There has been considerable discussion regarding Meta’s efforts to monetize WhatsApp. While the company has expressed its intention to introduce ads on the app, no definitive actions have been taken thus far. A recent development sheds light on potential ad placements in other areas.
In an interview with Brazilian media, WhatsApp’s head, Will Cathcart, revealed that the company is considering displaying ads in the Status and Channels sections. He clarified that there are no plans to show ads in the primary inbox.
WhatsApp Ads Clarification: Meta’s Stance on Ad Placements in Channels and Status
Cathcart explained, “The reason I qualified [sic] the answer is that there could be ads in other places — channels or status. For example, channels might charge people to subscribe; they might be exclusive to paid members, or the owners might want to promote the channel. But, no, we won’t put ads in your inbox.”
According to TechCrunch, a spokesperson from Meta stated that the company is not currently testing Status ads in any country.
WhatsApp’s Revenue Strategies: Unlocking Profit Potential in Global User Engagement
There have been reports earlier this year suggesting that WhatsApp is exploring ways to leverage its extensive user base in countries like India and Brazil to turn the platform into a profitable asset. The company is said to be exploring revenue generation through the monetization of business conversations with customers.
WhatsApp has a global user base exceeding 2 billion individuals, and in India alone, it maintains a substantial daily active user count of 500 million. The platform has conventionally depended on revenue channels like business messaging and click-to-WhatsApp advertisements on third-party platforms.
Reports indicate that companies pay up to 15 cents (approximately 40 paise) for each conversation, depending on the nature of the chat and the country where the interaction occurs. In India, consumers frequently use WhatsApp for activities such as booking Uber rides and receiving movie recommendations on their Netflix accounts, potentially contributing to increased revenue through heightened conversation rates.
