After offering free services for many years, WhatsApp is now planning to show ads on its platform.
These ads will not appear in chats but on the Status screen, which works similarly to Instagram Stories.
Just like you see ads after a few stories on Instagram, WhatsApp users will now start seeing ads after watching a few status updates.
Let’s understand this in more detail.
What Kind of Data Will Be Used for Ads?
According to a blog post by WhatsApp, the ad system will use information such as your:
Country or city
Language
Channels you follow
Ads you interact with
Importantly, personal data like phone numbers, messages, calls, and group chats will not be used to show these ads.
If users have linked their WhatsApp with Meta’s Account Center, then their ad preferences will be shared across platforms (like Instagram and Facebook) for better targeting.
WhatsApp Channels to Show Ads and Allow Subscriptions
WhatsApp is also letting businesses and creators promote their channels using the app’s Discovery section.
This will help them reach more users. Additionally, select creators and companies can charge membership fees for exclusive channel updates.
These subscription payments will be processed through the App Store, making the payment process simple and secure for users.
1.5 Billion+ Daily Users on Status and Channels
Meta shared that more than 1.5 billion users use WhatsApp’s Status and Channels features daily.
WhatsApp already earns money through its WhatsApp Business platform and click-to-WhatsApp ads.
Now, with these new features and ad placements, WhatsApp is expanding its revenue model.
WhatsApp confirmed that these ads and subscription features will roll out globally in the coming months.
