WhatsApp Ads Are Coming… Yep, It’s Happening!

We all knew it was only a matter of time, didn’t we? Meta has officially announced that ads are coming to WhatsApp. But before you throw your phone across the room, but don’t worry, your private chats are still safe. Here’s what’s actually changing:

Where you’ll see the ads

Meta plans to introduce ads in WhatsApp’s “Updates” section, that’s the bit like Instagram Stories. These will be full-screen sponsored posts that pop up between your friends’ updates. Think of it like a quick ad break between your mates’ holiday snaps and dog videos.

Ads will also appear in the Channels section, where businesses and creators can now pay to show up in the discovery feed. So, if you follow any Channels, expect to see some promoted content there too.

What’s staying private (thank goodness)

The good news? Your private chats are staying ad-free and fully encrypted. Meta promises not to scan your messages or use your phone number for ad targeting. So, your group chat drama, random memes, and 2am voice notes are safe.

How the ads will be targeted

Targeting will be based on non-sensitive data only, like your language, general location, and what you’ve been up to in the Updates section. That’s it. No creepy scanning of your conversations.

When is this all happening?

The rollout will be gradual, with changes coming in over the next few months, depending on your country. So, if you’re not seeing ads yet, enjoy the peace while it lasts!

For more on this, check out this article on EvidenceNetwork.ca.

Let us know what you think! Do you think this will change how you use WhatsApp? Or is it just the price of staying on a “free” app in 2025?

Want to stay ahead of the changes in paid media?

As platforms like WhatsApp evolve, so should your advertising strategy. At Platform81, our PPC specialists are already exploring how WhatsApp Ads and other new opportunities can fit into your wider paid media mix. If you’re ready to make every click count, get in touch with our team and let’s talk results.