WhatsApp has launched its first-ever ads, but they’re confined to the “Updates” tab—you know, where your Status and Channels live. These ads show up just like Instagram Stories: full-screen photo, video, maybe voice notes, and can be skipped after a few seconds.
They’re rolling out gradually, so don’t freak out if you don’t see one yet .
A Bit of History
Remember those early days when WhatsApp swore it would never run ads? Founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton were staunchly against it. After Meta acquired WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion, they promised to keep it ad-free—and stuck to it until around 2020, when ad plans were quietly shelved.
Fast forward to 2023, WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart confirmed ads were back in the works. Now, here we are on June 16, 2025: ads are live.
How It Works
Where the Ads Go
Only in the Updates tab. No ads in individual chats, group threads, or calls.
How They’re Targeted
Meta’s not reading your messages. Instead, ads are based on things like your country or city, language, channels you follow, and how you’ve interacted with ads elsewhere. If linked to Meta’s Account Center, Facebook and Instagram data may influence targeting too.
Privacy Promise
No personal chat info, call logs, or phone numbers are used. Everything is end‑to‑end encrypted—even from Meta themselves.
More than Ads
Meta isn’t stopping at ads. They’ve also launched two new money tools inside Updates:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Promoted Channels | Businesses can pay to boost their Channels’ visibility |
| Paid Subscriptions | Creators/businesses can charge users for exclusive content |
Meta says they’ll skip taking a cut—at least for now.
Comparison with Instagram Stories
If you’ve used Instagram, this will feel familiar. Ads show up like Story ads—after a few posts, a sponsored slide pops in. But one big difference? WhatsApp stays out of your private chats. No ads in your inbox .
Still, expect to see ads more often as these features roll out globally in the coming months.
Why It Matters
- WhatsApp is turning into more than a messenger. Meta is clearly pushing it into “super-app” territory—think WeChat, where you can chat, shop, pay, follow brands, and more .
- Big revenue potential. With 1.5 billion users hitting Updates daily, that’s serious ad real estate. Meta made over $160 billion in ad revenue last year, and now they’re tapping into WhatsApp’s user base .
- Privacy still on shaky ground? Meta’s claims of privacy-respecting targeting don’t fully satisfy watchdogs. EFF’s Lena Cohen calls this a “privacy nightmare” and warns that even limited data use can be troubling.
- Ops analysts are paying attention. Meta shares trade above $700, and some think this rollout will boost their stock further.
User & Expert Reactions
“Never trust the Zuck.”
— Reddit user ztbwl, pointing out Meta’s broken ad-free promises
EFF says “targeted ads are a privacy nightmare,” even if chat content stays private. European group noyb is already warning that cross‑platform profiling may violate EU law.
That said, some small-business owners welcome the chance to promote Channels or reach customers directly via the app.
So, Should You Care?
Let’s break it down:
- If you skip Updates and only do chat → This may not affect you much.
- If you use Status or follow Channels → Expect occasional ads, but no popup in your private spaces.
- If privacy is your top priority → You might find it uncomfortable, even without chat integration.
What You Can Do Now
- Mute Updates. If ads annoy you, simply ignore or hide the Updates tab.
- Check ad preferences. In Meta’s Accounts Center, toggle data settings or adjust personalization.
- Watch for subscriptions. If you follow a channel you love, you may be able to pay for ad‑free or premium content.
- Opt for alternatives. If even a single ad is too much, consider moving to Signal or Telegram.
Why This Marks a Turning Point
WhatsApp’s business model has shifted fundamentally. It’s moving from “message-first” to “platform-first.” Ads, paid Channels, and business integrations all point to a more commerce-centered app.
Depending on how this rolls out, WhatsApp could evolve into your daily hub for chats, brands, news, shopping—or push you toward an alternative.
Over to You: What Do You Think?
- Are you seeing ads yet? What’s your first impression?
- Does this break your trust—or are you okay with it?
- Would you pay to avoid ads or support creators?
Drop a comment below—or message us directly if you want to chat privately (no ads, promise wink).
Final Take
WhatsApp ads are here—and they’re not hiding. Meta has carved out the Updates tab for sponsored content, keeping chat spaces untouched for now. You can tweak settings, mute or leave Updates, or pay for Channels if you find something you really enjoy.
Whether that feels like a fair deal—or a slippery slope—depends on how much you trust Meta with your data and how much you value an ad-free space.
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