WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps with approximately 1.5 billion active daily users, is preparing to introduce a monetization feature that will allow users to earn revenue, following the models used by platforms like YouTube and Facebook. According to a report by Bloomberg, WhatsApp’s parent company Meta is planning to roll out this feature as part of the app’s biggest update to date.
The new monetization system will be integrated within WhatsApp’s Status (or Stories) section, where advertisements will start appearing. This will not only generate revenue for Meta but also allow content creators and channel owners on WhatsApp to earn money through their followers. Initially, the feature will be limited to WhatsApp Business accounts and select channels with a large follower base, with plans to gradually open it to more users.
To qualify for monetization, it is anticipated that channels will need to meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum number of followers. This move aligns WhatsApp more closely with other social media platforms where content creators earn income based on ad views and engagement.
At this stage, personal WhatsApp accounts will not be eligible for monetization, though users following monetized channels will see ads within the Status section, contributing to WhatsApp’s overall revenue growth.
The rollout will begin in a select number of countries before expanding to a global audience. This new feature could transform WhatsApp from a simple messaging platform into a viable source of income for content creators, influencers, and businesses, further strengthening Meta’s ecosystem.
This development also signals a strategic shift for WhatsApp, traditionally focused on privacy and ad-free user experience, as it seeks new revenue streams amid growing competition in the messaging and social media space.