WhatsApp just launched three new ways to help you discover and interact with channels and businesses in the Updates tab.
Here’s what’s included:
- Channel subscriptions — pay a monthly fee to get exclusive updates from your favorite channels (like news outlets).
- Promoted channels — highlights new channels you might like when you browse the directory.
- Ads in Status — see ads in the Status section and start chats with businesses about their products or services.
These features are only in the Updates tab and don’t affect private chats.
Everything stays end-to-end encrypted and personal messages aren’t used for ads or promotions.
Why it matters
- WhatsApp has 1.5 billion daily users in the Updates tab.
- Businesses and creators can now reach users without disrupting private conversations.
- Channel subscriptions let users support creators or brands directly.
- Promoted channels help viewers find new, relevant content.
- Ads in Status let businesses start chats with people about products quickly.
- All content, including ads, respects user privacy—WhatsApp uses only basic info like country, language, followed channels, and ad interactions. Personal chats and phone numbers are never shared.
What’s next
- WhatsApp will roll these changes out over the next few months.
- Businesses and channel admins can get started now using the Updates tab features.
- Meta promises more tools to help grow channels and enhance discovery.
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