WhatsApp Adds Monetisation Tools to Updates Tab

News Desk

Islamabad: WhatsApp has unveiled a range of monetisation features aimed at businesses and content creators, with new tools being added directly to its “Updates” tab.

Outlined in a blog post on Monday, this move is part of Meta’s broader strategy to develop new revenue streams across its messaging platforms. WhatsApp emphasized that these features will remain separate from private messaging and will be confined to the Updates section, which includes both Status and Channels.

“We’re rolling out new features for our Updates tab — home to Channels and Status,” the company explained, stressing that these additions will not affect private chats. “All new tools will stay within the Updates tab, separate from your personal messages.”

One of the key features is Channel Subscriptions, allowing users to financially support their favorite creators through monthly payments in exchange for exclusive content.

Another major feature is Promoted Channels, which gives creators and businesses the ability to boost visibility by appearing in the recommended channel listings. This aims to help emerging creators and small businesses grow their audience.

WhatsApp is also introducing Ads in Status, marking its first step into in-app advertising. This will allow businesses to display ads in the Status section, encouraging user interaction and direct messaging.

To address privacy concerns, WhatsApp stated that ad targeting will be based on limited user data such as location, language, and activity within the Updates tab. Users who link their WhatsApp account with Meta’s Accounts Center may also see ads influenced by their activity on Facebook and Instagram.

Despite the introduction of ads, WhatsApp reaffirmed its strong stance on privacy:
“As with everything we build, these features are designed with privacy at the core,” the company stated. It assured users that their private messages, group chats, and calls remain protected with end-to-end encryption, and that neither phone numbers nor private conversations will be shared with advertisers.