June 17, 2025 – After years of hints and delays, Meta has finally rolled out ads on WhatsApp. The tech giant announced on Monday that it will start displaying sponsored content within the messaging app’s Stories-like feature, known as “Status.”
This feature, located under the “Updates” tab, has long allowed users to share text, photos, voice notes, or video clips. Now, alongside updates from friends and family, users may encounter sponsored posts from businesses.
Meta’s plan to integrate ads into WhatsApp has been a topic of discussion for years, running counter to the original vision of its founders. Although the company shelved plans for in-app advertising in 2020, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart confirmed in 2023 that work was still underway to implement the feature. By 2024, Meta’s advertising revenue had surpassed $160 billion.
According to the official announcement, the new advertising format within Status updates will enable users to discover new businesses, initiate conversations with them, and inquire directly about products or services being promoted.
Additionally, WhatsApp is introducing a subscription model that allows users to support their favorite channels with a monthly fee, granting them access to exclusive updates. When browsing through catalogs, the platform will also help users uncover new channels that align with their interests. This marks the first time channel administrators have the opportunity to boost their visibility.
Meta has assured users that these new features will be confined to the “Updates” section, separate from personal chats. This means that if users primarily use WhatsApp to communicate with loved ones, their experience will remain unchanged.
