In an interview with Brazilian media, WhatsApp‘s Head, Will Cathcart, stated that the company is exploring the possibility of incorporating advertisements in areas such as Status and Channels, but emphasized that ads will not be placed within users’ primary chat inbox.

These ads may take the form of promotions within channels or exclusive content for paid subscribers. A Meta spokesperson confirmed that Status ads are not currently being tested in any country.

Previously, WhatsApp had contemplated introducing ads in Status but never implemented the feature. The move comes as WhatsApp seeks new monetization avenues for its platform, which boasts over 2 billion global users, IANS reported from SanFrancisco.

WhatsApp Business, a separate platform aimed at connecting businesses and customers, has seen remarkable growth, surpassing 200 million monthly active users globally, compared to 50 million in 2020. Businesses will soon have the capability to publish ads directly to Facebook or Instagram via the app, with no requirement for a Facebook account.

WhatsApp Channels, which provide a one-way broadcast system for users to receive updates from individuals and organizations, serve as a private means of communication within the app.

Mark Zuckerberg‘s Meta acquired WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion, with WhatsApp distinguished from Instagram by not featuring ads.

As the landscape of WhatsApp continues to evolve, users can expect to see changes in how advertisements are integrated into the platform, opening up new possibilities for businesses and content creators.