Meta is gradually turning WhatsApp into an ad-friendly platform, starting with its latest Android beta update (version 2.25.21.11). The update introduces two new advertising features — Status Ads and Promoted Channels — aimed at helping businesses and creators expand their reach, while giving users more control over what they see.
These tools are now available to a limited number of beta users, according to WABetaInfo, a platform that tracks WhatsApp developments.
What Are Status Ads?
Status Ads function much like Instagram Stories ads. Businesses can now post sponsored updates that appear between users’ personal Status posts from friends and family.
These ads will be clearly labelled as “sponsored”, making it easy to distinguish them from regular content. This addition marks the first time WhatsApp is allowing ads in a part of the app commonly used by everyday users.
Importantly, WhatsApp users will have the ability to block advertisers they’re not interested in. Once blocked, those particular ads will not appear again, giving users control over their ad experience.
Promoted Channels for Visibility
The second feature — Promoted Channels — is designed to increase visibility for public WhatsApp channels. When a business or creator pays to promote their channel, it appears higher in the search results under the Channel Directory.
As with Status Ads, these promoted listings will also carry a “sponsored” tag, helping users differentiate between organic and paid content.
This feature can be particularly beneficial for small businesses, influencers, and media outlets looking to reach new audiences on WhatsApp, which has more than 2 billion users globally.
Why Is Meta Doing This?
Meta, which owns WhatsApp, has long been searching for a way to monetise the messaging app — especially since it doesn’t charge users for basic services.
With platforms like Instagram and Facebook already generating billions in ad revenue, WhatsApp is now being aligned with Meta’s larger business model that revolves around advertising and content promotion.
The launch of Status Ads and Promoted Channels marks WhatsApp’s most significant push into advertising to date.
No Ads in Private Chats — For Now
Meta has clarified that these ads will not appear in private conversations. Ads are restricted to public features like Status and Channels, ensuring that one-on-one or group chats remain private and ad-free.
This approach is designed to maintain trust among WhatsApp’s core user base, many of whom value the platform for its end-to-end encryption and privacy-first features.
More Transparency with Ad Reports
In a related development, WhatsApp recently began testing a detailed ad activity report in its earlier beta version (2.25.19.15). This feature allows users to view:
- Which ads were shown
- Who the advertisers were
- When the ads were viewed
Such reports offer more transparency compared to typical ad platforms, where users often have little insight into how ads are targeted or delivered.
What This Means for Users
For now, most regular users won’t see any major changes unless they are using the beta version of WhatsApp on Android. However, over time, these ad features may be rolled out more broadly.
The good news is that:
- Ads are clearly marked as “sponsored”
- Users can block specific advertisers
- Private messages will remain untouched by ads
Still, it marks a shift in WhatsApp’s direction, signalling a future where the app becomes more than just a private messaging tool — possibly evolving into a hub for content, marketing, and creator engagement.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The introduction of advertising features on WhatsApp is a turning point — not just for the app, but for the entire Meta ecosystem. By carefully placing ads only in public spaces like Status and Channels, Meta hopes to strike a balance between monetisation and user privacy.
For creators and businesses, these tools offer a new avenue to grow. For users, the key lies in transparency and control. If WhatsApp maintains that balance, it may successfully step into the world of ad revenue without compromising its original purpose — private, secure communication.
