WhatsApp Rolls Out Monetization Features for Creators and Businesses

WhatsApp has introduced new monetization tools aimed at helping creators and businesses earn directly from their content. The company announced the update on Monday via a blog post, revealing that these features will be available only on the Updates tab, which includes Status and Channels.

“Today we’re introducing some new features for our Updates tab, which is home to both Channels and Status,” the statement read. “These new features will appear only on the Updates tab, away from your personal chats.”

Among the newly introduced tools is Channel Subscriptions, allowing users to support their favorite creators by paying a monthly fee in exchange for exclusive content.

WhatsApp also unveiled a Promoted Channels feature, which enables admins to boost their channel visibility. This means their channels can be recommended to users browsing the channel directory.

Additionally, Ads in Status will now allow businesses to place advertisements within the Status section. This provides a new space to promote products or services and opens up direct chat opportunities with interested users.

In terms of ad targeting, WhatsApp noted that it will rely on limited data, such as:

• User location

• Language preference

• Activity within the Updates tab

For users who connect their WhatsApp to Meta’s Accounts Center, ads may also be personalized based on interactions across Facebook and Instagram.

Despite the introduction of ads, WhatsApp emphasized that end-to-end encryption remains intact for private messages, group chats, and calls. The company also assured users that personal messages and phone numbers will not be shared with advertisers.

“Like everything we do at WhatsApp, we’ve built these features in the most private way possible,” the company added.