WhatsApp is officially rolling out ads in its platform for the first time, marking a major shift in how the messaging app generates revenue. The ads will appear in the Updates tab, specifically in Status updates and Channels, and will not affect private conversations.
According to the company, these ads will be shown between regular Status posts, similar to the experience on Instagram Stories. Users will also start seeing promoted Channels in their feed.
In addition to ads, WhatsApp is introducing a subscription model for Channels. Some Channels will now offer exclusive content for a monthly fee. Initially, WhatsApp will not take a cut from these subscriptions, but a small commission (around 10%) may be introduced later.
Despite this move, WhatsApp has reassured users that private messages, calls, and group chats remain completely ad-free and encrypted. Ads will be based only on general information like users’ country, language, and interactions with Channels—not on personal chats.
The update is being gradually rolled out globally, and users who don’t use the Updates tab may not notice any change immediately.
This is WhatsApp’s latest step toward monetizing the app more effectively while trying to maintain its core commitment to privacy and user trust.
