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.

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