WhatsApp’s director, Will Cathcart, has mentioned that the messaging service is contemplating the idea of introducing advertisements within the Status update area or in the group messaging feature called Channels.
Cathcart made it clear that WhatsApp completely dismisses the idea of displaying ads within personal user conversations, as it is not considered the optimal approach for monetizing the service.
Channels are viewed as a suitable space for ads, with creators possibly considering making them a paid feature. This could involve users paying a fee or subscribing to join, potentially becoming a way for creators to promote and expand the reach of their channels through advertisements.
Although Cathcart has discussed the possibility of ads within the Status update space on WhatsApp multiple times in recent years, these have remained statements and haven’t translated into concrete decisions.
WhatsApp, one of Meta’s major and largest platforms with over two billion users, has not directly generated profits through ad displays. Meta currently relies on some services provided to the business sector, such as WhatsApp Business, which facilitates audience communication with companies through interactive buttons displayed on some social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
In 2021, WhatsApp faced user backlash when it revised its user data policies, making it easier for Meta, its parent company, to use data for targeted advertisements on platforms like Facebook and other social media. This policy change led to a decline in WhatsApp’s user base at that time, along with advancements by competitors, notably Telegram and Signal.
Previous reports had suggested that Meta’s teams were exploring the possibility of displaying ads in WhatsApp chat lists with contacts, but no final decision had been made. Cathcart refuted these reports in a post on his official “X” account.
It’s worth noting that Meta recently introduced new features to WhatsApp to enhance user experiences. This includes the launch of chatbot-like ChatGPT-powered AI personalities and the Meta AI smart assistant. These software robots are currently available on Messenger and personal Instagram chats, showcasing Meta’s notable focus on artificial intelligence.
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