New Delhi, June 16, 2025 — In a major shift from its original ad-free promise, WhatsApp is officially preparing to roll out advertisements within its app. The move marks the first time the world’s most popular messaging platform will feature paid promotions, sparking a new era of monetization under parent company Meta.
According to the latest announcement, ads will not appear in personal chats or group conversations. Instead, they will be limited to the “Updates” section a space that includes Status updates and Channels. This tab will now host targeted promotions, allowing users to view advertisements between content they follow or engage with.
Meta clarified that WhatsApp’s core messaging services will remain end-to-end encrypted and completely free of ads. “Private messages will always be protected. We’re only introducing ads in the public-facing areas like Updates,” a spokesperson said.
The decision comes as Meta seeks new ways to generate revenue from WhatsApp, which boasts more than 2 billion users globally but has long resisted commercial advertisements. Analysts say this shift is inevitable, given the platform’s massive user base and Meta’s broader monetization strategy seen across its platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Additionally, WhatsApp will allow creators and businesses to promote their Channels through paid placements and offer subscription-based access to premium content. Meta is also expected to take a 10% commission on these subscription services.
While some users have expressed concern over the shift, others see it as a necessary step to support the platform’s expansion and features. Meta maintains that no personal messages or contact details will be used for ad targeting only general user data such as country, language preference, and activity within public features.
With the ad rollout set to begin in the coming months, WhatsApp is on track to evolve from a purely personal communication tool into a more commercially integrated platform all while promising to keep user privacy intact.
