TechPhonesWhatsApp is getting ads, but it’s not as bad as you thinkIt looks like your chats are safeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechPhonesWhatsApp is getting ads, but it’s not as bad as you thinkIt looks like your chats are safeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
It looks like your chats are safe
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)
(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Folha De S.Paulo, Head of WhatsApp Will Cathcart reassured users that their “messaging experience” aka their chats and inboxes, will remain ad-free. This is especially important considering WhatsApp’s focus on privacy and comes as a genuine relief. No one wants to be spammed with paid messages.
It looks like the app hasn’t completely dodged the advertising bullet however with Cathcart hinting that other areas could carry ads. This is likely to be in the channels feature and WhatsApp statuses, but to be honest, that’s not a problem. Pretty much everyone I know is on WhatsApp, and I’m not sure I’ve ever been asked to look at someone’s WhatsApp status, that’s more of an Instagram thing. Booting up the app, 90% of people I know have either left their status as the default or not changed it in years.
(Image credit: Meta)
(Image credit: Meta)
As for the channels feature, it’s a pretty new addition to WhatsApp and maybe I’m showing my age, but I don’t really see much use for it. These one-sided conversations are pretty flat (except for the T3 one of course) so if WhatsApp wants to flood them with ads or charge users to join then be my guest.
Fundamentally, with plenty of other messaging apps out there, WhatsApp can’t go too mad with the ads or else risk driving users to other platforms, so don’t expect a Twitter-style exodus away from those who refuse to pay for a “WhatsApp Premium.” Ads are part of modern life, but no one wants to see them everywhere. It looks likeThreadswill eventually get ads too.
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