Meta has officially announced that it will start showing ads in the WhatsApp application. With the new system, WhatsApp users will encounter sponsored content in the status updates and channel discovery areas. Thus, the application is making a significant change in the basic user experience that has remained ad-free until now.

WhatsApp is officially starting to show ads

In the new period, users will no longer only see content from friends and family members in the “Status” tab of WhatsApp, but also sponsored content offered by brands.

Meta announced that limited data such as users’ language, location, channels they follow and their interaction with ads will be used in personalizing the ads to be displayed. On the other hand, it was emphasized that personal messages, searches and group chats will not be included in the ad targeting process.

The expansion of advertising areas on WhatsApp is not limited to status updates. Sponsored channels will also be shown in the “Discover” section of the application. This feature; While providing a structure that will allow users to find new channels according to their interests, it will also create direct visibility for brands and content producers.

Meta stated that ad preferences can be edited via the “Account Center”. Through this panel, users will be able to control ads tailored to their interests. The company also emphasized that WhatsApp users’ phone numbers will not be shared or sold to advertisers.

Meta generated over $160 billion in advertising revenue through 2024. With this new advertising integration, the company plans to increase the commercial potential of the application by directly including WhatsApp in its advertising revenues.