp ad plans years ago, but revived them recently. The company earned over $160 billion in ad revenue last year, with WhatsApp now joining Facebook and Instagram in its ad ecosystem.

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