Meta is introducing ads to WhatsApp, marking a significant shift for the messaging app.
This move breaks a long-standing promise of an ad-free experience.
Ads will appear in the Updates tab, similar to Instagram Stories.
Meta will also monetize WhatsApp's Channels feature, allowing for paid placements and subscriptions.
This change represents a broader strategy to increase revenue across Meta's platforms.
The decision to monetize WhatsApp follows pressure to diversify revenue sources.
WhatsApp's founders were originally against advertising, prioritizing user privacy.
The introduction of ads is a departure from the app's founding principles.
Meta aims to limit user backlash by placing ads in the Updates tab only.