For years, WhatsApp has been the go-to app for private messaging. Now, Meta is reshaping the platform into something much bigger. Starting in June 2025, new monetisation features are being tested, opening fresh opportunities for both users and businesses.
What’s Changing in WhatsApp
The app now introduces three new tools:
- Channel Subscriptions – Follow exclusive content for a fee.
- Promoted Channels – Boost visibility by being featured in the directory.
- Ads in Status – Businesses can display ads in the Status feed, much like Instagram Stories.
These updates stay separate from private chats, which remain end-to-end encrypted. Ads only appear in the Updates tab, keeping personal conversations untouched.
Privacy Comes First
Meta highlights a privacy-first design. Ad targeting uses limited details such as location, language, and followed channels. Phone numbers and private conversations are not used for advertising. Users linking WhatsApp with Facebook or Instagram may see more personalised ads, but transparency and control remain central.
Why It Matters in Australia
The rollout coincides with stronger Australian privacy laws under the POLA Bill 2024. Businesses using WhatsApp for marketing need to ensure compliance, from secure data handling to transparent communication practices. With regulators gaining more power, taking a responsible approach is not optional—it’s essential.
Opportunity and Caution for Businesses
For local brands, this shift means a chance to:
- Reach audiences in an app they already use daily
- Build authentic customer channels
- Run subtle, context-friendly ads without disrupting conversations
Still, success depends on a privacy-aware strategy. Focus on delivering value, maintaining transparency, and nurturing trust—because even on WhatsApp, relationships matter most.
Source: BRANDCOM
