Meta has introduced ads in WhatsApp's Updates tab, marking a significant shift towards monetization. These ads will appear within the Status feature, alongside user updates, but not in private chats or groups.

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

OpenAI made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter. The company wrote, “ChatGPT image generation is now available in WhatsApp via 1-800-ChatGPT. Now available to everyone.” Another post stated, “Don't forget to link your ChatGPT account to 1-800-ChatGPT in WhatsApp to get more image generations.”

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 introduces ads and channel subscriptions in the Updates tab, but reassures users that private chats remain fully encrypted.

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