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WhatsApp will introduce advertisements in the Updates tab, affecting approximately 1.5 billion daily users while keeping personal chat spaces free from ads. Ads will be targeted based on age, geographic location, language preferences, channels followed, and user interactions, without compromising end-to-end encryption for personal messages. Additionally, WhatsApp will allow channels to charge subscription fees for exclusive updates and enable business owners to promote their channels. Meta Platforms, WhatsApp's parent company, relies heavily on advertising for revenue, having reported .5 billion in total revenue in 2025, with [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a notable shift for the popular messaging platform, WhatsApp has announced the introduction of advertisements within its app, a move that aligns with parent company Meta Platforms' ongoing efforts to diversify revenue streams. Starting soon, users will encounter ads specifically in the Updates tab, a feature utilized by approximately 1.5 billion individuals daily. Importantly, these ads will not intrude upon personal chat spaces, ensuring that the core messaging experience remains untouched. Ad Targeting and User Privacy WhatsApp has emphasized that the personal messaging experience will remain intact, with end-to-end encryption safeguarding personal messages, calls, and statuses from being used for ad targeting. Instead, the advertisements will be tailored based on various factors, including: Age Geographic location (country or city) Language preferences Channels followed within the app User interactions with displayed ads This strategic pivot marks a significant departure from the platform's founding principles, as co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton initially pledged to keep WhatsApp free from advertisements when it was launched in 2009. Following Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014, the original founders departed, leaving Meta to explore monetization avenues. New Revenue Opportunities In addition to the introduction of ads, WhatsApp has unveiled two other advertising features aimed at enhancing monetization. Channels will now have the option to charge users a subscription fee for exclusive updates, providing a new revenue model for content creators. Furthermore, business owners can invest in promoting their channels to attract new users, thereby increasing visibility within the app. Meta Platforms, based in Menlo Park, California, has long relied on advertising as its primary revenue source. In 2025, the company reported a staggering 4.5 billion in total revenue, with a remarkable 0.6 billion derived from advertising alone. As WhatsApp embarks on this new chapter, the integration of ads may play a crucial role in bolstering Meta's financial landscape while navigating the delicate balance between user experience and monetization. " max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.7" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].6 billion from advertising.