WhatsApp has officially confirmed the launch of paid subscriptions and advertising in the messenger

WhatsApp developers have announced the introduction of paid subscriptions and advertisements in the mobile version of the application. Advertisements will be displayed in the Status section, and their targeting will be based on user dаta: location, language, ad viewing history, and a list of channel subscriptions (except for Russia, where this function is not available).



At the same time, WhatsApp will update the functionality of channels - their authors will receive tools for promotion and the ability to monetize content through paid subscriptions. Some materials will remain free, and to access exclusive content, users will have to subscribe through built-in payment systems. According to WhatsApp Vice President Alice Newton Rex, initially all revenue will go to channel creators, but in the future the company intends to charge a 10% commission.

The innovations will affect more than 1.5 billion users who regularly interact with Statuses and channels. The global launch of these features is planned for the coming months, which will mark a new stage of monetization of the popular messenger.