WhatsApp is updating its Updates tab—the home of Status and Channels to help users and creators connect more meaningfully. This space is already used by 1.5 billion people daily, and now WhatsApp is making it even better. To support this, WhatsApp introduced channel subscriptions, promoted channels, and ads within Status. 

Support Your Favourite Channels, Exclusive Content

Users can now subscribe to channels they enjoy, paying a small monthly fee for exclusive updates directly from creators, organisations, or brands. WhatsApp will also highlight new or relevant channels in the directory, giving admins a fresh avenue to grow their audience.

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Ads in Status – Discover and Chat with Businesses

For the first time, users will see business ads in status posts within the Updates tab. These ads enable direct messaging between users and businesses about featured products or services.

Importantly, all new features stay within the Updates tab—your private chats aren’t affected. WhatsApp explains that personal messages, calls, and group chats remain end‑to‑end encrypted, so none of that content is used for ads.

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How Ads Are Shown

To deliver relevant ads, WhatsApp uses limited information such as your country, language, followed channels, and how you engage with ads or content. For connected Meta accounts, preferences and cross‑account data may also be considered. Crucially, your phone number is never shared or sold, and personal conversations remain private.

WhatsApp says it has been planning this extension for years—building a business model without disrupting your primary chat experience—and believes now is the right moment since so many users have already explored the Updates tab. These features will roll out gradually in the coming months.