Meta to Start Showing Ads on WhatsApp – Here’s What You Need to Know

Meta has officially announced that advertisements will soon be coming to WhatsApp. However, for now, the ads will only appear in the “Updates” tab, which is the section where users can see Channels and Status updates. This part of the app is used by over 1.5 billion people every day, making it a major space for new features.

Where Will the Ads Appear?

According to Meta, the ads will first show up in the Status section of WhatsApp. This is the area where users post short videos or photo updates that disappear after 24 hours—similar to Instagram Stories. These ads will help businesses promote their products and services directly to users who view these Status updates.

Meta is also introducing a feature called “Promoted Channels.” With this, users will start seeing suggested Channels that match their interests. The suggestions will be based on what type of content the user likes and interacts with. These promoted Channels will appear inside the Updates tab.

First Time Ads Are Coming to WhatsApp

This is the first time in WhatsApp’s history that the app will show any type of advertisement. WhatsApp has always focused on being ad-free and private, and that has been one of its biggest selling points. So, this is a big change.

However, Meta says that these ads will only be in the Updates tab, and not in personal chats. That means your one-on-one conversations, group messages, and calls will remain ad-free and fully private.

Paid Channel Subscriptions Also Coming

Meta is also adding a new paid subscription feature for Channels. Users will be able to subscribe to certain Channels by paying a monthly fee. In return, they’ll get access to exclusive content shared only with subscribers.

This move is mainly for creators, influencers, and organizations who want to earn money through their WhatsApp Channels. It gives them a new way to share special content and grow a loyal audience.

What About Privacy?

Meta has confirmed that private messages, phone numbers, and calls will stay completely private. They will not be shared with advertisers or used to make ads. WhatsApp chats will continue to be end-to-end encrypted, which means even Meta cannot read them.

How Will Ad Targeting Work?

WhatsApp won’t use your private chats to show you ads. Instead, it will use non-personal information like:

• Your country and city
• The language you use
• The Channels you follow
• Your interactions with promotional content

If your WhatsApp is linked to your Meta Accounts Center (which connects your Facebook and Instagram accounts), then some additional data from those apps might also be used to better show you ads.

When Will These Features Be Available?

Meta said these changes will roll out slowly over the next few months. So, if you don’t see them right away, don’t worry—they’re coming soon.

READ MORE: WhatsApp to Introduce Built-in Document Scanner – No Need for CamScanner Anymore