Meta introduces ads to WhatsApp, including status ads and Channels subscriptions, with a focus on business messaging.

Today, @WhatsApp is introducing new features in the Updates tab (like channel subscriptions, promoted channels and ads in Status) without changing anything about your personal chats (they remain end to end encrypted). https://t.co/agscs7n1o6 — Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) June 16, 2025

Meta has begun rolling out ads on WhatsApp for the first time, starting with its Updates tab. The move also includes channel subscriptions and promoted content, all outside private chats.

They will appear in only one part of the Meta-owned messaging service, it said. The move is potentially lucrative, while raising questions about user privacy.

OpenAI made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter. The company wrote, “ChatGPT image generation is now available in WhatsApp via 1-800-ChatGPT. Now available to everyone.” Another post stated, “Don't forget to link your ChatGPT account to 1-800-ChatGPT in WhatsApp to get more image generations.”

WhatsApp rolls out ads in Updates section as Meta monetizes the messaging app. Discover how this changes your private messaging experience forever.

WhatsApp introduces ads and channel subscriptions in the Updates tab, but reassures users that private chats remain fully encrypted.

As per Meta's Newsroom, advertisements will appear only in the "Updates" tab — a separate tab at the bottom of the app, which showcases both "Channels" and "Status" features. Users can subscribe to friends and other public channels, and post statuses of their own, akin to Instagram 's subscription and "Stories" features.