WhatsApp has introduced new monetisation features aimed at enabling businesses and creators to earn directly from their content on the app.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a blog post on Monday, WhatsApp noted that the tools will be limited to the updates tab, which houses status and channels.
It wrote, “Today we’re introducing some new features for our Updates tab, which is home to both Channels and Status.”
“These new features will appear only on the Updates tab, away from your personal chats.”
One of the new features is channel subscription, which allows users to support their favourite creators by paying a monthly fee for exclusive content.
The platform also introduced ‘Promoted Channels,’ a tool that lets admins boost their visibility by appearing as recommendations when users explore the channel directory.
Additionally, Ads in Status will integrate advertisements within the status section to enable businesses to promote products or services and facilitate direct conversations with interested users.
WhatsApp noted that ad targeting would use limited data, such as user’s location, language, and interactions within the Updates tab.
The platform added that those who link their WhatsApp to Meta’s accounts centre may also see ads based on their activity across Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
It reassured users that privacy remains a priority, emphasising that all personal chats, group conversations, and calls continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption.
Whatsapp said, “Like everything we do at WhatsApp, we’ve built these features in the most private way possible.”
“Your personal messages, calls, and statuses remain end-to-end encrypted.”
It added that phone numbers and personal messages will not be shared with advertisers.
