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.

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.

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

At one time, WhatsApp operated on a subscription model, charging a nominal amount per year to use the service — generally the rough equivalent of $1 per year in whatever country a user resided.

During its initial phase, WhatsApp adopted a subscription model that exhibited some variability. In certain countries, users incurred a one-dollar charge for downloading, while in others ...

Meta has officially announced plans to introduce advertisements to WhatsApp, nearly 11 years after acquiring the messaging platform in a $19 billion deal.