WhatsApp monetization: Meta to let users earn money through ads and subscriptions  

WEB DESK: For the first time, Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, has confirmed it will start showing ads in the Updates tab and allow creators and businesses to charge for access to their Channels.  

Although an exact date for the rollout of these monetization features in Pakistan has not been announced, they are expected to be introduced gradually over time. 

This marks a big step for WhatsApp, which has always been known for keeping things simple and private. Until now, it avoided ads completely. But with billions of users around the world, Meta is finally unlocking ways to turn WhatsApp into a money-making platform without affecting the core messaging experience.

What’s coming soon?

Ads in the Updates tab: These ads will appear in the same section that shows Status updates and Channels. Importantly, the ads won’t show up in your personal or group chats. They’ll sit in between posts, much like Instagram Stories. Businesses will be able to target these ads using limited information such as your language setting, city location, or your activity with Channels.  

Paid channel subscriptions: If you run a Channel on WhatsApp, you’ll soon be able to offer special content that followers can pay to access. This is aimed at creators, influencers, and businesses who want to build a steady income from loyal fans or customers.  

Promoted channels: Channels can also pay to appear more prominently in WhatsApp’s search results. This gives smaller creators and brands better chance of getting noticed and growing their following.  

Nikila Srinivasan, WhatsApp’s Vice President of Product, said during a press briefing, “We’ll be introducing ads in the Updates tab, but not in your chats. That experience will stay private.” Meta has also stressed that end-to-end encryption will not be affected, and private message content won’t be used for targeting ads.  

This is a big moment for WhatsApp and for people who rely on it for more than just messaging. In countries like Pakistan, India, Brazil, and Nigeria, WhatsApp is often the go-to platform for business, community updates, and customer service. Now, it’s also becoming a place where creators and businesses can earn directly.  

For Meta, this shift is part of a bigger plan to make its messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger more profitable. Until now, most of Meta’s money has come from Facebook and Instagram ads. But WhatsApp’s new tools could change that.  

The rollout will start in selected countries and expand worldwide over the coming months. While there’s no official post yet on Meta’s newsroom, the company has confirmed the changes to several major outlets including Bloomberg and Business Insider.  

WhatsApp’s move into monetization puts it in line with apps like Telegram and WeChat, which already offer similar tools. And for millions of users, it could open new ways to turn everyday communication into a source of income. 

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