WhatsApp is adding ads to its Status screen. This update means you will start seeing sponsored content when you view updates from friends. Let’s break it down in a simple way anyone can understand.
What’s changing?
WhatsApp is adding ads to the Status screen, which is the same area you use to share text, pictures, or video updates that disappear after 24 hours. Now, after viewing a few stories, you will see ads, very similar to what Instagram Stories do.
WhatsApp says this will be part of the “Updates” tab. Your private chats and messages will stay exactly the same. No ads there.
Why is WhatsApp doing this?
Meta, WhatsApp’s owner, wants to make money from the app. In past years, WhatsApp only earned from business tools and message ads on Facebook or Instagram. But now that WhatsApp is adding ads, they can create new income from the app itself.
This is part of a bigger plan to turn WhatsApp into more than just a chat app. Think super-app with shopping, channels, and yes, ads.
How will the ads work?
When WhatsApp is adding ads, they will only appear in the Updates tab. They are targeted by basic things like your country, city, language, and which Channels or ads you interact with. They do not use your phone number, messages, calls, or group info.
If you add your WhatsApp to Meta’s Account Center, they may also use your ad preferences from Facebook or Instagram.
More features coming
Along with WhatsApp is adding ads, new features will launch soon:
- Promoted Channels: Businesses and creators can pay to show their Channels in discovery.
- Channel Subscriptions: Some creators can charge a monthly fee for exclusive content.
Together with “Status ads,” these updates will appear only in the Updates tab. Chats will remain ad-free.
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Will my privacy stay safe?
Yes. Meta promises your personal chats, calls, groups, and private statuses are still encrypted and will not be used to place ads.
Ads are based only on limited info like language, location, followed channels, and behaviour with ads. Your phone number and chat content remain private.
How does this affect users
- If you love chatting with close friends, things stay the same.
- If you open the Updates tab, you’ll start seeing ads.
- Businesses can reach you with their services.
- You might see promoted Channels or pay for special content.
What businesses gain
The fact that WhatsApp is adding ads offer new ways for businesses and creators to grow:
- Run ads in Status to reach over 1.5 billion daily users.
- Promote Channels to get visibility.
- Charge subscriptions for exclusive content.
This expands Meta’s advertising network, offering options on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Will users like this?
Some may resist ads in WhatsApp, but Meta is careful. Ads appear outside personal chats, are non-intrusive, and use limited targeting.
Meta has learned from past mistakes, like in 2021 when a policy update caused backlash. Their goal is to keep trust high as WhatsApp is adding ads.
Global rollout timing
WhatsApp ads will begin rolling out in the coming months across all countries, not just a few markets. So everyone can expect it by late 2025.
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Final thoughts
The change means big things for WhatsApp:
- It had stayed ad-free since 2009. Now it joins Instagram and Facebook in monetisation.
- The Updates tab becomes a place to discover brands and offers.
- Chats remain personal and private.
- Ads are limited and mindful of privacy.
- Users can follow Channels or pay for extra content.
While unprecedented, the fact that WhatsApp is adding ads is a milestone. It marks a shift from pure messaging to a broader platform for content, discovery, and revenue. If done well, it could grow WhatsApp’s role in business and content, while still respecting user privacy.
