The major changes are focused on WhatsApp Channels and Status. For the first time, Channel owners will have the option to charge a monthly subscription fee, giving followers access to exclusive updates. Additionally, a new Promoted Channels feature will allow people to pay to increase their channel’s visibility.

WhatsApp ads rollout begins globally with Status ads and paid channels. Meta ends 11-year ad-free messaging experience for 3 billion users worldwide.

WhatsApp rolls out ads in Updates section as Meta monetizes the messaging app. Discover how this changes your private messaging experience forever.

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

Meta has begun rolling out ads on WhatsApp for the first time, starting with its Updates tab. The move also includes channel subscriptions and promoted content, all outside private chats.