WhatsApp is rolling out Promoted Channels and Status Ads globally

WhatsApp announced that Promoted Channels and ads in Status are available in the Updates tab worldwide. This marks the full rollout of these features after a period of limited testing in select countries.

WhatsApp releases promotional content in the Updates tab

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.11 update, we shared the details about Status Ads and Promoted Channels. These features bring sponsored content directly into the Updates tab. They allow businesses to reach users through status updates and channels. Sponsored updates appear alongside regular status posts in a clearly labeled format. Instead, Promoted Channels are highlighted to help users discover new organizations and creators.

Sponsored content was initially available only to a limited number of users in selected countries. This phased rollout allowed WhatsApp to carefully monitor performance and user feedback. It also gave WhatsApp time to refine the experience and address potential issues. This approach also helped WhatsApp meet the requirements of different regulations across other regions. Today, WhatsApp announced from their official account on X that these features are available worldwide.

WhatsApp shared a post on X to announce the full rollout of Promoted Channels and Status Ads. WhatsApp notes that these features can help users find businesses and channels to connect with right in the app. It is important to mention that advertisements are limited in the Updates tab. This means that users won't see ads in any other section of the app. Sponsored content remains clearly separate from private chats, calls, and core experiences of the app.

Status Ads allow businesses to share promotional content within the Status section. Advertisements appear after a certain number of status updates, and they follow the same format as other regular posts shared by users. Users can easily skip ads by swiping past them, an action that takes less than a second. This ensures that sponsored content is unobtrusive. So users can quickly continue browsing other updates without any significant interruption. For some users, these ads can be useful for discovering relevant deals, offers, or businesses they might be interested in.

If an advertiser becomes intrusive, users can block the businesses or hide their ads to stop seeing them from the three-dot menu. This gives users more control over their experience within the app. Blocking an advertiser ensures that their promotional content will no longer appear in the Updates tab. Users can manage their interactions with businesses and their advertisements right within the app settings.

Promoted Channels give businesses greater visibility in the channels directory. Promoted channels are always highlighted in this section by displaying a small label. This indicator lets users clearly understand when a business has paid to promote its channel. For example, a local coffee shop could promote its channel to share seasonal offers with users in its city. Similarly, a new fitness studio could promote its channel to attract users in the surrounding neighborhood. As a result, businesses, creators, and organization can reach a wider audience, increase engagement, and build stronger connections with users who are interested in their content. Businesses interested into learning about promoted channels can subscribe here to get notified on upcoming developments.

Users may wonder how WhatsApp generates advertising if sponsored content is separated from private chats. Ad targeting is based on limited signals such as language, country, and how users interact with ads. This means that WhatsApp does not use private messages, calls, or group activity to personalize ads. Private communication remains end-to-end encrypted. So advertisers can reach audiences in select regions without compromising user privacy. Users still receive relevant promotions while their personal conversations remain fully protected and separate.

In the European Region, WhatsApp lets users choose whether to use Status and Channels with ads for free or subscribe to remove ads. Users must be 18 or older and have their account added to an Accounts Center to access the subscription. Subscribed users will not see ads in Status or Channels, and their interactions with ads will not be used for ad targeting across Meta products. Subscription payments are monthly. Pricing varies by platform and location, but users who subscribe on Facebook.com or Instagram.com typically pay €3.00 per month to remove ads. Subscribing using the Apple App Store or Google Play Store will cost €4.00 per month to remove ads from your WhatsApp account. Since this ad-free plan is optional, those who do not subscribe can continue using Status and Channels with ads.

Promoted Channels and Status Ads are now available to all users who install the latest versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS directly from the official stores. However, the rollout may take some time to reach every account worldwide. Users who do not see these features immediately should check for updates regularly.

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