WhatsApp is adding ads to the Status screen

In a significant shift from its traditional ad-free model, WhatsApp has announced it will begin displaying advertisements on its Status screen, mirroring the popular Stories format seen on Instagram. This change means users will encounter ads after viewing several Status updates, similar to their experience on other social media platforms. The messaging giant, owned by Meta, has clarified that the ad display will be guided by various signals such as the user's location, language preferences, and the channels they follow. Importantly, Meta assures users that their personal information—including phone numbers, messages, and group chat details—will not be utilized for targeted advertising. Instead, users who have linked their WhatsApp account to Meta’s Account Center will see ads based on their account preferences. In addition to advertisements, WhatsApp will allow businesses and creators to promote their Channels, a broadcasting feature within the app, in a dedicated discovery section. Furthermore, select creators and businesses will be enabled to charge for subscriptions, granting users access to exclusive content on these Channels. Payments for these subscriptions will be processed through app store platforms. With over 1.5 billion daily users engaging with the Status and Channels features, WhatsApp aims to diversify its revenue streams. Previously, the platform has relied on its WhatsApp Business service and click-to-WhatsApp ads as its primary income sources. According to Alice Newton Rex, VP of product at WhatsApp, this new advertising strategy represents a natural progression for the app’s business model, responding to feedback from businesses eager to connect more directly with users. The rollout of these new features is expected to take place globally over the next few months.