WhatsApp has officially begun rolling out ads in the form of Status Updates and Promoted Channels, marking a major shift in its monetisation strategy. These features, first announced in June, are now appearing in beta version 2.25.21.11 for select Android users. While Meta promises that personal chats will remain ad-free, this update brings WhatsApp closer to its sibling platforms like Instagram and Facebook in terms of business and creator outreach. The ads aim to help brands and content creators expand visibility on the world’s most-used messaging app.
we’re making some additions to the Updates tab, home to Status and Channels and a separate space from your personal chats. here’s what’s coming
Channel Subscriptions get access to exclusive updates from your favorite channels on WhatsApp, all while supporting the creators…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) June 16, 2025
According to WaBetaInfo, select Android beta testers are now seeing ads appear within Status updates, clearly marked as sponsored posts. These ads are designed to show up as you scroll through your contacts’ updates—much like how Instagram displays ads between Stories. However, not all beta users are seeing this yet, suggesting a phased rollout even within the test group.
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The platform is introducing three ad formats: Status update ads, promoted channels, and channel subscription promotions. Among these, Status ads seem to be the most prominent, leveraging the growing popularity of the feature. WhatsApp insists it won’t place ads within personal chats and assures users that chats and calls remain encrypted and ad-free. However, given Meta’s track record with privacy, many remain skeptical that this line won’t eventually be crossed.
WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.20.10.78: what’s new?
WhatsApp is rolling out Status Ads and Promoted Channels, bringing sponsored content directly into the Updates tab, and it’s available to some beta testers!https://t.co/tIezTXzST8 pic.twitter.com/HzC0C1POg6
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) July 20, 2025
While WhatsApp promises not to sell or share your phone number with advertisers, it will still use non-sensitive user data like country and language to target ads. These subtle tracking methods allow the company to monetise the platform without directly compromising private conversations, at least for now.
As WhatsApp shifts from a purely private messaging app toward a commercial platform similar to Instagram, users are left to reconsider their comfort level with in-app ads. For now, ads are limited and unobtrusive—but the direction is clear, and it may be only a matter of time before more aggressive monetisation takes hold.
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