WhatsApp is about to lose one of the last things that made it feel different: no ads. Meta has officially confirmed that it will begin introducing ads inside the Updates tab, which includes both Status and Channels. The company claims this move is to help users discover more businesses and support creators-but let’s be honest, it’s the beginning of a bigger ad push.
If you mostly use WhatsApp for chatting with friends or family, you’re safe for now.
The ads won’t show up in personal chats, group messages, or calls. But for anyone checking out Status updates or following Channels, prepare to see more promotional content soon.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Channel subscriptions: You’ll be able to pay monthly to access exclusive updates from your favorite Channels. It’s a new way for admins to monetize their content.
- Promoted Channels: WhatsApp will start suggesting new Channels it thinks you’ll like. Channel owners can now promote themselves and increase visibility.
- Ads in Status: Businesses can now promote products or services directly within Status updates, and users can start a conversation about them with just one tap.
Meta says it’s limiting the data used for targeting. Ads will be based on general info like your language, city, or the Channels you follow. If you’ve linked WhatsApp to your Meta Accounts Center, your ad preferences from Facebook and Instagram might influence what you see. Importantly, Meta promises not to scan your personal messages or sell your phone number to advertisers.
Still, this feels like a slippery slope. Today it’s the Updates tab-tomorrow, who knows? While WhatsApp insists your core messaging experience remains untouched, users who value an ad-free environment are already raising eyebrows. For some, this might be the final push to explore alternative platforms.