For over a decade, WhatsApp remained one of the few ad-free sanctuaries in the digital world, a space designed for private, encrypted communication without the noise of commercial promotion. But that era is officially over.
On June 16, 2025, Meta announced that ads are finally coming to WhatsApp, marking a dramatic shift in the platform's philosophy and a significant step in Mark Zuckerberg’s strategy to transform WhatsApp into a revenue-generating giant.
What’s Changing? Ads in the ‘Updates’ Tab
WhatsApp’s 3+ billion users won't suddenly see ads interrupting their personal chats. Instead, ads will be limited to the Updates tab, specifically within the Status feature, Meta’s equivalent of Instagram Stories. These status ads can include disappearing photos, videos, and messages, providing a seamless but promotional content stream alongside regular updates.
This move aims to strike a balance between user privacy and platform monetization. By keeping personal conversations ad-free and encrypted, Meta hopes to maintain WhatsApp’s core trust while exploring new business models.
Monetizing WhatsApp Channels and Search
In addition to status ads, Meta is now monetizing WhatsApp’s Channels feature, which launched in 2023. This includes:
1.Search Ads in the Channel directory—similar to app store listings.
2.Paid Subscriptions for exclusive content—where admins can charge users for premium updates.
3.Meta eventually plans to take a 10% cut from subscriptions, though this will roll out gradually.
For marketers, this opens new doors: broadcasting messages, launching campaigns, and building community engagement directly inside WhatsApp.