📣 WhatsApp Globally Releases Status Ads and Promoted Channels Features

Kokila Chokkanathan
Meta‑owned WhatsApp has began rolling out two major new features worldwide: Status Ads and Promoted Channels. These mark a big step in monetising the app and helping users discover businesses and content — all within WhatsApp’s Updates tab.

📊 What’s New: Status Ads & Promoted Channels

🟢 1. Status Ads

  • These are advertisements shown between Status updates in the Updates tab — similar to how ads appear in story formats on other social apps.
  • They are clearly labelled as ads and users can simply swipe past them if they’re not interested.
  • Businesses can use these ads to promote products, services, and offers, and users can even tap directly through into a chat with the business for more information or transactions.
🟡 2. Promoted Channels

  • Channels are WhatsApp’s place for one‑way broadcasts — similar to newsletters — where organisations share updates, news, offers, etc.
  • Promoted Channels are featured more prominently in the directory so users can discover them more easily.
  • These channels carry paid promotion tags so users know they’re sponsored placements.
📍 Where You’ll See These Features

Both status ads and promoted channel listings appear inside the app’s Updates tab — the space where users view Status updates and browse Channels. So:

  • They do not appear inside your private chats or group messages.
  • Personal conversations remain end‑to‑end encrypted and ad‑free.
This ensures ads stay within a discovery section and aren’t shown in private conversations or call screens.

💬 What whatsapp Says About These Changes

According to whatsapp, the goal isn’t just ad revenue — it’s also about making it easier for users to discover businesses and channels they might genuinely find useful, and for creators and companies to grow their visibility without disrupting the core chat experience.

🔐 Privacy and Targeting Notes

  • WhatsApp says personal messages, calls, and groups won’t be used to personalise ads — only limited signals like your language, country, and activity in the Updates tab help choose relevant ads.
  • Your private chats remain encrypted and separate from these advertising features.
📱 What This Means for Users & Businesses

👉 For Users

  • Most users will now encounter ads when browsing Status and Channels.
  • You can skip ads, and in some regions (like parts of Europe), there are optional subscriptions to remove ads from these sections entirely.
👉 For Businesses

  • These features open new ways to reach customers directly inside WhatsApp, a platform used daily by billions.
  • Brands can now boost visibility for their channels and promote offers in a way that wasn’t possible before.
📌 Bottom Line

WhatsApp’s global rollout of Status Ads and Promoted Channels transforms part of the app into a business discovery and advertising space, while keeping personal messaging private. This is a major monetisation shift for whatsapp and reflects Meta’s broader strategy of expanding its advertising footprint — but done in a way that tries to balance usability and privacy.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

For more interesting updates click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel

Find Out More:

Related Articles: