WhatsApp monetisation: Paid channels, other things to know
WhatsApp moves to monetise channels.
Meta has unveiled new monetisation features for WhatsApp, allowing creators and businesses to earn revenue through paid channels and promoted content. The company announced the introduction of paid subscriptions for WhatsApp Channels and the option for businesses to boost their channel visibility by paying to appear higher in users’ Updates tab.
The Updates tab on WhatsApp, which houses the Channels feature, will now allow organisations and creators to charge followers a subscription fee in exchange for access to exclusive content. According to Meta, this move is part of its ongoing effort to support creators and expand monetisation tools across its platforms, while keeping the core messaging experience private and secure.
In addition to subscriptions, businesses can now promote their channels by paying for placements, increasing the chances of reaching a broader audience. These promoted channels will appear under a “Find Channels” section, ensuring greater discoverability.
Despite this major shift, Meta emphasised that personal chats on WhatsApp will remain ad-free and end-to-end encrypted. The company clarified that users’ privacy remains a top priority, and the new monetisation tools will be limited to the Updates section, separate from private messaging.
The new features are being rolled out gradually, and Meta is expected to add more tools in the future to support creators and businesses. This development aligns with the tech giant’s strategy to transform WhatsApp from a simple messaging app into a more versatile platform for content sharing, business engagement, and revenue generation.