Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has officially started showing advertisements to its users. This is one of the biggest changes introduced on WhatsApp in recent years. For now, ads are visible in Status and Channels, while private chats remain completely ad-free. As per reports, this feature has already been rolled out in India and several other countries.

Ads now visible to many users

Many users have reported seeing promotional posts in their Status updates and Channels in the past few days. Some also claimed they received an in-app notification regarding WhatsApp’s new Advertising Policy.

Meta clarified that WhatsApp ads are meant to help users discover businesses, products, and services directly within the app.
Importantly:

• Private chats, calls and personal statuses will not be used for ad targeting.

• All personal conversations will continue to be end-to-end encrypted.

What options do users have?

1. How to hide ads on WhatsApp

If you see an ad in your Status or Channels, you can hide it by following these steps:

1. Tap on the Sponsored label on the ad.

2. Select Hide Ad.

3. Open the three-dot menu and confirm the option.

2. How to manage ad preferences

WhatsApp allows users to adjust their ad settings through the Meta Account Center.
Here’s how:

1. Open Settings in WhatsApp.

2. Go to Account Center.

3. Select Account Settings.

4. Open Ad Preferences and customize the options as per your choice.