WhatsApp is rolling out the status ads and highlighted channels previously tested in the beta program worldwide, as on the official one Channel on X was confirmed. In the future, sponsored content will appear in the “News” tab between normal status messages and channels and will be clearly marked as advertising.

Initially, the advertising formats were only active in selected countries and for a limited group of users in order to examine technology, regulation and user reactions.

This is how users recognize the new WhatsApp ads

Status ads appear within the status area like regular posts and appear after several normal updates. Users can skip them with a swipe forward and use the three-dot menu to hide individual ads or block ad accounts.

Highlighted or promoted channels appear in a preferred position in the channel directory and have a label that indicates paid placement. This is referred to, among other things, by the WhatsApp-specializing blog “WABetaInfo“.

Advertising without access to private chats

According to information from Whatsapp The display of ads is based on a few signals such as language, country and interactions with advertising. Private chats, calls and group activities should not be included in personalization; end-to-end encryption remains in place.

In the EU, users can decide whether they want to use statuses and channels with ad support or ad-free for an additional charge: If you take out a subscription via Facebook or Instagram, the subscription usually costs around three euros per month, via the Apple App Store or Google Play about four euros.

Status ads and highlighted channels will be gradually activated for all users with a current Android or iOS version. If you don’t see the new formats yet, you should update the app in the official store and wait for the rollout.