Ads Are Coming to WhatsApp: What to Expect
▼ Summary
– WhatsApp is introducing ads in its Stories-like status feature, which appears in the “Updates” tab alongside content from friends and family.
– Meta will personalize these ads using limited user data like location, language, and interaction with ads, with options to adjust preferences in the Accounts Center.
– Meta assures users that personal chats will remain ad-free, and phone numbers, messages, calls, or groups won’t be shared with advertisers.
– Promoted channels will now appear in WhatsApp’s Explore section, helping users discover new channels to follow.
– WhatsApp is also adding a subscription feature for channels, allowing users to receive exclusive updates from them.
WhatsApp is introducing advertisements to its platform, marking a significant shift in how users will interact with the popular messaging app. The ads will appear within the Status feature, which functions similarly to Stories on other social platforms. Located under the Updates tab, this section lets users share temporary text, photos, voice notes, or videos, but now, sponsored content will also appear alongside updates from friends and family.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, clarified that these ads will be personalized based on limited user data, such as location, language preferences, followed channels, and past interactions with ads. Users who want more control over their ad experience can adjust their preferences through Meta’s Accounts Center. The company emphasized that personal chats will remain ad-free, reassuring users that phone numbers won’t be sold to advertisers, nor will private messages, calls, or group chats influence ad targeting.
Beyond ads in Status, Meta is expanding its monetization efforts with promoted channels. When users click the Explore button to discover new channels, they may encounter sponsored recommendations. Additionally, WhatsApp is rolling out a subscription feature for channels, allowing followers to receive exclusive updates.
While these changes aim to enhance business engagement on WhatsApp, they also signal Meta’s broader strategy to monetize the platform without disrupting core messaging functions. Users can expect a gradual rollout as the company fine-tunes the balance between revenue generation and user experience.
(Source: The Verge)
