Whatsapp introduces surprise update that could change how you use it
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If you’re one of the millions of Aussies who rely on WhatsApp to keep in touch with family, friends, and even the grandkids, you might want to sit down for this one:
WhatsApp is about to start showing ads in parts of the app. Yes, you read that right—ads are coming to WhatsApp, and it’s a pretty big shift for a service that’s long prided itself on being ad-free.
Let’s get the good news out of the way first: your private chats, calls, and group messages are still safe from advertising.
WhatsApp’s developers have been quick to reassure users that the personal messaging experience isn’t changing.
Your messages, calls, and statuses remain end-to-end encrypted, which means no one—not even WhatsApp—can read them or use them to target ads.
So, where will these ads pop up? They’ll be confined to the 'Updates' tab, which is where you see things like Status updates and follow Channels.
This tab is already used by a staggering 1.5 billion people every day, so it’s a prime spot for Meta (the company that owns WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram) to try and make a few extra bucks.
When WhatsApp was founded back in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton, the promise was simple: no ads, ever.
But things changed when Facebook (now Meta) bought WhatsApp in 2014.
The original founders have since left, and Meta has been looking for ways to turn WhatsApp’s massive user base into a money-maker.
To put things in perspective, Meta’s primary source of income is advertising.
In 2025, the company raked in a whopping US$164.5 billion (that’s about $252.3 billion Aussie dollars!), with the vast majority coming from ads.
So, it was probably only a matter of time before WhatsApp joined the party.
The ads you’ll see in the Updates tab will be targeted based on general information like your age, location (country or city), language, the channels you follow, and how you interact with ads.
Importantly, WhatsApp says it won’t use your private messages, calls, or group memberships to target these ads.
So, if you’re worried about your private conversations being used to sell you things, you can breathe a little easier.
WhatsApp introduces two new monetisation features alongside ads.
Channels can now charge monthly subscription fees for exclusive updates, offering extra content from creators, businesses or communities.
At the same time, businesses and creators gain the option to pay for channel promotion, increasing their visibility to new users—similar to boosted posts on Facebook or Instagram.
For many over-60s, WhatsApp is a lifeline—whether it’s sharing photos with the grandkids, organising catch-ups, or staying in touch with friends overseas.
The good news is that your private chats won’t be interrupted by ads. But if you use the Updates tab to check out Channels or Statuses, you’ll start seeing some advertising mixed in.
If you’re not a fan of ads, you might find this a bit annoying. But compared to other social media platforms, WhatsApp is still keeping your private conversations ad-free (for now, at least).
WhatsApp isn’t the first messaging app to introduce ads.
Other platforms, such as Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and even Snapchat, have been running ads for years.
Many free apps rely on advertising to cover their costs. The difference here is that WhatsApp has always been a bit of a holdout—until now.
It’s also worth noting that Meta has been under pressure to find new ways to make money, especially as younger users spend less time on Facebook and Instagram.
With billions of people using WhatsApp every day, it’s a goldmine just waiting to be tapped.
At this stage, there’s no way to turn off the ads in the Updates tab. But if you don’t use that part of WhatsApp much, you might not even notice the change.
If you do see an ad you don’t like, you’ll usually have the option to hide it or give feedback—just like on Facebook or Instagram.
If you’re worried about privacy, remember that your personal messages and calls are still protected by end-to-end encryption.
And as always, be cautious about clicking on any links or ads that seem suspicious.
How do you feel about ads coming to WhatsApp? Will it change how you use the app, or is it just another sign of the times? Have you already spotted any ads in your Updates tab? Share your thoughts, experiences, and tips in the comments below.
Read more: Security glitch exposes WhatsApp’s disappearing photo feature—'trust issues' uncovered
WhatsApp is about to start showing ads in parts of the app. Yes, you read that right—ads are coming to WhatsApp, and it’s a pretty big shift for a service that’s long prided itself on being ad-free.
Let’s get the good news out of the way first: your private chats, calls, and group messages are still safe from advertising.
WhatsApp’s developers have been quick to reassure users that the personal messaging experience isn’t changing.
Ads are to be displayed in WhatsApp’s Updates tab, with personal chats, calls, and groups kept encrypted. Credit: Depositphotos
Your messages, calls, and statuses remain end-to-end encrypted, which means no one—not even WhatsApp—can read them or use them to target ads.
So, where will these ads pop up? They’ll be confined to the 'Updates' tab, which is where you see things like Status updates and follow Channels.
This tab is already used by a staggering 1.5 billion people every day, so it’s a prime spot for Meta (the company that owns WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram) to try and make a few extra bucks.
When WhatsApp was founded back in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton, the promise was simple: no ads, ever.
But things changed when Facebook (now Meta) bought WhatsApp in 2014.
The original founders have since left, and Meta has been looking for ways to turn WhatsApp’s massive user base into a money-maker.
To put things in perspective, Meta’s primary source of income is advertising.
In 2025, the company raked in a whopping US$164.5 billion (that’s about $252.3 billion Aussie dollars!), with the vast majority coming from ads.
So, it was probably only a matter of time before WhatsApp joined the party.
The ads you’ll see in the Updates tab will be targeted based on general information like your age, location (country or city), language, the channels you follow, and how you interact with ads.
Importantly, WhatsApp says it won’t use your private messages, calls, or group memberships to target these ads.
So, if you’re worried about your private conversations being used to sell you things, you can breathe a little easier.
WhatsApp introduces two new monetisation features alongside ads.
Channels can now charge monthly subscription fees for exclusive updates, offering extra content from creators, businesses or communities.
At the same time, businesses and creators gain the option to pay for channel promotion, increasing their visibility to new users—similar to boosted posts on Facebook or Instagram.
For many over-60s, WhatsApp is a lifeline—whether it’s sharing photos with the grandkids, organising catch-ups, or staying in touch with friends overseas.
The good news is that your private chats won’t be interrupted by ads. But if you use the Updates tab to check out Channels or Statuses, you’ll start seeing some advertising mixed in.
If you’re not a fan of ads, you might find this a bit annoying. But compared to other social media platforms, WhatsApp is still keeping your private conversations ad-free (for now, at least).
WhatsApp isn’t the first messaging app to introduce ads.
Other platforms, such as Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and even Snapchat, have been running ads for years.
Many free apps rely on advertising to cover their costs. The difference here is that WhatsApp has always been a bit of a holdout—until now.
With billions of people using WhatsApp every day, it’s a goldmine just waiting to be tapped.
At this stage, there’s no way to turn off the ads in the Updates tab. But if you don’t use that part of WhatsApp much, you might not even notice the change.
If you do see an ad you don’t like, you’ll usually have the option to hide it or give feedback—just like on Facebook or Instagram.
If you’re worried about privacy, remember that your personal messages and calls are still protected by end-to-end encryption.
And as always, be cautious about clicking on any links or ads that seem suspicious.
Read more: Security glitch exposes WhatsApp’s disappearing photo feature—'trust issues' uncovered
