Meta Brings Ads to WhatsApp for the First Time, Targets Business Growth Through Updates Tab and Channels

Benzinga

Meta is introducing ads to WhatsApp for the first time since acquiring the app for $19 billion in 2014, according to CNBC. The company announced Monday that businesses can now run status ads in WhatsApp’s Updates tab, prompting users to message advertisers directly. Meta will also monetize the Channels feature through search ads and optional subscription fees. Ads won’t appear in personal conversations, which remain encrypted. CEO Mark Zuckerberg called business messaging “the next pillar” of Meta’s growth, with WhatsApp now surpassing 3 billion monthly users. Since acquiring WhatsApp in 2014, Meta has expanded the app’s global reach without introducing ads. WhatsApp’s founders, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, opposed advertising and left after clashing with Meta executives over its inclusion.

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00:00It's Benzinga, bringing Wall Street to Main Street.

00:02Meta is introducing ads to WhatsApp for the first time since acquiring the app for $19 billion in 2014, according to CNBC.

00:09The company announced Monday that businesses can now run status ads in WhatsApp's Updates tab,

00:13prompting users to message advertisers directly.

00:16Meta will also monetize the channel's feature through search ads and optional subscription feeds.

00:21Ads won't appear in personal conversations, which remain encrypted.

00:24CEO Mark Zuckerberg called business messaging the next pillar of Meta's growth,

00:28with WhatsApp now surpassing 3 billion monthly users.

00:31Since acquiring WhatsApp in 2014, Meta has expanded the app's global reach without introducing ads.

00:36WhatsApp's founders, Jan Coombe and Brian Acton,

00:39opposed advertising and left after clashing with Meta executives over its inclusion.

00:44For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.

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