From Nasdaq: 2025-06-16 16:07:00

Meta has introduced ads in WhatsApp’s “Updates” tab, using the Status feature similar to Instagram Stories. Businesses can now place ads in Status feeds without compromising privacy or accessing encrypted messages.

Ads will be targeted based on users’ location, language settings, followed Channels, and previous ad interactions. Personalized promotions may appear for users who have linked their WhatsApp accounts to Facebook or Instagram, but Meta promises not to share phone numbers with advertisers.

Companies can also promote public “Channels” in WhatsApp’s Explore panel and monetize premium content through subscriptions, with WhatsApp retaining a 10% commission. WhatsApp’s head sees this move as a natural extension of the platform’s storytelling features, similar to advertising on platforms like Snapchat and Telegram.

Meta will monitor user feedback closely to ensure WhatsApp’s simplicity and privacy are maintained. Users uninterested in ads can simply ignore the Updates tab, preserving their core private messaging experience.



Read more at Nasdaq: WhatsApp Debuts Ads In Status Updates While Keeping Chats Private