Meta has announced a major change for WhatsApp by introducing ads in its “Updates” section, marking a significant shift in the popular messaging app’s history. This announcement came on June 17, more than a decade after Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion.
The new ads, called “status ads,” will appear only in the Updates tab, keeping them separate from users’ private chats. This tab, launched in June 2023, allows users to share temporary pictures, videos, and text that disappear after 24 hours, similar to Instagram Stories.
Meta plans to let businesses use these ads to engage with users directly through WhatsApp’s messaging features. Despite this change, Meta assures users that private messages and calls will remain encrypted and unaffected by advertising.
In addition to status ads, Meta will start monetizing WhatsApp’s Channels feature, which lets people and organizations send broadcast messages to followers. Businesses can pay to appear higher in WhatsApp’s search results, and channel admins may charge subscription fees for exclusive content.
Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to transform WhatsApp into a major business platform, tapping into its 3 billion monthly users worldwide. This move follows Meta’s broader strategy to expand its advertising reach while trying to keep personal communication private and disruption low.
WhatsApp’s founders had strongly opposed ads, which led to their departure from Meta years ago. However, this new step highlights Meta’s focus on growing revenue through WhatsApp while balancing user privacy and business needs.