WhatsApp Ads Feature: Status & Channel Promotions Begin

WhatsApp Ads: Meta has taken a major step towards reshaping WhatsApp’s image by introducing advertising features on the world’s most popular messaging platform. With the rollout of Status Ads and Promoted Channels, new monetisation opportunities have emerged for businesses and content creators, while also offering users a completely transformed experience. Currently available for beta users, these features are expected to be rolled out for all users in the near future. Here’s a detailed look at how these features work and how they may impact your WhatsApp usage.

Testing of New Ads Features Begins on WhatsApp

With the latest beta updates (Android version 2.25.21.11 and iOS version 25.20.10.78), Meta has started testing two new tools on WhatsApp — Status Ads and Promoted Channels. Through the Status Ads feature, business accounts will be able to display sponsored advertisements within the user’s WhatsApp Status feed, appearing seamlessly among contacts’ regular status updates. These ads will be clearly marked with the “Sponsored” label to help users distinguish between personal and promotional content.

The Promoted Channels feature allows brands, channel owners, and creators to enhance the visibility of their public channels. When a business or creator promotes their channel, it will appear at the top of WhatsApp’s channel directory and search results. These listings will also carry the “Sponsored” tag to clearly separate organic results from paid promotions.

Sponsored Status Ads — Now Under Your Control

• Status Ads are designed similarly to Instagram Stories and may appear as short videos, images, or promotional text.
• These ads will be placed between your contacts’ regular statuses with a “Sponsored” label, making it easy to identify branded content.
• WhatsApp is also offering users control over what they see. If a user doesn’t wish to see ads from a specific brand, they can block that advertiser to stop future ads from appearing.
• Meta has clarified that these ads will only be shown in the Updates tab and within the channels section — they will not interfere with personal or group chats.

Promoting Channels Now Easier Than Ever on WhatsApp

• Businesses, media organisations, and digital influencers can now promote their channels to appear at the top of WhatsApp’s directory.
• This feature will help new channels attract more followers and allow local businesses to reach wider audiences directly.
• It’s particularly beneficial for those looking to promote their brand, services, or social campaigns through new channel visibility.

Meta Assures: No Ads in Personal Chats

Amid rising concerns over user privacy, Meta has made it clear that these advertising features will remain strictly limited to the ‘Updates’ tab — which includes Status and Channels only. In addition:

• No ads or promotional content will be shown in personal chats, group messages, or calls.
• Ads will be personalised using only basic data like country, language, followed channels, and prior ad interactions. Personal chats or phone numbers will not be accessed.
• Users can optionally link their WhatsApp account to Meta’s Accounts Centre to enable or disable ad personalisation. This setting is off by default.
• Users will also have the ability to review their ad activity, such as which ads they’ve seen or which advertisers they’ve blocked, directly from their account settings.

WhatsApp Ads to Benefit Both Users and Brands

• Businesses & Creators: This feature will allow direct access to millions of Indian users with cost-effective digital marketing strategies.
• Users: They will get more discovery options for new channels, services, and offers — along with tools to block unwanted ads.
• WhatsApp/Meta: Meta can tap into its massive user base to explore new revenue streams while continuing to protect user privacy.

Current Launch Status

At present, these features are only available to a limited group of beta users on both Android and iOS platforms. Several screenshots of the Status Ads and Promoted Channels features have already surfaced online, sparking widespread discussion among users. Based on user feedback and initial performance, Meta is expected to launch these features for all users soon.

Conclusion

WhatsApp is no longer just a messaging platform — it is swiftly evolving into a powerful hub for digital marketing. With the introduction of features like Status Ads and Promoted Channels, advertisers and content creators are gaining new opportunities, while users are being offered a fresh content discovery experience. Meta has assured that user privacy and transparency will remain its top priority throughout this transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Also Read

• EU Action on Chinese Apps Over Data Privacy Breach