Mon, 16 Jun 2025

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 WhatsApp to start showing more adverts in messaging app

People who link their WhatsApp account to Facebook or Instagram will see personalised ads.
WhatsApp is rolling out three new ad features globally, separate from private chats and message contents, which remain encrypted. The ads will be shown in an "Updates" section at the bottom of the app, based on users' location, language, interactions with other ads, and followed channels. Those who link their WhatsApp account to Facebook or Instagram will see more personalized ads. Businesses can promote ads in the Updates section, charge a subscription fee for extra content, and WhatsApp will take a 10% commission. Firms can also create status updates similar to Instagram stories that link to chats. Social media expert Matt Navarra says this move makes WhatsApp "monetisable at scale", but notes there's risk of backlash in markets like the UK and Europe where users view WhatsApp primarily as a messaging tool. WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart believes this is a natural extension of messaging services, similar to features on rival apps like Snapchat and Telegram.
  >>