This update is part of Meta’s bigger strategy to turn its messaging apps into powerful money-making platforms. The new features are only available in the Updates tab — which includes Status and Channels — so your personal chats stay completely private and untouched.

WhatsApp says it is carefully adding new tools to the Updates tab, and these tools will not affect your private messages. The company made it clear: “We’re not touching your personal chats.”

Now, users can support their favorite creators by paying a small monthly fee, and in return, they’ll get access to exclusive content that others can’t see. This is a huge step for creators to earn directly through WhatsApp.

Also, creators and small businesses can now promote their channels so that more people can discover them. Their channels will appear in the suggested list of the directory — this makes it easier to reach new audiences, especially for smaller brands and fresh talent.

But that’s not all…

For the first time ever, WhatsApp is opening the door to ads within the app, specifically inside the Status section. That means businesses will now be able to show their ads directly in WhatsApp, aiming to grab users’ attention and turn them into customers via direct messages.

Read more: WhatsApp channels go premium with ads and subscriptions

These ads will be targeted based on limited data like your location, language, and how you interact within the Updates tab. If your WhatsApp is linked to other Meta platforms like Facebook or Instagram, then those activities may also influence what ads you see.

Even with all these new features, WhatsApp says your privacy is still the top priority. The app confirmed that end-to-end encryption remains in place for your private chats, groups, and calls. Your phone number and private messages will not be shared with advertisers.

This is a game-changing move by WhatsApp. The app is no longer just a private messaging tool — it’s becoming a business platform, a marketing space, and a creator economy hub. Meta is now directly challenging platforms like YouTube, Patreon, and Instagram by giving creators a way to monetize inside WhatsApp.

By keeping these features inside the Updates tab, WhatsApp smartly separates business from personal conversations. Ads inside Status and paid channels will surely give new earning potential to small businesses and influencers — especially in regions like South Asia, Africa, and Latin America where WhatsApp is the most-used app.

But there’s also a risk: if not handled carefully, too many ads or monetization tools might annoy users. Privacy concerns will be key — and so far, WhatsApp seems to be balancing it well.