WhatsApp May Start Showing Ads In Status And Channels

Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly considering including ads into WhatsApp Status and Channels sections. In a recent interview with a Brazilian media outlet named Folha, WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart hinted at the possibility of ads in Status and Channels. However, Will Cathcart clarified that the messaging platform is not planning to show any ads in the main inbox.

During the interview, WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart mentioned potential scenarios where WhatsApp channels might charge people to subscribe, be exclusive to paid members, or enable owners to promote their channels. In September, the Financial Times reported that WhatsApp is considering alternative methods to increase revenue through the introduction of advertisements. However, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart denied this report. “This @FT story is false. We aren’t doing this,” said Will Cathcart on his X handle.

Meta, or WhatsApp, has not provided any official statement on this matter. However, tech giant Meta is not testing ads in any country currently. The messaging platform reportedly tested ads in the beta version of the Status feature in 2019. But WhatsApp did not make it to the public release. On the other hand, WhatsApp, a platform used by more than 2 billion people, is also making constant efforts to enhance the user experience. In October, WhatsApp introduced a new feature in which users can have two WhatsApp accounts logged in simultaneously on the same device. The platform also introduced a passwordless login option for Android users last month. While the implementation of ads in WhatsApp remains unclear, the company is looking for new monetization models without compromising user satisfaction.