WhatsApp has begun rolling out two major features—Status Ads and Promoted Channels—to selected Android beta users, according to a new report. These changes aim to provide businesses and creators with new tools to reach their audience, while WhatsApp claims user privacy will remain intact.
New Features Spotted in WhatsApp Beta 2.25.21.11
As per WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.25.21.11 for Android is now introducing ads in the Status section and channel promotion options. These features, first teased by Meta on June 17, are now live for a limited group of testers.
What Are WhatsApp Status Ads?
The new Status Ads feature enables businesses and verified accounts to display sponsored content between users’ Status updates—much like how Instagram and Facebook Stories display ads. These promotional snippets will be clearly labeled as “sponsored” to distinguish them from regular statuses. Importantly, users will also have the option to block specific advertisers, preventing their content from appearing again.
Introducing Promoted Channels on WhatsApp
Alongside Status Ads, WhatsApp is also testing Promoted Channels. This feature allows business or creator-led public channels to appear more prominently in the WhatsApp channel directory, increasing their visibility and growth potential. These promoted entries will carry a small label marking them as “sponsored,” helping users identify paid promotions at a glance.
User Privacy Still a Priority, Says WhatsApp
Despite introducing advertisements, WhatsApp maintains that user privacy will not be compromised. Ads and channel promotions are designed to be minimally invasive and respect the platform’s end-to-end encryption policies. The content will not scan or interpret private messages in any way.
Advertiser Insights and Reports for Beta Users
In a previous beta release (version 2.25.19.15), WhatsApp began testing a tool that allows users to download reports related to ads they’ve seen in both the Status and Channel sections. These reports provide details such as the advertiser’s identity and the dates on which the ads were displayed—offering more transparency for users.
Meta’s Vision for WhatsApp Monetization
With the launch of these ad features, Meta is signaling a stronger focus on monetizing WhatsApp while keeping it relevant for businesses and creators. As competition intensifies across social media and messaging platforms, these tools may offer better discovery and reach without compromising the platform’s core values of security and user control.
