WhatsApp, the most widely used messaging app in the world, has just confirmed what many have long anticipated: ads are finally coming to the platform. After years of resisting this model, as of June 16, 2025, Meta has begun rolling out advertisements in the “Updates” tab — a section that combines Status updates and Channels you follow.
Where will ads appear, and how do they work?
The good news is that your private chats remain untouched — no ads will appear in your conversations or on your main chat list. Instead, ads will be visible in the following areas:
Sponsored Statuses: Much like Instagram Stories, these will appear among updates from your contacts or businesses.
Promoted Channels: Some channels will be able to pay for higher visibility by appearing at the top of the channel explorer.
Paid Channels: Certain creators or brands may offer exclusive content through subscriptions.
For now, these ads won’t link to external websites or stores, meaning you won’t see outbound links in Status updates — at least not yet.
A logical move by Meta, but not without mixed reactions
This decision aligns with the massive engagement already seen in the “Updates” tab, which over 1.5 billion people use daily. For Meta, monetizing this space was only a matter of time. However, for many users, it marks a shift in the experience — one that had been free of commercial interruptions until now.
🚨 Ads are now official on WhatsApp — starting with Status and Channels.
Private chats remain ad-free… for now.#WhatsApp #Ads #Privacy pic.twitter.com/10CuWis3gt
— Drop The Info (@DropTheInfoNews) June 16, 2025
Are there alternatives without intrusive advertising?
Yes — and this is where Tuetly enters the conversation. It’s a new social platform built around authentic, ad-free messaging. Unlike WhatsApp or even Telegram (a popular but sometimes complex alternative), Tuetly keeps things simple and respectful of your privacy.
On Tuetly, private messages are sacred: you won’t see ads in your chats — now or ever.
Tuetly is designed to offer real conversations with real people, without the interference of algorithms or sponsored content. The platform continues to grow, adding tools for creators, communities, and brands every week — always with the user’s experience in mind.
Tired of ads in your messaging apps?
It might be time to explore new ways to stay connected — without feeling like you are the product.
