WhatsApp Starts Testing Ads in Status – The Meta-owned messaging giant, has officially started testing ads in the Status and public Channels. This early beta rollout could mark a major shift for business owners and digital marketers who’ve been waiting for new ways to promote their brand directly through the world’s most-used chat app. https://unionmakersrd.org
If you’re using WhatsApp not just to chat, but also for selling, building communities, or driving awareness—this is something you’ll want to keep an eye on.
WhatsApp Starts Testing Ads in Status:
What Are WhatsApp Status Ads?
In simple terms, this new feature allows businesses to show short video or image ads inside the Updates tab—where users usually check Status updates from contacts or announcements from Channels they follow.
According to WABetaInfo, the beta version (Android 2.24.14.21 and iOS via TestFlight) now includes ads marked “Sponsored” that appear between regular Status updates. Meanwhile, promoted Channels are now featured at the top of a user’s Channel list.
- Ads won’t appear in private chats
- Users can skip them—just like Instagram Stories
- Still in limited beta testing
So, don’t worry—your personal conversations remain private. Meta has confirmed that all chats stay end-to-end encrypted and ads won’t invade your inbox.
Why Should Small Business Owners Care?
Until now, promoting a product or brand through WhatsApp meant relying on broadcasts, group messages, or sharing WA Business links. This new ad feature opens up access to over 1.5 billion users who check the Updates tab every day.
Picture this:
- Your local product shows up in the middle of the Status feed your customers view every morning
- Your community Channel gets promoted to hundreds or thousands of people with matching interests
- Brand awareness rises—without feeling intrusive or spammy
And best of all — it’s done without disrupting users’ private messaging experience.
How Do These WhatsApp Ads Work?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the system functions:
| Feature | Description |
| Status Ads | Appear among other Status updates, labeled “Sponsored”, can be images or videos |
| Promoted Channels | Public Channels appear at the top of the Channel feed |
| User Privacy | Ads use limited data (e.g. language, location), and never access private chats |
| User Controls | Users can skip ads, block Channels, and provide feedback |
Can Any Business Use These Ads?
Not yet. As of now, the feature is still in limited beta testing for Android and iOS. But you can register with the WhatsApp Business Platform to get notified once the feature officially launches in your region.
Visit: https://www.whatsapp.com/business/ads
Why This Matters for SMBs and Creators
WhatsApp is one of the most used apps in Indonesia and globally, even outperforming Instagram and TikTok among some age groups. That means Status Ads offer big potential for:
- Local businesses: Reach customers through a platform they already trust
- Content creators: Promote educational or entertainment Channels
- Big brands: Boost visibility in a more personal, less cluttered space
“This could be a game-changer for small businesses and creators,” said one social media analyst.
How to Prepare Now
While waiting for the full release, here’s what you can start doing:
- Create a public Channel – Get your community or content hub ready
- Plan short, eye-catching content – Think visual, just like Instagram Stories
- Understand your WhatsApp audience – Business tools provide useful engagement data
- Integrate with Meta Ads – Combine strategies across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp
FAQ: WhatsApp Status Ads
Q: Will these ads affect my private chats?
A: Nope. Ads only show in the Updates tab, not in your conversations.
Q: Can I turn the ads off?
A: No official opt-out yet, but users can block individual Channels and report ads.
Q: Is this feature paid for normal users?
A: No. WhatsApp remains free for everyday users.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a new feature—it’s a signal. WhatsApp is evolving from a chat app into a business and content platform. And if you’re a business owner, marketer, or creator—this is your window.
So start preparing now: build your Channel, learn how to tell visual stories, and get ready to advertise where your audience already hangs out. In the near future, WhatsApp will be more than just messaging—it could be your most powerful promotional tool.
