WhatsApp has introduced new monetisation features that allow businesses and creators to earn directly from their content on the app.
In a blog post on Monday, the platform announced that the tools will be limited to the updates tab, which houses status and channels.
“Today we’re introducing some new features for our Updates tab, which is home to both Channels and Status,” the post reads.
“These new features will appear only on the Updates tab, away from your personal chats.”
Among the new features is channel subscription, which allows users to support their favourite creators by paying a monthly fee for exclusive content.
The company also unveiled ‘Promoted Channels,’ a tool that lets admins boost their visibility by appearing as recommendations when users explore the channel directory.
The third feature, Ads in Status, will integrate advertisements within the status section to enable businesses to promote products or services and facilitate direct conversations with interested users.
WhatsApp said ad targeting will rely on limited data, such as a user’s location, language, and interactions within the Updates tab.
According to the company, those who link their WhatsApp to Meta’s accounts centre may also see ads based on their activity across Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
The company stressed that end-to-end encryption remains in place for private chats, groups, and calls.
“Like everything we do at WhatsApp, we’ve built these features in the most private way possible. Your personal messages, calls, and statuses remain end-to-end encrypted,” WhatsApp added.
The company also said phone numbers and personal messages will not be shared with advertisers.
