A Big Change for a Trusted App
WhatsApp is making headlines after announcing it will introduce ads, breaking its long-standing promise of “No ads! No games! No gimmicks!” Since Meta acquired WhatsApp in 2014, it has remained mostly ad-free, a feature that has set it apart from other social platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram.
What’s Changing?
The new features will appear only in WhatsApp’s Updates tab, which includes Status and Channels. These changes include promoted channels, ads in Status, and paid channel subscriptions. WhatsApp says personal chats will remain ad-free and encrypted, and users can turn off the Updates tab if they don’t want to see ads.
Why Now?
With over two billion monthly users, WhatsApp is a massive platform. Experts have long predicted that Meta would eventually find a way to monetize it. These new tools aim to do just that, without affecting private conversations.
User Backlash Begins
Despite the company’s reassurances, many users aren’t happy. Long-time fans feel betrayed by the shift in values. One user tweeted, “WhatsApp: ‘No ads, no gimmicks.’ Also WhatsApp: ‘Here comes the ads.’” Others say it’s turning into just another ad-filled app.
Looking Ahead
WhatsApp says these changes will roll out gradually in the coming months. But for many users, the damage to trust may already be done.
