WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.11: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.21.11.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out Status Ads and Promoted Channels, bringing sponsored content directly into the Updates tab, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.19.15 update, we announced that a feature to request an account report for status and channel ads was under development. This feature would offer users the ability to generate a detailed downloadable report containing information about all the ads they have viewed across Status and Channels. The report also include details such as the advertisers involved and the dates on which the ads were shown, and it can be exported as a ZIP file for easy access, review, and archival outside of WhatsApp. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing new advertising features publicly, as some beta testers have reported a new banner dedicated to these functionalities directly from the Updates tab. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.11 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out Status Ads and Promoted Channels, bringing sponsored content directly into the Updates tab!

Status Ads are a new way for businesses to share short, engaging content within the Status section. These ads appear between regular status updates, blending into the familiar format while still being clearly marked as sponsored content. Users can view these ads in the same way they browse through statuses, swiping forward or back as they wish. Ads can be easily skipped with a quick swipe in less than a second, and if an advertiser becomes intrusive, users have the option to block them to prevent their ads from appearing again.

Promoted Channels work in a similar way but are focused on increasing visibility for public channels. When a channel is promoted, it is highlighted in the channel directory, helping it reach a wider audience of potential followers. For example, users can choose to promote their new channel on WhatsApp, ensuring that other people browsing the directory see it among their search results. This system allows creators, brands, and organizations to gain traction quickly without relying on organic discovery. Promoted Channels also display a small label so that users know they are viewing a sponsored placement.

Both Status Ads and Promoted Channels are carefully integrated into the Updates tab, keeping them separate from private chats, group conversations, communities, and calls. To introduce these advertising features, a banner in the Updates tab invites users to learn more about how ads work in Status and Channels. By tapping on the banner, users are guided through an explanation of how ads appear, what data is used, and how they can manage their preferences. This proactive approach ensures that users are not caught off guard by the presence of sponsored content.

To give users even greater control, WhatsApp is introducing an Activity Report feature specifically focused on ads. Through this feature, users can review a history of all ads they have seen in Status and Channels over a selected period of time. Each ad is listed with its display date and the advertiser's name, making it easier for users to remember which promotions they have interacted with. If a user decides they no longer want to see ads from a particular advertiser, they can block that advertiser directly from either the report screen or the Status interface. However, users can always choose to restore visibility to previously blocked advertisers if they change their mind later.

An advertisement report can be generated on demand, and once it is ready, it is downloadable in ZIP format for offline storage or analysis. This gives users the ability to archive the advertising exposure or track how often they are seeing certain brands. For those who want regular updates, WhatsApp also offers an automatic monthly generation option, ensuring that users always have an up-to-date record without needing to request it manually. Users can find this report right within the app settings, alongside other familiar account and channel reports, making it easier to access and export all their data from the same place.

It's very important to mention that none of these new advertising features compromise the privacy of personal communications on WhatsApp. All personal and group messages, voice calls, video calls, and status updates remain fully protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that only you and the person you are communicating with can read or listen to what is sent. Not even WhatsApp itself can access the contents of your private messages or calls. Additionally, ads are strictly limited to the Updates tab and will never appear within personal conversations, ensuring that your messaging experience remains free from any advertising interruptions.

To decide which ads to show, WhatsApp uses only limited information, since private messages, calls, and status updates are never accessed or used for ad targeting. Factors such as the country or city (determined through coarse location data), the language used in the app, the channels the user follows, and the engagement with previous ads are considered. For users who voluntarily link their WhatsApp account to Meta's Accounts Center, some ad preferences from other Meta apps may also be used to improve relevance. However, this setting is optional and remains disabled unless the user chooses to enable it manually, with the ability to turn it off at any time.

WhatsApp never sells or shares your phone number with advertisers, and advertisers never have access to your private data. This strict privacy policy ensures that ads remain separate from personal content. Reflecting this commitment, Status Ads and Promoted Channels are introduced to help businesses grow without compromising user privacy. It's worth noting that this rollout is currently limited and not yet available to all users worldwide. WhatsApp is gradually expanding the ads feature to ensure a smooth experience and gather feedback before a wider release.

A feature to bring Status Ads and Promoted Channels to the Updates tab is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming months.

Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.