WhatsApp launches ads in subscription statuses and channels
WhatsApp announced a series of features focused exclusively on businesses and content creators , with the goal of monetizing their posts and expanding their reach within the platform.
Nikila Srinivasan, head of enterprise messaging at Meta, explained during a press conference that the addition of these new features will not affect those who use the app solely to chat with friends or family, so there will be no visible changes to personal chats or daily use.
WhatsApp ads will not compromise user privacy, the company said.
WhatsApp 's three new tools are designed for brands, businesses, and content creators:
- Status Ads: Businesses and channels will be able to pay to have their posts appear in the app's statuses. This option aims to generate direct conversations based on promotional content and will be displayed exclusively within the "News" tab, without interfering with personal statuses.
- Promoted Channels: This feature will allow you to highlight paid channels to increase their visibility. This feature is designed to help creators or brands achieve greater reach within the platform.
- Channel Subscriptions: The ability to charge for access to certain channels will be enabled, allowing creators to offer exclusive content in exchange for a monthly subscription.
The company emphasized that messages, calls, and personal statuses will continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption , and the personal messaging experience will not be affected .
The ads will primarily appear in the News tab, where statuses and channels are located. Photo: Pexels
In this sense, ad fragmentation will be based on data such as the device's language, the user's city, and activity within the "News" tab, as well as the channels followed.
On the other hand, if the account is connected to the Meta Account Center, the ad preferences defined on other platforms such as Facebook or Instagram will also apply.
This new addition is similar to that of other Meta platforms, such as Instagram, so it won't be possible to remove ads from the official app.
Although the official launch date for the new features in Argentina has not been confirmed , they are expected to be activated in the coming months in all countries where WhatsApp is available.
Clarin
