WhatsApp Beta Introduces Status Ads and Promoted Channels
WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out Status Ads and Promoted Channels in its latest Android beta, version 2.25.21.11. These features, initially announced by Meta on June 17, aim to provide businesses and creators with new avenues for promotion and visibility within the platform.
Status Ads: A New Way for Businesses to Reach Users
Status Ads will allow businesses to advertise their content directly within the Status section of WhatsApp. These ads will appear seamlessly between status updates from a user’s contacts but will be clearly marked as sponsored content. Users will have the ability to block advertisers they find irrelevant or intrusive, ensuring a degree of control over their ad experience.
- Appear between user’s contacts status updates.
- Flagged as sponsored content.
- Users can block advertisers.
Promoted Channels: Boosting Visibility for Public Channels
Promoted Channels function similarly to Status Ads but are specifically designed to increase the visibility of public channels. When a business promotes its channel, it will be highlighted within the channel directory, making it easier for users to discover and join. A small label will indicate that the channel is being promoted.
- Highlights channels in the directory.
- Increases reach for creators, brands, and businesses.
- Labelled as “sponsored.”
User Privacy Considerations
WhatsApp emphasizes that these new features are designed to not compromise user privacy. While providing businesses with promotional opportunities, the platform aims to maintain a balance that respects user experience and data protection.
Additional Features in Recent Beta Updates
Prior to this update, WhatsApp beta 2.25.19.15 for Android introduced the ability for users to generate detailed reports about the ads they’ve seen in the Status and Channels sections. These reports include information about the advertisers and the dates on which the ads were displayed.
Reporting on Ads Viewed
This reporting feature provides users with greater transparency and control over the ads they encounter on WhatsApp.
- Detailed reports on ads viewed.
- Information about advertisers.
- Dates when ads were shown.
Impact on Businesses and Creators
These new features have the potential to significantly impact how businesses and creators use WhatsApp to connect with their audience. By providing new avenues for promotion and visibility, WhatsApp is empowering businesses to reach a wider audience and grow their presence on the platform.
| Feature | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Status Ads | Businesses can advertise their content directly in the Status section, appearing between user status updates but marked as sponsored. | Increased visibility, targeted advertising, potential for reaching a large audience, ability for users to block advertisers. |
| Promoted Channels | Businesses can promote their public channels, highlighting them in the directory and making them more discoverable to users. These channels are marked as sponsored. | Enhanced channel discoverability, potential for growing subscriber base, increased engagement with audience, opportunity to promote content and products/services. |
