WhatsApp to Introduce Ads in Status and Channels Sections
WhatsApp, the popular messaging application, has been gaining new features and functions. Recently, it was announced that the e-mail verification feature will be added to the application. However, Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, faces a challenge as the application does not generate any revenue. Speculations have been circulating for a while that advertising will be introduced to the platform. Will Cathcart, the head of the company, has finally addressed the questions regarding the possibility of WhatsApp becoming a paid service and displaying ads. Here are the details...
Ads Coming to WhatsApp, but Not in Chat Section
Contrary to the rumors, WhatsApp will not become ad-supported at the moment. However, the company is taking steps towards implementing a paid model. Will Cathcart confirmed that ads will not be shown in the chat section of the application, but they are planning to introduce ads in the Status and Channels sections.
Details about how ads will be displayed in the Channels section are still unknown. However, we can draw insights from Instagram's implementation of ads in the Status section. Similar to the social media platform, WhatsApp users can expect to see ads in a Status format when switching between shared content. This development may be perceived as a downside for a platform that has been free to use. The question that arises now is what the future holds for WhatsApp.
Potential for a Paid Subscription Model
Many platforms that were once free and relied on advertising revenue have now adopted different strategies. They have started charging users a monthly fee for their services, offering additional features like an ad-free experience. YouTube and its Premium subscription can be considered as a prime example of this approach.
Speculatively speaking, WhatsApp also has the potential to introduce a similar paid subscription model. Users would have the option to choose between an ad-supported package and a Premium package. This would provide the company with a source of revenue from each user and justify direct charges. Only time will reveal if this scenario will come into effect.
